Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Portland

Popcorn Ceiling

Popcorn ceiling removal is a very delicate subject and many factors need to be considered prior to removal.

Many popcorn ceilings are composed of asbestos, that’s why it’s probably best to consult with a popcorn ceiling removal contractor before attempting the removal on your own.  Several factors need to be considered first.

Acoustical (popcorn) ceilings used to be very popular back in the day.  The health risks involved with handling asbestos were not as well-known as they are today.  Therefore hiring a licensed popcorn ceiling removal contractor is probably the best way to go.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal – Testing

Popcorn Ceiling Removal

The first step is to test your ceiling to see if it contains asbestos or have the contractor do it.  Not all popcorn ceilings contain asbestos.  To know for sure, submit a ceiling sample for laboratory analysis either through a contractor or by gathering  the sample yourself.  Cost for the testing is minimal, typically $25/sample.  If you choose to take the sample for testing yourself, you will need to do the following:

1.  Fill a spray bottle with water and add a few drops of liquid detergent.

2.  Thoroughly wet the sample area and allow time for the water to soak in.

3.  Make sure you have a breathing mask and rubber gloves before you begin this next step. Use a putty knife, while wearing rubber gloves, carefully scrape about one square inch of popcorn ceiling from the wet area into a plastic bag and seal it.  Take a few random samples throughout the ceiling area.

4.  Take the samples to the asbestos testing lab.

If the test comes back positive for asbestos, then what?

Popcorn Ceiling Removal  – The Next Step

Damaged Popcorn Ceiling

Asbestos is only a problem if the fibers are released into the air.  Popcorn ceilings that are in good repair and not disturbed by cuts or tears will not release asbestos fibers.  So you may choose not to do popcorn ceiling removal at all.  If you choose to leave it alone, and you want to paint the ceiling, it is highly recommended you spray paint on the surface instead of using a roller.  Keep in mind, that painting the surface also seals it, so if you ever want to remove it you will have a harder time because the removal process requires you to wet the area before disturbing it.  If it’s sealed from paint that makes it difficult.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal – Are You Prepared For the Health Risks Associated With Asbestos Removal Yourself?

Airborne asbestos is a serious health hazard!  Breathing asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer and other serious diseases.  Without proper breathing equipment and body coverage at all times, when working with asbestos from popcorn ceiling removal, you or anyone in the vicinity of the area may be at risk.  Therefore it’s very important to hire a licensed, bonded and insured asbestos specialist, one who is qualified for popcorn ceiling removal.

If the thought of dealing with asbestos makes you nervous then let the professionals do all the work.  It’s better in the long run to make sure the removal is done correctly by an experienced popcorn ceiling removal contractor.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal – Local Areas We Serve

Oregon:  Beaverton, Bend, Canby, Central Oregon, Clackamas, Dayton, Dundee, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Hood River, Keizer, Lake Oswego, McMinnville, Newberg, Oregon City, Portland, Sherwood, St. Paul, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville, Woodburn and more.

Washington:  Bellingham, Bremerton, Camas, Centralia, Chehalis, Edmonds, Everett, Federal Way, Fife, Kalama, Kelso, Kent, Kirkland, Long Beach, Olympia, Pasco, Port Townsend, Ridgefield, Seattle, Vancouver, Woodland and more.

Champion Property Improvement is a preferred popcorn ceiling removal contractor in Portland, Oregon and Washington.  Call us today for a free consultation at 503-969-6613.  We’d love to earn your business!