One benefit to covering popcorn texture versus removing it is not having to deal with the mess or risk of asbestos dust in older homes. Another benefit includes more acoustic ceilings, in case your walls and floors are paper thin.
Covering it up will still disturb some of the asbestos, so should be done by abatement workers, or should at least use HEPA vacuums and wet methods for cleanup. If it doesn't contain asbestos, you could scrape it roughly off yourself, and then cover it, as scraping the popcorn off will damage the sheetrock.
Depends on client expectations and what you agreed on. In general you should always skim ceilings after popcorn removal. Anyone that says otherwise is not putting out a good product.
Beadboard is one of the cheapest ways to cover a popcorn ceiling since you can buy beadboard sheet panels already primed and ready to hang. Just patch seams, fill nail holes, and paint.
What are some affordable alternatives to covering a popcorn ceiling? Cover the ceilings with shiplap. Use panels for a more understated look. Panels can be bought at Home Depot for about $35 a piece. Dry fit the panels with a lifter tool. Add glue on the backs of the boards for extra security.
There are four popular options for covering over the ceiling: covering them with ordinary drywall, using a prefinished grid-plank system such as Armstrong's Easy-Up grid system, attaching furring strips, and then installing traditional tongue-and-groove planks or beadboard paneling on the ceiling, or skim coating.
For one, the removal process can be messy and time-consuming. It often requires hiring a professional, which can be expensive, particularly if asbestos is present. Additionally, once the popcorn texture is removed, you may discover imperfections in the ceiling that need to be repaired or covered with drywall.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Costs (Hire A Pro)
The average sqft cost to remove popcorn ceilings ranges from $5 to $9 per square foot. This includes all labor, preparation work, and materials to do the job right. No question, the intense amount of labor required will make up the majority of the cost you'll pay.
Conceals Imperfections: Covering the textured surface with a new material, such as drywall, beadboard, or ceiling tiles, can effectively hide any imperfections or damage present in the popcorn texture.
Skim Coat and Paint
Likely the fastest and cheapest option for covering popcorn ceiling, skim coat provides a fresh, smooth surface for a new coat of paint. A skim coat is a thin layer of diluted joint compound that is applied by hand, spray, or paint roller.
Skim Coat Over Popcorn Ceiling
The cost to skim coat over a averages $300 to $450 or $1 to $1.50 per square foot. This involves the process of applying a thin layer of plaster directly over the texture, rather than removing it first, and can cut down on the project price by taking away the removal expenses.
Removing popcorn ceilings will almost always increase a home's value. Not only is the design trend no longer desirable, but it also poses safety concerns for home buyers. Have a listing with an awful popcorn ceiling that needs to go? Tell us about it!
Average Timeline: Small Rooms: For small rooms such as bathrooms or closets, popcorn ceiling removal can typically be completed in one to two days. Medium-Sized Rooms: Average-sized rooms like bedrooms or living rooms may take two to three days to complete.
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.
Scraping is the most common and cost-effective method for removing popcorn ceilings. This approach involves manually removing the texture using specialized tools.
Asbestos is no longer added to popcorn ceilings because it's a known health risk. The chances of your ceiling containing asbestos are low for any installations in the late 1980s or after. Newly constructed ceilings don't use asbestos.
Skim coating is an important step to take after removing a popcorn ceiling, as it ensures a smooth surface and allows for better paint adhesion. Professional interior painting services can help ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently.
Popcorn ceiling removal can 100% be a DIY job that you handle without the help of a trained professional, but bear the following factors in mind: It can be messy; it can be a dangerous DIY; and beyond just scraping and cleaning and more scraping, it may involve some light electrical work—like shutting down power to the ...
The use of asbestos in popcorn ceilings was banned in the United States in 1978. Even after the 1978 ban, however, manufacturers were allowed to use up their existing stocks of asbestos-containing products. Homes built or renovated before the mid-1980s could still have asbestos in their popcorn ceilings.
Popcorn ceiling removal is only tax deductible in the event that it can be called a business expense. Some examples would be if the space is a home office used to run a business, or if a landlord is having the removal done on their rental property.
Safety First: One of the most critical reasons to hire a professional for popcorn ceiling removal is safety, particularly when dealing with ceilings installed before the 1980s. Popcorn ceilings from this era may contain asbestos, a hazardous material known to cause respiratory problems and cancer.
Removing a popcorn ceiling might seem like a simple DIY task, but it's notorious for being messy and labor-intensive. If you're considering tackling this project, here's what you need to know about the mess factor and how to manage it.