When it comes to buying a home in Western North Carolina you might not have a choice in whether it’s newly built or a vintage charmer. With our low inventory of homes on the market, it might come down to taking what is available and upgrading it over time. One of the most beneficial changes you can make to an older home to bring it up to date, is to remove the popcorn ceilings, which were liberally applied throughout the mid-20th century.
What Are Popcorn Ceilings?
Popcorn ceiling texture is a finish applied to the ceiling that resembles the appearance of popcorn. These are also known as acoustic or textured ceilings, characterized by their bumpy surface with peaks and valleys. This texture was popular in the past due to its ability to hide surface imperfections, add depth and dimension, and improve sound insulation. It is created with a mixture of water, joint compound, and popcorn texture, then applied to sheetrock with a trowel.
Why Are Popcorn Ceilings Now Undesirable?
There are three categories of reasons why homeowners are ditching this finish: Health, Maintenance and Aesthetics
Health
One of the main concerns with popcorn ceilings is the potential presence of asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials until the late 1970s when they were banned under the Clean Air Act of 1978. If disturbed during scraping or maintenance, asbestos fibers can be released into the air and inhaled, leading to serious health issues.
Textured ceilings absorb moisture in the air, and if this ceiling finish is in a bathroom or a kitchen it is prone to clumping and flaking away. Dust in the eyes, anyone?
In addition to asbestos, the textured surface of popcorn ceilings can also collect dust and allergens, triggering allergies and respiratory problems. By removing popcorn ceilings, you eliminate these health risks and create a safer living environment.
Maintenance
The varied surface is difficult to both paint and maintain:
- A typical paint roller won’t be able to evenly apply a new coat of paint, resulting in a blotchy appearance.
- Popcorn ceilings trap dust and allergens, without an easy way to wipe down the surface. When you drag a cloth over the texture, small particles crumble away. Over time the texture will become ground down. If you try to vacuum the surface, the force of air will weaken the structure of the texture compound and result in the same loss of material.
Aesthetics
The visual downfalls of popcorn ceilings are numerous and cannot be ignored. The bumpy texture not only makes a room look outdated, but it also creates a dark and oppressive atmosphere. The peaks and valleys of the texture collect shadows, giving the illusion of a lower ceiling and making the room feel smaller. The lack of smoothness and uniformity also makes it nearly impossible to repair any damage to the ceiling.
Removing popcorn ceilings opens up a world of design possibilities, allowing for a clean and seamless look with options like drywall, metal tiles or a smooth spray-on texture. This not only improves the overall aesthetic of the space but also provides better light diffusion, making the room feel brighter and more inviting.
This spray-on textured treatment has been the standards in most homes for a lot of years. But today, smooth ceilings are the trend, so more and more homeowners choose to remove this outdated popcorn ceiling, especially if they are considering to redecorate and remodel. If you still find yourself wondering and asking, “Should I remove popcorn ceiling?” the answer is affirmative, especially if you want to resell your home.
DIY or Hire a Professional?
When it comes to removing popcorn ceilings, you might be wondering whether to tackle the job yourself or hire a professional. DIY can be tempting, as it can save you money. However, it's important to consider the complexity and potential risks involved. Scraping off the texture requires a lot of manual labor and can be messy. Even for experienced do-it-yourself home owners, it can take about 20 hours to remove 500 square feet of popcorn from the ceiling.
Additionally, dealing with potential asbestos-containing material is a serious matter that should be handled by professionals who have the necessary expertise and equipment. Hiring a professional ensures a safer and more efficient removal process. Plus, professionals can provide guidance on other options like covering the texture or using a spray-on texture for a smoother finish. So, unless you're confident in your abilities and have the proper safety precautions in place, it's generally best to leave popcorn ceiling removal to the professionals.
Burlett Painting is your experienced pro to call in the Hendersonville, Brevard and Asheville, North Carolina area. Read more about our professional Popcorn Ceiling Removal services here.