Renovations in 1950s home w/popcorn ceilings

[Jared Sutherland]

What is everyone doing with their ceilings that could have asbestos?  Are you sending to a lab?  If it comes back emwith a % how are you addressing it to get ceilings flat and smooth?  

[David M.]

@Jared Sutherland

To the best of my knowledge, you have a few choices, none really great) to address a popcorn ceiling (and asbestos notwithstanding):

1)  Tear it down and re-rock (tape, spackle, etc)

2)  rock with 1/4" board right over it.

3)  There are commercial sanders to sand it all down (so you get lots of dust but don't need to hand board)

4)  you "skim" coat the crap out of your ceiling..

Also, to remove asbestos I think you legally need to use an EPA certified Contractor.  Its not just your health, but the health of the next occupants and anybody around the area during the remediation process.  You probably don't want to get caught up with that later down the road.

Hope this helps.  Good luck.