How should I remove a popcorn ceiling?

We get asked this question alot. You have a reno in mind in your home but you may have heard that popcorn ceilings / stucco / stipple ceilings are not safe to just remove as part of a demolition process. This is because it may contain asbestos.

Popcorn ceilings, (or stipple ceilings or stucco ceilings), can be found commonly in many older homes, particularly in homes built before 1985. Some may just have a random sippling pattern, or swirls or just appear to have a sprayed on look. The application of this product was often for cosmetic reasons but, when asbestos was an additive, it also improved a home’s thermal intregrity and was a cost efficient way of locking out the cold, improving fire-resistance and keeping a home warm and dry.

Not all popcorn / stipple / stucco ceilings have an asbestos component but, unfortunately some do.

It may also be tempting, to some, to avoid testing. But please bear in mind that asbestos is a cancer-causing material that you do not want to have tested of removed improperly by someone who doesn’t have the qualifications to do so safely. It does not cost that much just to sample areas that are concerning

Lastly, within the Province of Ontario Asbestos Abatement Regulation 278/05 the Ontario Health and Safety Association, a Designated Substance Survey, (DSS), is required if you are renovating a home or business.

 

How do I know if my ceiling has asbestos?

No one can just look at a ceiling and say yes, that’s definately asbestos. It has to be tested by a qualified asbestos professional, preferably one certified as a 253S under Regulation 278-05 here in Ontario.

The reason a certified professional is required is for a couple reasons;

1. When sample of the ceiling is taken, (a piece to be cut out and removed for analysis purposes), a small amount of dust may enter the airspace, which you want to limit. A certified profesional can limit this through certain sampling techniques and leave the area safe.
2. The certified professional will also follow a legal requirement outlined in the Asbestos Abatement Regulation 278/05 that tells us how many samples we need to take in order to tell us accurately if your popcorn / stucco / stipple ceiling coating contains asbestos.

 

What is a DSS, why do I need it and is it expensive?

A Designated Substance Survey is just a report the shows clearly and accurately where hazardous materials in your home are located before work proceeds. This is meant to protect you, your family and workers who may be involved in the demolition and construction within your home. Costs will depend on the number of samples are required but usually, a DSS within a small home will cost $950 plus sample costs and taxes.

 

How much does a sample cost to analyse for asbestos?

A typical sample is $145 for next business day results.

 

How long does it take?

A typical home sampling takes about 1 to 2 hours for the samples. Sample results can be returned same day or next day depending on your requirements.

 

What about a DSS report? How long will that take?

A typical DSS report takes about a week depending on the complexity of the home or business.

 

So my samples came back negative! No asbestos! How do I remove?

Wetting the ceiling and then scraping is the most popular method of removal. Others sometimes either place another layer of drywall overtop of the existing ceiling or parge it. Some people take down the

 

Well, my sample came back showing asbestos. How do I remove it?

Removal of asbestos within a ceiling that has a popcorn / stipple / stucco ceiling is a job best left to a professional asbestos abatement company like Maple Leaf Mold Inc. It is what is considered a Type 3 removal meaning the material gets into the air very easily and must be removed carefully and safely.

This is what we do and have been doing the last ten years. We specialize in large and small jobs and can help you understand the process and thier associated costs.

 

Call 416-254-7256 to talk with us about your asbestos issue anytime.

Maple Leaf Mold Inc. is a certified  mold / asbestos / lead removal and environmental air analysis company located in Toronto that uses certified IICRC technicians for all testing and remediation projects. We leaders in removing microplastics from both indoor and outdoor environments…residential, commercial or industrial. 

Professionally accredited and licensed, we are experienced in testing, verifying  and removing Mold / Asbestos / Lead and other environmental contaminants, such as microplastics.