While it is more well-known for being the miracle mineral that fireproofs and insulates countless applications, asbestos is also used in tons of different decor and finishing products as well, particularly for the fire-retardant qualities it offers, but also for economical reasons. This means that in many areas there are homes that may have asbestos-containing materials in their popcorn ceilings. It’s important to identify potential asbestos materials, with more than 39,000 lives being cut short from illnesses related to asbestos.
We’re going to look at how popcorn ceilings are tested for potential asbestos-containing materials. We’ll look at just what asbestos is, and how popcorn ceilings can be tested for asbestos. We’ll also look at what it might cost to perform asbestos abatement in the average home, as well as what your options are if asbestos is found in your home. We’ll also point you toward an expert local resource for addressing all of your asbestos needs.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of minerals that were once widely used in countless applications from insulation to fireproofing, industrial applications, consumer applications, and more. One of the biggest consumers of asbestos is the military, and those living on military bases may be at an increased risk of asbestos contamination. It occurs in a fibrous form that can be integrated into other materials and becomes dangerous when broken and airborne. While most new products containing asbestos have been limited, it has not been fully banned.
How To Test For Asbestos In A Popcorn Ceiling
The biggest problem with asbestos is that in many cases, one cannot tell if they have asbestos-containing materials in their home without having them tested by a lab. If you are using an at-home, DIY asbestos testing kit, which we do not recommend, you will need to gather the sample yourself, often by scraping off a little of the ceiling coating. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing.
What Will Asbestos Abatement Cost?
This is a complicated question that will depend highly on the specifics of each installation. If your home only has a small area of popcorn ceiling that has asbestos contamination, the cost may be as low as just a couple of dollars per square foot. On average, the cost will be about $4 per square foot to have an asbestos-containing popcorn ceiling removed safely by a certified professional.
What To Do If You Find Asbestos In Your Popcorn Ceiling
There are multiple options for those who have gotten affirmative results that asbestos is present in some of the materials in their home. Many people may not have the resources to fund a full abatement themselves, and homeowners insurance often won’t cover asbestos removal. In many cases, the material can simply be left alone if it is still in good condition, though if there are plans to renovate or remodel it in the future, the popcorn coating will need to be removed.
Partner With The Leading Asbestos Authority
If you find yourself in need of an asbestos testing service, Home Biotesting is here for you. We can perform a full inspection of your entire building, and get laboratory results for our findings, so you can be sure what we found is what’s in our report. If you live in a home with a popcorn ceiling, and it was built in the 1970s or before, there is the potential that you have asbestos-containing materials in your home. Reach out to Home Biotesting today to discuss your asbestos needs and how we can help you meet them.