There is no single "standard" drywall thickness mandated for ceilings in Ontario — the Ontario Building Code typically calls for 1/2 inch (12.7mm) regular drywall on ceilings with joists spaced 16 or 24 inches on-center, while 5/8 inch (15.9mm) is commonly required for garage ceilings, fire-rated separations, and sometimes where joist spacing exceeds 24 inches or a fire-resistance rating is needed between units. Older homes across Kitchener-Waterloo, especially those built before the mid-1980s, often have popcorn or stipple texture applied directly over the original drywall, and that texture can contain chrysotile asbestos.

Under Ontario Regulation 278/05, testing is required before disturbing suspect material, though removal itself is not legally mandated.

• Asbestos testing (coordinated at cost): $300–$500
• Unpainted popcorn ceiling removal, all-inclusive: $4.50/sqft
• Latex-painted popcorn removal, all-inclusive: $6.50/sqft

Call (519) 729-7394 for a free assessment of your ceiling. KW Popcorn Ceiling Removal · Kitchener service area · Google Reviews