Can I remove an asbestos ceiling myself?
DIY removal of a popcorn ceiling is not safe if asbestos is present, and we recommend against attempting removal yourself in any home built before the mid-1980s until testing confirms what you're dealing with. Chrysotile asbestos was routinely mixed into ceiling texture through the 1970s and into the mid-1980s, so homes from that era should always be tested before the material is disturbed.
- Ontario Regulation 278/05 requires testing before disturbing suspect asbestos-containing material.
- Removal itself is not mandated by law, and the Ontario Building Code does not regulate popcorn ceilings.
- We coordinate asbestos testing at cost, typically $300–$500, with no markup.
If asbestos is confirmed, disturbing the material yourself can release fibers into your home's air, a serious health risk that professional handling avoids. Our removal service includes two skim coats, primer, and two coats of paint, starting at $4.50 per square foot for unpainted ceilings. A main floor or condo (400–600 sqft) typically runs $2,000–$4,500. Call us at (519) 729-7394 to arrange testing and get a firm quote before you touch anything. KW Popcorn Ceiling Removal · Kitchener service area · Google Reviews
Answered by Eddie · KW Popcorn Ceiling Removal & Painting · 500+ Ontario homes since 2019
Updated 2026-09-15
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