Popcorn ceilings are common in Edmonton houses from the 1960s to the 1980s. Before you scrape one, it’s worth knowing what’s in it.
- Textured finishes before about 1990 may contain asbestos
- Intact material is less of a concern
- Disturbing it is the risk
- Testing is done by a laboratory
- Removal of asbestos is regulated in Alberta
Why testing matters
Asbestos was used in some building materials before about 1990, including some textured wall and ceiling finishes and drywall joint compound. When intact and undisturbed, it’s much less of a concern. Scraping, sanding or demolition can release fibres into the air, which is the hazard.
How testing works
A small sample of the ceiling is collected and sent to an accredited laboratory, and the result tells you whether it contains asbestos. Ask a professional how to take the sample so the ceiling isn’t disturbed unnecessarily. Don’t scrape the ceiling to find out.
If the test is negative
If the laboratory finds no asbestos, the ceiling can be removed or painted over in the usual way. Removal is messy and dusty, so the room needs to be protected and cleaned. See popcorn ceiling removal for what the work involves.
If the test is positive
If the result shows asbestos, the work falls under Alberta’s occupational health and safety rules for asbestos, which affect how it can be removed. Options include leaving it intact and painting over it, or hiring an abatement contractor who is qualified to remove it.
What to tell your painter
Tell your painter the year your house was built and whether the ceiling has been tested. Our advice is not to scrape an older textured ceiling until the result is known. Our guide to removing or painting over a popcorn ceiling compares the choices.
Quick questions
Does every popcorn ceiling contain asbestos?
No. Many don’t. But ceilings from before about 1990 may, which is why testing is the only way to know.
Can I paint over a popcorn ceiling that contains asbestos?
Painting over intact texture without disturbing it is often an option. Ask a qualified professional about the best approach for your ceiling.
Not sure about your ceiling? Tell us when your house was built, and we’ll talk through testing before any work.
