Textured Ceilings

Ceilings in New Zealand can contain asbestos, particularly textured ceilings in older buildings that were built or renovated between 1950 and 2000.

How do I know if my textured ceiling contains asbestos?

Often referred to in New Zealand as a “popcorn ceiling” or “cottage cheese ceiling”, these textured finishes were popular from the 1950s to the 1980s. The texture was created by spraying or painting a mixture that often included asbestos fibers for added strength and fire resistance.

While these are the most common types of ceilings that we find test positive for asbestos, not all textured ceilings were made with asbestos and the only way to know for sure is to have it tested. 

If you’re unsure about your ceiling’s material, it’s best to have it inspected by a professional by getting an asbestos test. It is especially important if you plan to conduct any renovations that involve the ceiling. Painting, drilling or sanding the textured ceiling can disturb potential asbestos fibres which can release them into the air and pose health risks.

Are textured ceilings with asbestos a health risk?

Asbestos ceilings become a health risk when the material is damaged or disturbed. So the answer to this question depends on the condition and whether it is being manipulated.

Undisturbed asbestos

If the asbestos-containing material in your textured ceiling is in good condition (not cracked, crumbling, or sagging), it likely poses a negligible health risk. The asbestos fibres are trapped within the material and won’t be released into the air as long as it is left alone and doesn’t show signs of damage.

Damaged or disturbed asbestos

When the asbestos is damaged or disrupted (during renovations, drilling, or even accidentally hitting or scraping it etc.), tiny asbestos fibres can be released into the air. Inhaling these fibres can cause serious health problems like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

So, it’s important to leave undamaged asbestos ceilings alone. However, if you plan to renovate or suspect damage to your ceiling, it’s crucial to get it inspected by a certified asbestos assessor before disturbing the material.  They can advise you of the safest course of action, which may involve sealing, encapsulating, or removing the asbestos.

 

What do I do if my popcorn ceiling has asbestos?

Do not touch it. If your ceiling has tested positive for asbestos, you should not disturb it, this includes drilling, nailing, or even accidentally scratching the ceiling. Depending on the condition of the asbestos-containing ceiling you might have the option to:

Leave it alone

Get a certified asbestos team in to provide you with a management plan to ensure proper maintenance and monitoring to prevent exposure and keep occupants safe.

Encapsulate it

Asbestos encapsulation is a method used to manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) by coating them with a sealant to prevent the release of hazardous asbestos fibers into the air. This technique is often chosen as an alternative to asbestos removal, especially when the ACMs are in good condition and not easily disturbed.

Remove it

Asbestos removal should be carried out by licensed professionals in compliance with local regulations. In New Zealand, the management and removal of asbestos are regulated by WorkSafe New Zealand under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.

 

At Savy Enviro Services, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you manage, encapsulate, remove and dispose of all types of asbestos-containing materials. If you suspect your textured ceiling might have asbestos in it, contact us today.