17K Realtor Listings Boast: No Popcorn Ceilings!

Here’s something you didn’t see years ago: realtor listings that make a point of mentioning ‘No Popcorn Ceilings!’ They’re outdated, they’re unsightly – and they might just pose an asbestos risk.

A recent tally on Realtor.com counted over 17,000 listings that touted ‘No popcorn ceilings!’ Once a fad, now a pariah, if you watch those home renovation shows on TV, you know that one of the first things people often tackle are these crumbly, bumpy popcorn ceilings that are founds in so many older homes.

Nowadays, it’s hard to understand why the irregularly textured look was ever so popular that it was virtually seen everywhere from lower end to even upscale homes.

How did they ever get to be so popular?

• Basically, the popcorn ceiling is a mixture that is sprayed onto the ceiling.
• It was first initiated as a cost and time saving practice in cheaper homes.
• The sprayed compound could cover up irregularities and blemishes in the ceiling.

Because it was a shortcut, it was quickly adopted by the industry and became a widespread practice, and popcorn ceilings became extremely popular for about six decades between the 1930s and the 1990s. A popcorn ceiling is also sometimes called an acoustic ceiling. That’s because the thicker covering has some sound deadening properties.

A Dangerous Old Fashion
Nowadays, it just looks old. One problem is that all those crevices and bumps are also a great way to gather dust.

The bigger problem? That bumpy texture is often produced by mixing asbestos fibres in with the plaster.

• If the material is left intact and is not disturbed, it is considered safe, however, the plaster portion of the mixture is now at least 25 to 30 years old – old enough to start deteriorating on its own, leaving hazardous asbestos fibres.
• If you want to remove it, you are likewise creating dust and exposing yourself to asbestos fibres.
• If you are fixing or removing light fixtures or ceiling fans, you can also end up creating dust that can result in asbestos exposure.

You need professional help!
If you have popcorn ceilings, or asbestos anywhere in your home, let us help with the next step: asbestos removal. Our experienced and certified asbestos removal and asbestos remediation technicians can help keep you and your family safe. In the Toronto area call Environmental at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414. You’ll be glad you did.