When most homeowners think of asbestos, the ceiling never comes to mind.
Insulation,
tile,
roof shingles, and plumbing pipes, yes, but not the ceiling. It is impossible to identify a ceiling with an asbestos base just by looking at it. In fact, an asbestos ceiling looks very similar to vermiculite and polystyrene ceilings. The one major difference between the three ceilings is one contains a dangerous naturally occurring substance known as asbestos.
Popcorn ceilings are very popular in the United States. The rough texture is great for hiding minor imperfections in plaster and drywall. It is also one of the most affordable types of ceilings, which drives its popularity.
Can An Asbestos Ceiling Be Visually Identified?
Hardly as it shares many of the same aesthetics as polystyrene and vermiculite ceilings. Asbestos was utilized in the production of various home building products, including wall paint, floor tiles, bricks, blanket insulation, and cement. It was also utilized to make crayons, automotive parts, appliances, and fireplace surround.
After years of research, the Environmental Protection Agency “EPA” declared asbestos a “carcinogen.” As a carcinogen, asbestos has the capability to cause cancer in humans and animals. The EPA recommends against the disruption of asbestos-based building materials. As long as the asbestos remains undisturbed, it may not have any health risks. The disruption of asbestos can result in a whole slew of problems, including respiratory disease. Anyone who comes into contact with airborne asbestos fibers is at risk.
How To Accurately Identify Asbestos In Popcorn Ceilings?
There is only one true way to identify asbestos in popcorn ceilings and other building materials. Laboratory testing utilizes sophisticated equipment to determine if popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. The testing procedure is efficient but can take up to three weeks or longer to return results. Most homeowners do not mind the extended wait time since it allows them enough time to strategize the asbestos removal.
Asbestos was widely available throughout the 18
th, 19
th, and 20
th centuries. Thanks to its affordability and accessibility, it only made sense to utilize it in the manufacturing of home building materials.
What most people do not know about
asbestos is it has unique properties that reduce sound and minimize fire risk. Overall,
asbestos was a great tool for manufacturers for many decades.
After the EPA ban on asbestos, manufacturers were forced to look for a safer, but cheap alternative. It took some time but manufacturers discovered cellulose to be just as efficient as asbestos. The main difference was safety. The EPA deemed cellulose to be much safer for home building products than asbestos. Plus, it offered many of the same capabilities and benefits.
What Homes Have Asbestos Ceilings?
Homes built before 1980 most likely have an
asbestos ceiling. The asbestos popcorn coating was sprayed over drywall to add texture and conceal imperfections. In addition to these capabilities, a soundproof layer was added to the mix. Do not forget that asbestos is also fireproof. So, replacing such a diverse material was a difficult task for manufacturers of home improvement products.
People who own homes older than 1980 are recommended to have their popcorn ceiling tested for asbestos. However, this only applies to homes being prepared for renovation, repair, or restoration.
Our Asbestos Ceiling Testing
We are a certified
asbestos removal company. We operate to ensure to utmost efficiency for asbestos testing and removal. Our contractors are skilled with decades of combined experience in the asbestos removal industry.
Contact our local office today to schedule your free asbestos home inspection. A trained customer support representative will work with you to set up an appointment for the inspection.
