Is there any code requirement when we cover popcorn ceiling?

[Curiousv]

What should we use to cover popcorn ceiling in old house?

can we use drywall if yes what size thick? 1/4" is ok or 1/2"

is there any code requirement as to what you can and what you can not do when you cover it?

also products like fiberock has any additional advantage over conventional drywall?

 

[HudsonDIY]

If you are trying to get rid of the popcorn you know it will scrape right off? Then it just a matter of cleaning up the mess, smoothing out the ceiling and repainting.

Honestly the worst part of the process is cleaning up the scraped off popcorn, it does get everywhere.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

The problem is that a lot of popcorn ceilings have asbestos in them.

 

[Jadnashua]

1/4" stuff might not be stiff enough to bridge any minor imperfections of variations of height, and create a wavy surface. You might have a better chance using 3/8" or 1/2" stuff.

It's cheap to test for asbestos, the mail-in kits are often in the $10 range. If it doesn't contain any asbestos, it does usually come off fairly easily. Cover the floor, use plain water in a spray bottle. Get a small section wet. Using a putty knife, scrape it off. When I remodeled my first floor, I removed all of it throughout. Don't think it really took much more than a couple of hours. It's definitely easier doing that than installing new sheet materials up there. If it does contain asbestos, covering is the best.