Is it safe to cover an asbestos popcorn ceiling?

• <div><p>Some pros may recommend covering a popcorn ceiling that tests positive for asbestos with beadboard ceiling planks or drywall. The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-to-install-beadboard-over-popcorn-ceiling.htm">cost to install a beadboard ceiling</a> averages more than $5,000, but you likely will pay more than the average for the installer to deal with the asbestos safely. Installing a beadboard ceiling or new drywall will disturb the asbestos and release some microscopic fibers, so the installer will need to take precautions. </p></div>

Do I have to worry about a new popcorn ceiling having asbestos?

• <div><p>No, you do not have to worry about new popcorn ceilings having asbestos. All residential building materials used since the mid-1980s stopped including asbestos, so new popcorn ceilings have no risk of asbestos. You can still <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-to-texture-drywall.htm">create a textured drywall ceiling</a> with a popcorn texture if you like, but new techniques have no risk of adding asbestos. </p></div>

Is asbestos commonly found in older homes?

• <div><p>Asbestos is commonly found in certain older homes, depending on the time period in which they were built. Asbestos use in home construction began in the 1920s and peaked after World War II before being limited by legislation in the ’70s, so a house constructed in 1880 is unlikely to contain asbestos, while one built in 1950 is much more likely to. Research a home’s history to determine the time period when it was built and any renovations made since. </p></div>

Do all popcorn ceilings have asbestos?

• <div><p>No, not all popcorn ceilings have asbestos, but a vast majority do. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned its use in 1973, although it still may have been used up through the early ‘90s. But, in general, homes built or remodeled before the early ‘80s likely utilized materials with asbestos. That being said, a professional test is the only way to determine for sure.</p></div>

Get matched with top percolation testing pros in Grantsboro, NC

Q: How long does it take to see test results?

• <div><p>A professional indoor air quality inspection takes anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the size of your home and the number of necessary samples. After the test, the specialist will discuss the findings, but you won&rsquo;t get a full written report for 2 to 10 days, though you can ask your pro to expedite the process, if needed. </p></div>

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Percolation Tests questions, answered by experts

Some pros may recommend covering a popcorn ceiling that tests positive for asbestos with beadboard ceiling planks or drywall. The cost to install a beadboard ceiling averages more than $5,000, but you likely will pay more than the average for the installer to deal with the asbestos safely. Installing a beadboard ceiling or new drywall will disturb the asbestos and release some microscopic fibers, so the installer will need to take precautions.

No, you do not have to worry about new popcorn ceilings having asbestos. All residential building materials used since the mid-1980s stopped including asbestos, so new popcorn ceilings have no risk of asbestos. You can still create a textured drywall ceiling with a popcorn texture if you like, but new techniques have no risk of adding asbestos.

Asbestos is commonly found in certain older homes, depending on the time period in which they were built. Asbestos use in home construction began in the 1920s and peaked after World War II before being limited by legislation in the ’70s, so a house constructed in 1880 is unlikely to contain asbestos, while one built in 1950 is much more likely to. Research a home’s history to determine the time period when it was built and any renovations made since.

No, not all popcorn ceilings have asbestos, but a vast majority do. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned its use in 1973, although it still may have been used up through the early ‘90s. But, in general, homes built or remodeled before the early ‘80s likely utilized materials with asbestos. That being said, a professional test is the only way to determine for sure.

A professional indoor air quality inspection takes anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the size of your home and the number of necessary samples. After the test, the specialist will discuss the findings, but you won’t get a full written report for 2 to 10 days, though you can ask your pro to expedite the process, if needed.

The Grantsboro, NC homeowners’ guide to percolation testing services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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