"Popcorn" Ceilings
February 13, 2007
The blown-on, cottage cheese look ceilings became very popular with builders in California in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. In the 1980s the popularity faded and homebuyers would often turn away from a home with what they now called "popcorn" ceilings or they would know that removing the "popcorn" would be a redecorating priority.
A homeowner might often be tempted to scrap the ceiling and remove the layer of blown -on plaster as a do-it-yourself project. While it is legal for a homeowner to remove the ceiling which might contain asbestos, asbestos is a banned and dangerous substance if not properly handled.
To remove it correctly is a cumbersone project and truly it will end up to be more cost effective to hire a professional.
The professional you hire must have a valid contractor's license and certificate for asbestos abatement work. You can check qualifications at the contractors' state licensing board. at www.calb.ca.gov.
An alternative to scraping and removing the "popcorn" is to encapsulate it. This involves puting on a coating that seals and binds any asbestos fibers. Often a new layer of drywall is installed over the existing ceiling.
Before anyone starts removal of asbestos, the following state agencies must be notified - the Air Quality Management District and Cal/OSHA. For more information, you can go to www.dir.ca/dosh/asbestos.html.
Before you start the process, it would be wise to have the ceiling material tested. It is always possible that it contains no asbestos, which greatly reduces the steps necessary for removal.
A list of asbestos consultants who have been certified by the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Accupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) may be obtained on the Internet at www.dir.ca.gov or by calling 916-574-2993.
The blown-on, cottage cheese look ceilings became very popular with builders in California in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. In the 1980s the popularity faded and homebuyers would often turn away from a home with what they now called "popcorn" ceilings or they would know that removing the "popcorn" would be a redecorating priority.
A homeowner might often be tempted to scrap the ceiling and remove the layer of blown -on plaster as a do-it-yourself project. While it is legal for a homeowner to remove the ceiling which might contain asbestos, asbestos is a banned and dangerous substance if not properly handled.
To remove it correctly is a cumbersone project and truly it will end up to be more cost effective to hire a professional.
The professional you hire must have a valid contractor's license and certificate for asbestos abatement work. You can check qualifications at the contractors' state licensing board. at www.calb.ca.gov.
An alternative to scraping and removing the "popcorn" is to encapsulate it. This involves puting on a coating that seals and binds any asbestos fibers. Often a new layer of drywall is installed over the existing ceiling.
Before anyone starts removal of asbestos, the following state agencies must be notified - the Air Quality Management District and Cal/OSHA. For more information, you can go to www.dir.ca/dosh/asbestos.html.
Before you start the process, it would be wise to have the ceiling material tested. It is always possible that it contains no asbestos, which greatly reduces the steps necessary for removal.
A list of asbestos consultants who have been certified by the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Accupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) may be obtained on the Internet at www.dir.ca.gov or by calling 916-574-2993.
posted by shirley harry at 8:00 AM
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