Popcorn ceilings, otherwise known as stipple ceilings, stucco ceilings, or acoustic ceilings, were all the rage in home design through the 1970s. However, they were phased out of style eventually, and it was for the best in our opinion. Learn more about why you should get rid of the popcorn ceilings in your home if you still have them.
Are Popcorn Ceilings Safe?
When popcorn ceilings were first invented, they were made with flecks of white asbestos to get the popcorn look. As we’ve explained in past blog posts, asbestos is an incredibly toxic material and is no longer allowed to be used in building materials. Popcorn ceilings typically contain anywhere from 1 to 10 percent asbestos, and any amount of the toxic material is far too much.
This type of ceiling became an incredibly popular look in bedrooms, closets, and hallways from about 1945 through the early 1980s. It's since fallen out of style, which means that more people are looking to upgrade and remove that popcorn look. However, with the asbestos in the paint, you need to contact a professional asbestos removal team to safely and completely remove the toxic material.
How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings?
The toxicity of the asbestos in popcorn ceilings makes the removal process a bit more difficult than you might have imagined. Before you take your scraper or sander to the ceiling, there are a few things you should know.
Sitting asbestos is not inherently dangerous. It really only poses a threat once it becomes airborne, and is inhaled. This is why proper removal is so crucial. The best way to remove asbestos is by hiring a professional asbestos removal team.
At Burns Environmental Services, we have a vast amount of experience in the environmental cleaning industry and are prepared to face whatever we encounter within your home. Visit us online today or contact us by phone to learn more about our services and how we can help.