Popcorn ceilings were popular up until the 80s, and many homes on Staten Island still have them. Because they are not as common in newer homes, they tend to make homes feel dated. Thinking of removing your popcorn ceiling? This article can help inform homeowners of why popcorn ceilings exist, why removing them is popular, and what it takes to clear them away.

What Does a Popcorn Ceiling Do?

Popcorn ceilings are a cheap and easy way to provide some acoustic dampening in a home. This means that they reduced the amount of noise emitted to other areas of the house and limited the sound between floors. But they were also a way for contractors to hide imperfections in the ceiling construction. The “popcorn” effect is created by spraying the ceiling with a mixture of plaster and particulates, which at one point included asbestos. Unless your ceilings were done pre-1973, you probably don’t have asbestos in your ceiling.

Reasons to Remove Your Popcorn Ceiling

Other than asbestos removal, what reasons do people have for removing popcorn ceilings? Firstly, homes with popcorn ceilings tend to look dated. Most modern homes do not use this technique. Homeowners looking to remodel or revitalize their property tend to remove the ceiling finish. These ceilings also tend to build up dust, dirt, and other particulates, which can be annoying to clean. Smooth finishes on a ceiling can also make a space feel brighter. This means that you can get more out of your natural light or use less powerful bulbs to achieve more light in the space.

Removing the ceiling particulate can also reveal important damage or imperfections. Water damage to the ceiling may not have seeped through the particulate layer, but it may still be a problem that needs to be addressed. As a result, you may not know of significant problems in the home because of your ceiling finish.

Removal Process

Generally, a popcorn ceiling should be tested for asbestos before removal, unless there is a way to confirm that no asbestos was used in its construction. Asbestos was banned for construction in New York in 1973. But if you were not the homeowner when the ceiling was installed, it may be hard to know for sure if your ceiling is devoid of it. Testing may be necessary. Your contractor should be able to provide asbestos testing. From there, the removal process.

Usually, removal is priced by room size or square footage. The cost of removing a popcorn ceiling that contains asbestos will be higher, as proper safety measures are needed for removal and disposal. If the ceiling was painted after the popcorn effect was created, that can also affect the cost. This is because the paint can create a seal that may require chemical treatments to remove.

Removal Methods for Popcorn Ceilings

There are two main removal methods that most contractors will use: dry-scraping and wet-scraping. Dry-scraping is more labor-intensive and is generally reserved for painted popcorn ceilings. Wet-scraping uses a water spray to soften the texture before removal, making it more efficient to remove.

Refinishing the Ceiling

After a removal process, it is generally best to refinish the ceiling. If imperfections or damage are revealed upon removal, they should be addressed first. Homeowners can then decide if they want a smooth or textured ceiling. Smooth ceilings reflect light and look sleek. Textured ceilings come in a variety of styles, like orange peel, lace, or sand. These look more modern than a popcorn effect, but do add some acoustic dampening. Smoother ceilings are more labor-intensive; therefore, they may cost more to create than a textured finish.

Hiring a Professional to Remove Your Popcorn Ceiling

You should always hire a professional to test if your ceiling has asbestos in it. While DIY options exist for popcorn ceiling removal, the process is tedious and creates a huge mess. The silicates and other materials in your textured ceiling will require proper disposal. This is best handled by a licensed contractor. This is especially vital if you have asbestos in your ceiling.

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