All about Popcorn Ceilings!

        We're putting them in for some people and taking them out for other people. We repair them for insurance work, Fires, and Flooding. Here is the deal!

Pop Corn Ceiling!

         
          The main item of importance when dealing with older pop corn ceilings is the asbestos problem.
Asbestos, was banned from being manufactured for use in popcorn ceilings way back in 1978. Suppliers and contractors were allowed to finish using up their stocks of the banned material, so it is assumed it may have been used in houses as late as 1980.

Testing:  We test all pop corn ceilings on houses built from 1980 or earlier. A test can cost from $50.00 to $250.00. If your popcorn ceiling tests positive for asbestos, then you must observe all hazardous material removal instructions, safety, and disposal precautions.

Proper gear for removing Asbestos.

Safety Precautions:  These include full body coveralls including the feet and the head, Rubber, Nitrile gloves, Proper respirator with HEPA filter, and goggles or face shields if the possibility of eye irritation exists. The area must be sealed off.

Area Preparation:  Remove all room furnishings. Cover the walls and floors with plastic. Plastic should be of a thickness that it will not tear during the removal process. Turn off all ventilation and seal all the registers in the room.  Create a negative air flow. If a vacuum will be used it must contain a HEPA filtration system.

Pop Corn Texture Removal:  Material shall be wetted with water. You can use spray bottles, or a garden sprayer. We use 4 inch drywall knives to scrape the material off the ceiling. Material must bagged while wet.

Ready for Asbestos Removal!

 

If your ceiling has been painted over, removal will be much harder. Consider the option of removing all of the ceiling drywall and reinstalling it new, or to slick the ceiling on top of the popcorn texture. Slick the ceiling is just the term for remudding, or applying a layer of drywall compound to make the ceiling slick again.


Disposal:  Use plastic bags 6 mil thick and double bag it, taping each bag individually with duct tape and then label the outside of the bag.  Include coveralls and all plastic used to cover the room. Indiana asbestos products can be disposed of in a land fill, but check your state for it's regulations.


          While it is allowed, asbestos removal is not a job for the home owner. Due to the very real dangers associated with it. Asbestos is the leading cause of Mesothelioma, and Asbestosis. Due to the safety equipment and safety precautions required. We recommened it should be done by the Professional.

Asbestos removal for Indiana homeowners.
http://www.in.gov/idem/files/la-012-gg.pdf

Indiana Asbestos requirements for Commercial/Industrial Application.
http://www.in.gov/idem/4187.htm#determining