The texture's age matters more than the house's
Some sprayed acoustic ceiling products contained asbestos. Its use in them was restricted in the late 1970s, but existing stock could still be applied for some years after, so texture put up into the 1980s can contain it.[VERIFY: asbestos ceiling texture timeline (EPA/CPSC)]
That catches out a lot of Homewood homeowners. A 1920s cottage in Hollywood or a 1930s house in Edgewood didn't come with popcorn; the plaster ceilings were smooth. But many of those houses had texture sprayed on later to hide cracked plaster, often during the same decades when asbestos-containing texture was in use. So an "old" house and a "1970s" house can have the same question hanging over the ceiling.
Intact texture that is left alone is generally considered lower risk. Scraping, sanding and drilling are what release fibers, which is why the order is always test first, then decide.
How testing works
- Sampling. A trained professional mists a small spot, removes a thumbnail-sized sample down to the drywall or plaster, bags it, and seals the spot. Out-of-the-way places like closets are typical.
- Lab analysis. An accredited lab examines the sample and reports whether asbestos is present and at roughly what percentage.
- More than one sample, sometimes. If an addition, a finished basement or a remodeled room had its texture applied at a different time, it may need its own sample.
Results usually come back within days, so testing rarely holds a project up for long.
If the result is negative
The job can go ahead the ordinary way: seal the room, soften and scrape, repair, finish and paint. The main popcorn ceiling removal page walks through a typical day.
If the result is positive: Alabama's rules
- Don't disturb it. No scraping, sanding or drilling, and don't let anyone start "just one room" to see how it goes.
- Abatement contractors are state-certified. In Alabama, the Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) certifies asbestos removal contractors, and their supervisors and workers must hold state accreditation, with yearly refresher training.[VERIFY: ADEM asbestos contractor certification (Ala. Admin. Code 335-3-11-.05) and annual refresher requirement] Ask any abatement company for its ADEM certification.
- Homes have a limited exemption. Federal asbestos rules, which ADEM enforces, generally exempt owner-occupied houses with four or fewer units from the advance notification that commercial jobs need. The waste still has to be packaged and disposed of properly, and a hired crew is still covered by worker-safety rules.[VERIFY: NESHAP residential exemption and disposal rules as applied by ADEM]
- Covering is an option. Screwing thin drywall over the ceiling keeps the texture sealed without removing it. It's common for positive ceilings that are otherwise sound. Ask a qualified professional whether it suits your ceiling.
We don't test, abate or give safety advice. The EPA's asbestos pages for homeowners and ADEM's asbestos program are the places to go for the official detail.
If you rent out the house
Homewood has a lot of rental houses, especially near Samford University. If you're a landlord planning a turnover, build testing into the schedule before the lease ends so a positive result doesn't collide with move-in day.
Questions to ask before any work starts
- Can I see the lab report, and which rooms did the samples come from?
- If not, who takes the sample and which lab analyzes it?
- Do any rooms need their own sample because they were added or remodeled later?
- If it's positive, what are my options, and who holds ADEM certification to handle it?
Next step
Tell us roughly when the house was built, whether it has been remodeled, and which rooms you want done. A local professional in Homewood can then explain how testing fits into your project. Request a free estimate or call (205) 528‑6076.