A hazardous material called asbestos was commonly used in textured coatings and paints until the 1980s. If disturbed or damaged, asbestos in ceilings (and walls) can pose a significant health risk. Here’s what you should know about asbestos in ceilings.
How to determine if your ceiling contains asbestos
Unfortunately, just looking at your textured ceiling won’t tell you if it contains asbestos. The only way to be certain is to have it tested by a professional.
Testing for asbestos in ceilings
Taking a sample yourself is not recommended due to the risk of exposure. A qualified professional will safely take samples and conduct testing to ensure accurate results. Due to uneven product mixing, the ratio of asbestos to coating varied as it was sprayed onto a surface. Various sample points of the material will need to be taken in order to ensure that a range of the material is sampled because textured finishes are not uniform.
As well as wearing high-grade protective gear and the right equipment, qualified removers document the samples and its chain of custody so that it can be analysed in a laboratory.
What to do if asbestos is found in your ceiling
If asbestos is present but the material is in good condition and undisturbed, leaving it alone may be the best course of action.
However, if the ceiling is damaged or you plan to renovate, it will need careful handling by a licensed asbestos removalist. They follow strict guidelines to remove and dispose of the asbestos-containing material safely, ensuring that no asbestos fibres become airborne during the process. By following strict procedures, the health and safety of you and your family is prioritised.
We recommend contacting our team to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
Living with an asbestos ceiling in good condition
Here are some tips for living safely with an asbestos ceiling in good condition:
- Avoid disturbing the ceiling by refraining from drilling, sanding, or putting nails or screws in it.
- Inform any tradespeople working in your building about the presence of asbestos.
- Be mindful not to scrape the ceiling with furniture or moving objects.
- Address any crumbling or peeling of the ceiling caused by moisture or age by encapsulation or removal.
- Make sure kids don’t fling pillows or toys at the ceiling/walls
- Avoid placing a child’s bunk bed in a room with an asbestos popcorn ceiling or walls if it allows the child to touch the ceiling or walls.
- If the ceiling or walls starts to crumble, or peel down because of dampness or age, it must be encapsulated or removed.
Removing an asbestos ceiling
If the asbestos ceiling is damaged, removing it’s best left to licensed professionals. Asbestos removal involves either complete removal of the ceiling or carefully scraping off the affected area. Both methods require caution to prevent asbestos fibers from becoming airborne.
