Popcorn Ceiling Removal FAQ

Some do and many don't. EPA banned spray-applied surfacing asbestos for decorative uses in 1978, but existing stock could still be installed afterward, so homes built or remodeled into the 1980s can contain it. The only way to know is a lab test of a sample taken by an accredited professional. See our asbestos testing page.

EPA banned spray-applied surfacing asbestos for fireproofing and insulating in 1973, then extended the ban to decorative uses in 1978 under the asbestos NESHAP. Because existing stock could still be installed after 1978, a ceiling from the early or mid-1980s isn't automatically safe. Our post on when popcorn ceilings stopped having asbestos explains the timeline.

They might. A 1970s ceiling falls before or around the 1978 ban, and leftover material could still be applied into the 1980s, so a 1985 ceiling can't be ruled out either. Gainesville's median home was built in 1983, according to the Census, which is why we test every ceiling before removal rather than guessing from the year.

It looks the same as one without asbestos. Color, sparkle, lumpiness or age won't tell you what's in it. EPA advises that if you're in doubt, you should treat the material as if it contains asbestos and leave it alone until a trained, accredited professional samples it and a lab confirms the result. See does my popcorn ceiling have asbestos?

EPA's homeowner guidance focuses on disturbance: if material may contain asbestos, leave it alone rather than scraping, sanding or drilling into it, and have a trained professional sample it. A ceiling that's intact and left undisturbed is a different situation from one being scraped. We don't make health claims beyond EPA's guidance; testing first is the safe starting point.

EPA says asbestos removal must be done only by a trained and accredited asbestos professional. Florida statute 469.002 exempts an owner from asbestos licensing in a residence they occupy that isn't for sale or lease, but that exemption doesn't cover contractors and doesn't change EPA's advice. This isn't legal advice; check with the agency or a licensed professional.

Scraping a single room can be fairly quick, but the full job takes longer because of prep, containment and drying time. Each coat of joint compound for a smooth finish has to dry before sanding and the next coat, then primer and paint follow. We give you a realistic schedule for your rooms with your quote.

It starts with a test. If the ceiling tests negative, removal is mostly about controlling mess: plastic on floors and walls, HVAC off, wet scraping to limit dust, and bagging debris as we go. If it tests positive, removal should be left to a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Our process page walks through each step.

Usually not for a ceiling that has tested negative. The work rooms are sealed with plastic, and we ask that small items come out and pets and kids stay out of those rooms until cleanup. If you'd rather be out during the dustiest phase, we can plan the schedule around that. It's worth discussing during your estimate.

Plan the finish before scraping starts. A bare ceiling usually needs repairs, a skim coat or new texture, primer and paint. It's also a good time to replace light fixtures and ceiling fans. Our guide to what to do after popcorn ceiling removal covers the options and order of work.

Small patches can be repaired, but matching old popcorn texture is hard and the patch often shows. Water stains from roof leaks, worth checking in a city that gets about 53% of its yearly rain June through September, usually need the drywall fixed first. Many owners use a repair as the moment to remove the texture entirely. See ceiling and water-damage repair.

Many buyers and renters see popcorn texture as dated, and an untested ceiling raises asbestos questions during a sale. Whether removal pays back depends on your home and market, so we won't promise a number. Our post on whether removing popcorn ceilings increases home value looks at the factors to weigh before you list.

Yes. The Census estimates about 62% of occupied homes in Gainesville are rented, so turnover work is common. An empty unit is the easiest time to test, scrape, finish and paint. We quote unit by unit and schedule around move-in dates. See popcorn ceiling removal for rentals and condos.

They can. Florida DEP's FAQ says the NESHAP residential exemption covers buildings with four or fewer units never used commercially; larger buildings fall under notification rules. And the owner exemption in Florida statute 469.002 applies only to a residence the owner occupies that isn't for sale or lease. This isn't legal advice; check with the agency or a licensed professional.