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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Cape Cod, Massachusetts
    Posts
    614

    Default Popcorn ceiling finish - Asbestos

    I see this finish in tons of houses built in the 70's.
    We know that there is a potential for asbestos (uses as the popcorn) and we should alert the potential buyers, but I don't want to be like "chicken little" and tell them that the sky is falling.

    The EPA also plays it down and says do nothing but paint over it to encapsulate.

    What verbage and advice do you folks use so that the information is more informative than death defying?

    Many thanks

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  2. #2
    Brandon Chew's Avatar
    Brandon Chew Guest

    Default Re: Popcorn ceiling finish - Asbestos

    I basically say:

    Be aware it could contain asbestos.
    Explain that the hazard with asbestos is when it is friable and airborne.
    Paint over it and don't disturb it (contain the hazard).
    If they are planning to remodel and disturb it, they should have it tested for asbestos, and if confirmed, have it removed by a qualified asbestos abatement firm (this may cost big $$$).
    Refer client to EPA and my state health dept asbestos websites for more info.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Popcorn ceiling finish - Asbestos

    Two acronyms to remember:

    ACM - Asbestos Containing Material

    PACM - Presumed Asbestos Containing Material / Potential Asbestos Containing Material / Possible Asbestos Containing Material

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  4. #4
    Jon Randolph's Avatar
    Jon Randolph Guest

    Default Re: Popcorn ceiling finish - Asbestos

    I would report it as having a potential to contain asbestos, depending on when it was installed. If installed in the 70's it is highly likely but remember that it is still being installed today.

    Have them try to find out when it was installed and if concerned have it tested. But as others have said it is not an issue unless friable.


  5. #5
    Scott Gilligan's Avatar
    Scott Gilligan Guest

    Default Re: Popcorn ceiling finish - Asbestos

    Pre-1982 houses with textured ceilings may potentially contain some asbestos; asbestos is hazardous if loose and can be inhaled. Such ceilings should be kept well sealed. Identification of asbestos requires laboratory analysis that is outside the scope of a home inspection.


  6. #6
    Todd Mare's Avatar
    Todd Mare Guest

    Default Re: Popcorn ceiling finish - Asbestos

    Our company basically tells the client the historical data collected of the material and that due to the vintage of the residence, there is a high probability.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
    Posts
    5,851

    Default Re: Popcorn ceiling finish - Asbestos

    Quote Originally Posted by Todd Mare View Post
    Our company basically tells the client the historical data collected of the material and that due to the vintage of the residence, there is a high probability.
    What the heck does that mean?

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: Popcorn ceiling finish - Asbestos

    Quote Originally Posted by Scott Patterson View Post
    What the heck does that mean?
    I think it means further evolution may be required.

    I have a printout I include in the report, materials which possibly contain asbestos. Then I say not too much about the ceiling unless there a visible problem, like flakes falling off or big cracks.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  9. #9
    Ted Menelly's Avatar
    Ted Menelly Guest

    Default Re: Popcorn ceiling finish - Asbestos

    Texas finds that the percent is a small percent that it posses no substantial risk unless they go to scraping it down and even then the risk is slight.

    No I do not inform clients that there is a danger just like the danger of possible lead, possible radon, possible mold, possible threat to life's safety if they use frayed extension cords, possible and probable life's risk if holding the ends of a bare cord and then stand in water and have someone plug the other end in ... etc.

    We cannot possible explain all the real risks to the home buyers. Popcorn is about as zero risk as one can get unless they scrape it down with no mask on. Now, if they did that it would probably be more hazardous sucking in all the old dust and debris than sucking in the slight amount of possible asbestos containing popcorn.


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Snowbird (this means I'm retired and migrate between locations), FL/MI
    Posts
    4,086

    Default Re: Popcorn ceiling finish - Asbestos

    The act of painting it, can cause friability. Bits saturated and/or knocked off, such as when using an oft recommended method, roller with large nap, brush - cutting in edges, or too heavy a spray, large drips collect, later break off. Dirty or glazed, adhesion issues, large portions later delaminate break off taking substrate with it. Washing, degreasing, deglazing, and "liquid sand" or similar etching/bonding type applications not sucessful options.Lead paint/dust also a possiblity.Testing, and if Lead containing and/or ACM, safe remediation.


  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    17

    Default Re: Popcorn ceiling finish - Asbestos

    I inform client that that thee is a potential for asbestos and prior to cutting, scraping, sanding or removing, they should have it tested and to follow EPA guide lines is asbestos content is confirmed


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