We want to remove the popcorn ceiling in our 1985 Burnaby condo before repainting. Should we be worried about asbestos?

Yes, you should be concerned. Asbestos was commonly used in popcorn ceiling texture in BC up until the late 1980s, and a 1985 application date puts your condo right in the transition period. Some suppliers were still using asbestos-containing texture products into 1986 and even later in some cases, as existing stock was used up.

Under WorkSafeBC regulations, you are required to have suspect materials tested by an accredited laboratory before any disturbance or removal. This is not optional. Scraping asbestos-containing texture without proper containment releases microscopic fibres that pose serious long-term health risks.

The testing process involves collecting small samples from multiple locations on the ceiling and sending them to a certified lab. Sampling costs around $30 to $50 per sample, and you should test at least two to three areas since different rooms may have been textured at different times or with different products. Results typically come back within three to five business days.

If the test comes back positive for asbestos, removal must be done by a WorkSafeBC-registered asbestos abatement contractor following proper containment, wetting, HEPA filtration, and disposal procedures. Professional asbestos popcorn ceiling removal in Metro Vancouver typically costs $4 to $8 per square foot, so a typical 800-square-foot condo might run $3,200 to $6,400.

If the test is negative, you can proceed with DIY or hire a painter. The standard method involves spraying the ceiling with water, scraping with a wide drywall knife, skim-coating imperfections, priming, and painting.

Start by contacting an environmental testing company to arrange sampling before making any plans for removal.

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