Textured or popcorn ceilings

Textured or ‘popcorn ceilings’ are quite common in homes or buildings built before 2000. These ceilings may contain asbestos, as it was mixed into the plaster to create the desired effect. It is important to note that not all textured ceilings contain asbestos.

Textured ceilings can vary, some typical examples include:

This image shows how to identify asbestosAs there are many varieties of textured ceilings around, the only way to be 100% sure if asbestos is present is to have the ceiling tested by an asbestos surveyor.

Our team can quickly and accurately identify if you have an asbestos ceiling, contact us today for a free quote.

The issue with asbestos ceilings

Asbestos in textured ceilings only becomes a health risk, when the ceilings condition starts to deteriorate (cracking or chipping). When you disturb asbestos, dangerous respirable fibres are released into the air which could be detrimental to your health.

If your house was built prior to 2000 there is a possibility that the textured ceiling can contain asbestos. The only way to find out is to have it tested. A positive test result for asbestos does not mean removal. Asbestos-containing materials that aren’t damaged or disturbed are not likely to pose a health risk.

Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos-containing material alone if it is in good condition and will not be disturbed (by remodelling, for example) as this will not release asbestos fibres.

Unsure if your ceiling is asbestos? Contact our highly-qualified specialist team today to carry out reliable and cost-effective testing.

Dealing with asbestos ceilings

If you are planning a renovation, drilling into your wall or ceiling, or sanding, it’s a good idea to get an expert to test it first to see if it contains asbestos as you do not want to disturb it if it does.

If your ceiling tests positive for asbestos you do not necessarily need to have the asbestos removed, depending on your situation you may be able to put  procedures in place to monitor:

  • Have an asbestos register and management plan (if you are a landlord) – This identifies the location of the textured ceiling/s and will allow you to keep it updated with any change to the condition of asbestos, including if it is removed, enclosed or sealed. The register must be reviewed and if necessary revised every five years.
  • Label the asbestos – Once identified, adhering a label containing the word ‘asbestos’ directly on asbestos material (or adjacent to if the label does not stick to the ceiling) is the most effective method of indicating asbestos and should be considered first.
  • Seal (encapsulation) – Usually this is done with a sealant applied directly to the ACM (Asbestos Containing Material) which is then painted, sealed and often covered by other building materials.

Our expert asbestos consultant team can guide you through the testing, renovation or removal process. Give us a call today!

Tips for living with asbestos ceilings

  • Do not disturb the ceiling with nails, screws or tape.
  • Don’t put shelves so high that items might scrape the ceiling by accident.
  • Be careful not to scrape the ceiling when moving furniture or long objects.
  • Make sure children do not throw toys or pillows at the ceiling.
  • If a child’s bunk bed allows them to touch the ceiling, don’t put the bunk bed in a room with asbestos popcorn ceiling.
  • If the ceiling starts to peel down because of dampness or age, it must be encapsulated or removed.

For peace of mind have your ceiling tested by the experts.
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