Is there Asbestos in Popcorn Ceiling?

Asbestos is a scary word, but not everyone might be aware of the reasons why it has such a bad reputation in the construction industry. It used to be considered a miracle material: it was great for insulation and, most importantly, it was fireproof. The only downside were the severe health concerns that came with it. 

But what is asbestos? “Asbestos” is a term used to refer to a mineral that was widely used in construction and in product manufacturing until the 1970s. After abundant research it was discovered that it could cause a variety of lung conditions, such as cancer and asbestosis. It’s now illegal to use it in any way, but they are still present in buildings that pre-date this ban. One of its various uses is the topic of this article: popcorn ceiling. 

So, why is there asbestos in popcorn ceilings? Well, thanks to their little bumps, popcorn ceilings were a great way to improve the acoustics of a space. Those minuscule divots, resembling an orange peel, were made using asbestos fibers. Popcorn ceilings are clearly characteristic of the 1960-80s. They remind us of carpeted floors and lava lamps. It’s incredibly hard to modernize the entirety of your space when you still have something that dates it so much. But there’s a reason why many people haven’t gotten rid of it: the health risk that they would run if they did. 

The thing is, as long as you leave your popcorn ceiling alone, you shouldn’t come across any issues! The problem is when you try to remove it. Asbestos particles can be released into the air when subjected to abrasions, so they have to be removed strictly by professionals. Another way to get rid of them is just to cover them, and that’s where we come in!

Stretch ceilings are an ideal way to get rid of unwanted popcorn ceilings, since you aren’t removing anything, just covering them! Our products are sheets of PVC material that are stretched over drywall or popcorn ceilings, and they come in several different finishes! To learn more about them you can call us at +1 (844) 326 7326 or fill out the following form.