Unless they have a way to detect asbestos through primer, paint and gypsum the only way anyone will know if it's disclosed. They might, I don't know. I know they can detect lead paint through other material, but if we cap old walls with either rock or another thin layer of 3 coat plaster then it is no longer considered an issue. It is not %100 abated but it is controlled i.e. encapsulated. I would think think doing the same would be enough for an asbestos issue such as this.
Asbestos in 'popcorn' ceiling texture
- Thread starter 1100011CS
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That's fair, I was mainly just saying since it's still present it could give him problems down the road with an potential remodels or resale.
Asbestos containing materials were still being used in plaster, drywall mud, vinyl tiles, caulking, adhesives, and roofing materials in the late 70's and parts of the 80's unfortunately. Contractors preferred the asbestos containing plasters because of the superior adhesion over non asbestos plasters and stockpiled the materials for later use. I would not roll the dice and risk that is non asbestos containing material. We demolish a lot of residential and commercial apartment type structures and it is not uncommon for the the 1970s popcorn texturing to be asbestos containing. We have had commercial apartments and houses built in the 70's that have had the drywall mud containing asbestos. That is a very very expensive removal project.
If you sample and remove the popcorn ceiling texturing and have a State of Iowa licensed asbestos inspector submitted it to a lab for testing the cost should be under a $100.
There are 2 types of asbestos - friable and non friable. Plaster or texturing is friable which means it can become reduced to powder with hand pressure. When scraping off the popcorn texturing the asbestos material can remain airborne for 48-72 hours. I would not recommend wearing a cheap 3M disposable mask when removing it. The asbestos fibers that are inhaled have jagged "fish hook" that become lodged in your lungs and do not leave.
I would personally stay away from a pre 1980's house because of the asbestos and lead paint issues if you think you might be selling it say within the next 10 years.
Just my thoughts. Good luck.
If you sample and remove the popcorn ceiling texturing and have a State of Iowa licensed asbestos inspector submitted it to a lab for testing the cost should be under a $100.
There are 2 types of asbestos - friable and non friable. Plaster or texturing is friable which means it can become reduced to powder with hand pressure. When scraping off the popcorn texturing the asbestos material can remain airborne for 48-72 hours. I would not recommend wearing a cheap 3M disposable mask when removing it. The asbestos fibers that are inhaled have jagged "fish hook" that become lodged in your lungs and do not leave.
I would personally stay away from a pre 1980's house because of the asbestos and lead paint issues if you think you might be selling it say within the next 10 years.
Just my thoughts. Good luck.
Hey all - has anyone had their popcorn ceiling removed by any central Iowa companies? House was built in 66 and debated tackling it myself but with a newborn, want to play it safe.
I had the same dilemma and after looking into everything, I just decided to cover it with 1/4 in Sheetrock.
This is what I would do. Not gonna hurt anything and do it yourself and save literally thousands.
If it's negative for asbestos it's easier and cheaper to scrape. Also, depends on how much sq ft he has.
Buy a new home, in this market, you can buy one, rent an apartment for a half year and then sell yours for 15% more.
We have a similar issue in our house, and the problem I foresee is being able to find the ceiling joists to screw in to, how do you overcome?
The issue with 1/4 rock on ceilings is gravity. What happens is unless it is screwed 12" O.C. minimum......over time it will start to get "waves".
Just get a 2" screw and start probing. If you are covering it up who cares if you make a dozen or so small holes. When you find the first go out 18 or 24". That is usually the spacing on ceiling joists depending on when your house was built.
I've used the probing method as well as using a stud finder/stud sensor. Stud finders are cheap and can be bought at any home improvement retail store. I have a couple of them laying around.
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Lucky for you, asbestos wasn't used in houses back then, or at least very rarely.
Party on, Wayne!
It was interesting, I learned that they used horse hair to bind the plaster together. When tearing into that sh*t there would be horse hair everywhere in it. Kinda interesting, kinda gross.
They were creative and resourceful. Also didn't waste anything.
There was a small concrete block house near/on sorority circle that had corn husks shoved in openings for insulation. Might still be there.