Can I remove a popcorn ceiling if it has asbestos?
Yes, but testing comes first — if your popcorn ceiling was installed before the mid-1980s, it may contain chrysotile asbestos, and Ontario Regulation 278/05 requires testing before any disturbance of suspect material. Removal itself isn't legally mandated (the Ontario Building Code doesn't regulate popcorn ceilings), but testing before we touch anything is a must for homes from that era.
- We coordinate asbestos testing at cost: $300–$500, no markup
- If the test comes back negative, we proceed with standard removal at $4.50/sqft (unpainted), $6.50/sqft (latex-painted), or $7.50/sqft (oil-based painted) — all-inclusive of removal, two skim coats, primer, and two coats of paint
- If asbestos is confirmed, licensed abatement is required before we can begin our work — we coordinate this step but do not perform abatement ourselves
Homes built after the mid-1980s are much less likely to contain asbestos, but testing is the only way to know for sure. Call us at (519) 729-7394 to get testing arranged and your ceiling assessed. KW Popcorn Ceiling Removal · Google Reviews
Answered by Eddie · KW Popcorn Ceiling Removal & Painting · 500+ Ontario homes since 2019
Updated 2026-08-28