Popcorn ceilings were a popular trend from the 50s to the 80s, but today, most modern homes don’t use them. On Staten Island, many homes built during that time included this ceiling style. Below, we will discuss why many homeowners remove them, and how a professional can help.

What are Popcorn Ceilings?

Also called acoustic or textured ceilings, popcorn ceilings were a way of creating a pocked texture on the ceiling. The effect added natural acoustic dampening to the room while hiding imperfections in the ceiling more easily. Generally, the effect was made by spraying tiny particulates mixed with drywall at the ceiling. The coarseness of the mixture would affect the resulting look of the ceiling. Before the 1970s, many popcorn ceilings were made using asbestos fibers. After asbestos bans, most were made with silicates, paper, or foam mixtures.

Why Remove a Popcorn Ceiling?

Generally, the main benefit of removing a popcorn ceiling is aesthetics. The texture on your ceiling helps dampen noise, which is especially helpful in multi-floor or multi-family buildings. However, it is an older look that dates the home. Many homeowners choose to remove popcorn ceilings before selling because it makes a home look more modern. If you have an older home, there may be a good chance that your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. In addition to looking dated, the texture of a popcorn ceiling tends to trap and collect dust. Vacuuming or dusting can be tedious, especially if the space has a higher ceiling. Lastly, smooth ceilings are more reflective of light. As a result, a room can feel brighter with a smooth ceiling.

Asbestos Testing and Removal

Homes built before the 80s may have asbestos in the popcorn ceilings. Asbestos can be dangerous to the health of you and your family. As a result, older homes should be tested for asbestos before removal is done. Asbestos removal will be more expensive, as it requires more safety measures and proper disposal.

Removal and Refinishing

After the popcorn effect is scraped and removed, the ceiling will likely need to be refinished. This will usually have a few steps. Imperfections will need to be filled and fixed. Then, the ceiling will need to be sanded and smoothed over. Finally, the ceiling should be primed and painted.

Why Hire a Professional to Remove Your Popcorn Ceiling

Firstly, 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 quite a mess. It is best to leave it to a professional to properly clean up and dispose of any materials. This is especially vital if you have asbestos in your ceiling.

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