Remove popcorn ceiling?

L4nce0 · 07-22-2010, 12:33 PM

I got this popcorn ceiling on the main and top levels of my town house. The darnm things are getting a bit dirty from the fans being on 24/7, and I'd love to replace them... though I get the feeling the only way is to messily scrape it off. Is that what I want to do?

Scuba_Dave · 07-22-2010, 12:42 PM

That or cover it over
I have scraped 3 rooms & the hallway so far
Big scraper & a trash can, wear a dust mask
Close off the room if possible

I did not completely scrape it off, left a texture

Handy Vinny · 07-22-2010, 01:07 PM

Scuba Dave forgot to warn you that popcorn ceilings MAY contain asbestos

Scuba_Dave · 07-22-2010, 01:36 PM

Possibly contains asbestos
Needs to be tested to be sure
I've never bothered to have mine tested, I take precautions no matter what

Quote:

In fact, the manufacturing of asbestos ceiling texture was banned in 1978,
Asbestos ceiling texture was still being installed in homes until the 1980s when those product stocks finally ran out.

Although asbestos has been banned from many products, it can still be found in automotive brake linings and building products like flooring materials and roofing mastics.

L4nce0 · 07-23-2010, 01:04 AM

Well according to my furnace, my house is 30 years old. So Yeah I could see the asbestos.. How would I go about testing it? I'd like to get rid of it, It really changes how I can paint my walls...

nap · 07-24-2010, 05:47 PM

contact your local health department and ask them where you can get it tested.

Karl46 · 07-24-2010, 07:22 PM

I found the best way to remove popcorn ceiling is to first lay down drop cloth, then brown butcher's paper (to absorb water). Lightly spray the ceiling with water to moisten and loosen the popcorn (don't over soak). It can then be easily scraped off without generating dust. you should still get testing for asbestos depending on the age of the home

Windows · 07-24-2010, 10:33 PM

If your asbestos test returns positive you may be forced to disclose that fact in any future sale of the property. Much better (in my opinion) to treat it like it does contain asbestos but not have it tested.

Scuba_Dave · 07-26-2010, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerry Petard

That's your opinion, which you're entitled to.
While usually low in overall asbestos content

Straight from the EPA site
Not required to hire a Pro for minor repairs
You are incorrect
And the thought that they are monitoring millions of sites & billions of posts to look for this is just plain stupid

Quote:

Minor repairs should also be done by professionals since there is always a risk of exposure to fibers when asbestos is disturbed.

Scuba_Dave · 07-26-2010, 08:43 PM

Well when you state right from the beginning that you are here as a result of talking to recent disenchanted members
...one of whom was given the boot by the owner of the site
...then pick up their argument from the get go
..and use incorrect scare tactics
Then yes.............

Incidentally, I don't care

Quote:

Your only legal options in having asbestos removed from your home are to hire a certified asbestos abatement contractor or do the work yourself

Gerry Petard · 07-26-2010, 08:49 PM

I am recommending that the guy not scrape friable asbestos that is situated in such a way that it will immediately fall into the breathing zone if it's disturbed. That's sound advice.

Scuba_Dave · 07-26-2010, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerry Petard

Under no circumstances should you scrape a popcorn ceiling. Leave it alone.

I understand that various state health departments monitor sites such as this and will use subpoena power to determine the identities of individuals who advertise the fact that they have, currently are, or will be engaged in DIY asbestos abatement projects. It is likely that such people will be subject to various fines and penalties. So, if the safety issue isn't enough to scare you, maybe the threat of monetary loss is.

No that is not what you were doing
You were spreading false information & using scare tactics

The last post you made is advice
We are done here

willcmjr · 07-28-2010, 06:31 PM

I have another answer for the person who originally posted the closed thread. I would probably just cover the whole ceiling with a layer of drywall. You would have to take a little bit of time to locate studs and use longer screws than you normally would.

Hope this helps.

07-22-2010, 12:33 PM	#1
L4nce0 Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Fort Collins Colorado Posts: 30	Remove popcorn ceiling? I got this popcorn ceiling on the main and top levels of my town house. The darnm things are getting a bit dirty from the fans being on 24/7, and I'd love to replace them... though I get the feeling the only way is to messily scrape it off. Is that what I want to do?

07-22-2010, 12:42 PM	#2
Scuba_Dave Xtreme DIY'r Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South of Boston, MA Posts: 17,248	Remove popcorn ceiling? That or cover it over I have scraped 3 rooms & the hallway so far Big scraper & a trash can, wear a dust mask Close off the room if possible I did not completely scrape it off, left a texture

07-22-2010, 01:07 PM	#3
Handy Vinny Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 185	Remove popcorn ceiling? Scuba Dave forgot to warn you that popcorn ceilings MAY contain asbestos Last edited by Scuba_Dave; 08-21-2010 at 09:31 PM. Reason: corrected statement

07-23-2010, 01:04 AM	#5
L4nce0 Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Fort Collins Colorado Posts: 30	Remove popcorn ceiling? Well according to my furnace, my house is 30 years old. So Yeah I could see the asbestos.. How would I go about testing it? I'd like to get rid of it, It really changes how I can paint my walls...

07-24-2010, 05:47 PM	#6
nap You talking to me? Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: sw mi Posts: 5,407	Remove popcorn ceiling? contact your local health department and ask them where you can get it tested.

Remove popcorn ceiling?