Popcorn ceilings used to be popular. Now, not so much. Learn more about popcorn ceilings and why you should remove one
Styles come, and styles go. We've seen countless home improvements, whether it be drywall, kitchen overhauls, or a new coat of paint. But one that needs addressing is popcorn ceilings.
A popcorn ceiling isn't a modern style choice. Many people downright despise the famous (or infamous) bumpy texture.
But style concerns aside, it's a good idea to consider removing your popcorn ceiling. But why?
Popcorn ceilings cover imperfections and help deaden sounds in the room. By way of those iconic tiny bubbles, rooms could eliminate ambient noise and cover imperfections with ease.
It seems like a no-brainer, right?
While these ceilings were popular over 50 years ago, they have outstayed their welcome in myriad ways. They, unfortunately, have a sobering way of showing their age. Plus, you'll soon see that having a popcorn ceiling can present a health hazard, along with being a homeowner's faux pas.
Aside from aesthetic value, there are objectively sound reasons to remove a popcorn ceiling.
That's right; if a popcorn ceiling is old enough, the chances are good that there's some asbestos in it. That alone should be enough motivation to remove this bumpy surface.
While you won't exactly be in danger of inhaling large amounts of asbestos in a home built before the 1980s, it's still a sickening fact and figure.
Thanks to the EPA, asbestos and popcorn ceilings aren't the pair they used to be. Still, you may want to remove your ceiling texture for other reasons.
You must get in contact with professionals before attempting to remove a popcorn ceiling, as exposure to asbestos and dust is dangerous.
Another toxic reason you shouldn't turn this into a DIY project is due to mold. The bubbles in the ceiling can host mold spores and humidity. This leads to toxic mold.
Call on professionals to help you inspect for mold and determine if your ceiling is the root cause.
If natural calamity or some safety oversight results in home damage, a popcorn ceiling is a pain to repair. It's likely easier to just start from square one and remodel the room during the repair and reconstruction process.
Frankly, people don't like it when they lay eyes on a popcorn ceiling. Its harsh appearance makes your home seem dated and out of style. Don't put yourself at a disadvantage when you put your home on the market.
By removing a popcorn ceiling, you add more value to your home if you're looking to sell.
Because of the uneven surface, properly cleaning a popcorn ceiling can be challenging.
Something like smoke damage can outright ruin regular walls and ceilings if left unattended. Think of the smoke damage a popcorn ceiling can accrue.
Having a popcorn ceiling to clean is just one more needlessly complicated hassle when attempting to revitalize your home after a fire.
Often, the lighting in a room with a popcorn ceiling can be harsh. The light, reflecting and cascading off the irregular ceiling pattern, can cause unflattering appearances and shadows.
If you choose to remove the texture, you could quickly soften the lighting of any room.
Now that you've decided enough is enough, it's time to remove a popcorn ceiling.
Remember how we said that making ceiling removal a DIY project could be problematic? It's essential to determine whether your ceiling is a health hazard first.
When you call professionals for a diagnostic test, you can determine if it's a good idea to proceed.
With Five Star Restoration, experts serving the Inland Empire and Northern San Diego make a trip to your home to inspect for any safety hazards. This includes spotting and removing toxic mold. While improving your surroundings via removal is a fun project, it may involve more than just a ceiling texture.
Before getting to work, the room must be ready for a project.
You don't want the removal process to affect the walls negatively. Try to use a plastic sheet to cover walls and flooring during the ceiling removal. Be sure to remove any furniture and light fixtures.
The best way to prepare the ceiling for removal is by using a spray bottle. While you can get away with simply using water, it's a good idea to create a mixture of cleaning solution and water.
The ceiling should be ready in 10 to 15 minutes.
Now comes the fun part. Use a scraper and start scraping all the tiny bubbles on your ceiling. The key here is not to overdo it. Just the right balance of strength and finesse should allow you to remove the bubbles without damaging the material itself.
When in doubt, call on an expert to help you through remodeling. This includes projects as seemingly simple as removing a popcorn ceiling. If you didn't before, now is a great time to consult with an expert.
As fun as scraping the material off a ceiling can be, Five Star Restoration can help you take it a step further. Homeowners should, once again, ensure that their homes are asbestos and mold-free. Having the experts at Five Star Restoration check your ceilings and even give you a new coat of paint is a fantastic idea.
For more information on how Five Star can improve your home, give us a call.
If you are not sure your location is in the areas we cover, or if you'd just like to chat or ask a question, give us a call.
We are committed to an excellent finished product and even better customer service. Rest assured that when we show up for your restoration needs, you'll be informed, confident and stress-free.
