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Should i use licensed contractor for Popocorn Ceiling removal

Jerry P
10 years ago
Any thoughts if i should using Licensed contractor and asbestos abatement specialist to remove popcorn ceiling. I can do it myself with help from my painter. Looking for advice and suggestions, as prices is almost double.

Thanks in advance.

Comments (19)

  • bubbasgma
    10 years ago
    You may get a better looking end result by installing new drywall over your popcorn ceiling.
  • bubbasgma
    10 years ago
    Have you already done an asbestos test?
    Jerry P thanked bubbasgma
  • acroteria
    10 years ago
    It's a very do-able DIY project if your situations avoids the more common safety concerns.
    Jerry P thanked acroteria
  • PRO
    User
    10 years ago
    You can do it yourself, however most painters and diyers have problems getting the ceiling real smooth after scraping off the popcorn.
    Jerry P thanked User
  • Christine Smith
    10 years ago
    You can search HGTV or DIY and there are lots and lots of tutorials of how to scrap off the popcorn. It seems relatively easy. Not sure what you'll find underneath but in my opinion, anything is better than that cottage cheese yuck.
    You could do a tin ceiling, wood ceiling or DIY texture it. That way it would hide the imperfections left after scraping. Then just paint it your color choice. I'd say the entire project is a DIY. Good luck.
    Jerry P thanked Christine Smith
  • Jerry P
    Original Author
    10 years ago
    Thanks all for the suggestions. Popcorn has asbestos, painters dont mind working with it, but importantly is it hazardous and needs any special equipment ? Blogs say its dangerous to have any asbestos particles in air and on walls/ ducting. My concern is about Asbestos removal and handling at this time should i do it or get professional help.
  • bubbasgma
    10 years ago
    Have you considered installing new drywall over popcorn instead?
  • PRO
    Cancork Floor Inc.
    10 years ago
    You've determined it has asbestos. That means you are now (legally) responsible to have a proper abatement team come in and deal with it. Asbestos removal is not a DIY project. No matter what your painter says, s/he can't just "go ahead" and work with a deadly product.

    Legally, the painter can go after you...should they come up with lung cancer OR you can go after your painter should you or your family get diagnosed with one of these deadly cancers. Not a lot of people are going to give up their legal rights just to help someone out.

    Because you know there is asbestos, you must deal with it in a legally/morally responsible manner - which means you can not knowingly allow someone to endanger themselves if they do not have the proper training.

    Sorry to be so blunt, but asbestos has a very high "kill rate". This is for the professionals to handle...or you could leave it alone and continue to live in comfort with the ceiling.
  • bubbasgma
    10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago
    I, too, find it amazing that someone would consider Asbestos removal a DIY project. SMH!
  • PRO
    Manwaring C & C | Artisan Mantels
    10 years ago
    Paint or cover is the cheapest way to deal with cost of asbestos issues. Either one will contain the mess.
  • Jerry P
    Original Author
    10 years ago
    Thanks all it helps, Asbestos Abatement looks like is way to go .
  • Katie Gooding
    10 years ago
    Not all popcorn is asbestos, but a lot is. I opted to not test mine and the painter I hired didn't either, although he figured with it being built in '83 it wouldn't be asbestos. His crew did a great job but I was thankful that we did it prior to moving in, and replaced all the flooring in the house after he was done. Actually, I think painters are kind crazy! My most recent painter asked no questions about repainting my 60s wood exterior trim with peeling paint, and while I don't know that it had lead paint (it was purchased at an estate auction with no disclosures) I kinda suspect...
    Jerry P thanked Katie Gooding
  • PRO
    Patricia Colwell Consulting
    10 years ago
    Depends how old it is. Where I live I don't think we had popcorn ceilings until after asbestos was gone. If worried just cover it with new drywall. Asbestos is only bad if disturbed, we have 1% asbestos for insulation in our 50's house and were told to just make sure all holes in ceiling were sealed, like around fans and lighting.
    Jerry P thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • hayleydaniels
    10 years ago
    My husband is certified in this through his hazmat training at the fire department. The reason I mention this is because we have a popcorn ceiling that we've debated knocking down but have never gotten around to it. I've brought up the issue of abestos several times, and according to what he was taught, it's only dangerous when the particles become airborne in a fine dust like if you decided to scrap it off. If you dampen it, it will break off in chunks without creating dust, and should be fine. That's our plan should we ever get all our other projects done, and get around to it--the popcorn ceiling doesn't bother me so it isn't a priority.
    Jerry P thanked hayleydaniels
  • PRO
    Lori Dennis, ASID, LEED AP
    10 years ago
    Hire a professional.
  • Jerry P
    Original Author
    10 years ago
    Thanks again for very valuable feedback.
    I have not considered drywall over Popcorn since Height is only 10ft,
    i am more for taking it out and as house was build around 70 so assuming its Asbestos.
  • Jerry P
    Original Author
    10 years ago
    Will appreciate recommendations for Licensed Contractor in bay area to get popcorn out.
  • saratogaswizzlestick
    10 years ago
    My father was an expert in asbestos and testified in lots of cases. I heard him speak of this often. Damping it will help but not completely prevent air born particles. You need a specialist in asbestos removal. They will advise you to encapsulate it or remove it. Haleydaniels, if you don't think taking popcorn off a ceiling doesn't create dust you are mistaken, if you had ever done it you would realize it creates lots of dust. Houses built in 79 or later should be OK.