How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings (and When You Shouldn’t Try It Yourself)
Many DIYers and home renovators are looking at the ceiling to modernize homes and enhance their aesthetic appeal. The removal of popcorn ceilings has become increasingly popular over the last decade. However, it’s crucial to approach this task with both an open mind and extreme caution. By considering both the benefits and potential risks involved, you can better understand if this is a project you can handle or if it’s best left to a professional.
Popcorn Ceilings: A History
Popcorn ceilings became popular in the mid-20th century after the Second World War because they were cost-effective and easy to install, which aided in the rapid construction of homes and buildings. They were also popular because they hid imperfections and offered sound absorption properties. However, in the late 70s, it was discovered that asbestos, a common ingredient in popcorn ceilings, was a major health hazard and eventually was banned under the Clean Air Act.
Benefits of Removal
Popcorn ceilings became outdated as home design trends moved towards smoother, more modern ceiling finishes. The prevailing opinion has been that their removal significantly improves a room’s visual appeal, making it look not only more modern but also spacious. Additionally, popcorn ceilings are difficult to clean and maintain, as they trap dust and cobwebs. Therefore, removing them simplifies cleaning and reduces allergens.
When Not to Do it Yourself
Before removing your popcorn ceiling yourself, some safety considerations must be addressed. If your house was built before the 1980s, there’s a risk that the popcorn ceiling contains asbestos and lead-based paint, which requires specialized removal to avoid health hazards. Outside of health-related considerations, you need to find out if you have the correct tools, time, and motivation to do it right. For example, scraping can damage the drywall if not done carefully. Hiring a professional can prevent costly repairs if you’re not experienced with DIY projects.
Safety Concerns
Given the possibility of the presence of asbestos and lead-based paint, there are some safety concerns when it comes to removing popcorn ceilings. If not addressed correctly, asbestos and lead-based paint can both lead to serious health issues, potentially putting the whole family at risk. Other concerns involve working at ceiling heights, which can be hazardous to inexperienced DIYers. Without the proper safety equipment and experience, this DIY project could pose some safety concerns.
Removing Popcorn Ceilings
There are three ways to remove popcorn ceilings: scraping the popcorn ceiling, covering it with drywall or adding a skim coating for a new texture. All three methods have their own set of pros and cons, for example covering the ceiling in drywall or a skim coating is less messy, while scraping can be done without professional help (unless there is ceiling damage, asbestos or lead paint). All three methods cost roughly the same—between $1 and $3.
Choosing a Removal Method
Scraping the ceiling is the most common practice and involves manually removing the popcorn-like texture using specialized tools. Covering the ceiling in drywall is effective for damaged ceilings or those containing asbestos or lead paint. Adding a skim coating involved applying a thin layer of joint compound over the popcorn texture to create a smoother surface. All three methods require their own set of tools but result in a cleaner, softer, and more modern finish.
Why Get Rid of Them?
Outside of obvious health concerns and the shift in design trends, removing popcorn ceilings is also part of a broader sustainable renovation strategy. While removing these ceilings, DIYers and renovators can incorporate eco-friendly paints and materials during the renovation to enhance their home’s environmental footprint. For example, one could use advanced tools such as ShopVacs with custom attachments to minimize mess and dust, making the process more efficient and safer.
Arguments Against Removal
For some, removing popcorn ceilings might feel like removing something from a home’s original design, especially if the house’s character lies in the period in which it was built. By removing it, the home’s historical integrity is altered, destroying its authenticity and value. In these cases, preservation is an alternative option as long as a professional does the work to ensure safety.
To Remove or Not to Remove
Studies show that homes with modernized interiors, including smooth ceilings, sell faster and for higher prices than those with outdated features. In addition, the many health concerns that popcorn ceilings pose need to be taken into consideration when deciding whether to remove them. Therefore, removal is the homeowner’s choice, and the real question becomes, do you remove it yourself or pay a professional to do it?
Sources
3 Ways To Remove Popcorn Ceiling
How & Why Were Popcorn Ceilings Ever Popular?
