They Dampen Noise – The textured, thick, and porous surface of a popcorn ceiling helps it muffle and absorb sounds.
Popular from the 1950s through the 1980s, popcorn ceilings were a hallmark of the post-war housing boom. They were quick to apply, hid imperfections, and even helped with noise control. But while they served their purpose back in the day, modern homeowners often view them in a less favorable light.
Popcorn ceiling removal will improve the home's air quality because it will be easier to clean the ceiling and fewer particles will accumulate.
People don't like them because they are usually full of asbestos. They are also used to hide shitty uneven ceiling work.
Popcorn ceilings contained asbestos for its resistance to heat and corrosion. 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.
On one hand, any asbestos-containing popcorn ceilings in your building are likely to be safe if they are left undisturbed. But on the other hand, if such ceilings are damaged or disturbed in some way, this can result in asbestos fibres being released into the air, with all the associated health risks.
Most homeowners spend between $927 and $3,043 to have popcorn ceilings removed, but your total cost could reach $5,706 or more if you have a larger home with higher ceilings. Below, we explore the different cost factors that will impact the total price you pay to remove this outdated feature.
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!
When asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are disturbed, the asbestos breaks down into very fine fibers. Deteriorating ceiling fibers can become airborne and trapped in lung tissue when inhaled. Asbestos fibers cause lung scarring and eventual cancers, with a latency of 10 to 50 years after initial exposure.
The bumpy ceiling style helped to reduce sound and hide imperfections, but also attracted dust bunnies and spider webs.
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.
Homes that have popcorn ceilings can most definitely raise concerns for potential buyers, both from a safety and aesthetic perspective. While intact popcorn ceilings may not pose an immediate danger, their dated appearance and association with asbestos can complicate home repairs and resale value.
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.
They Are Inexpensive – A popcorn ceiling can be sprayed-on. This makes it an affordable option and effortless to install. They Dampen Noise – The textured, thick, and porous surface of a popcorn ceiling helps it muffle and absorb sounds.
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.
If your popcorn ceiling needs a refresh, one of the easiest things you can do is give it a fresh coat of paint. Learning how to paint a popcorn ceiling is simple, especially compared to covering your ceiling or removing the texture completely.
Popcorn ceilings installed from 1945 until the early 1990s commonly contained asbestos. It was a popular spray-on ceiling material and contained 1% – 10% asbestos. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned asbestos in spray-on ceiling materials in 1973.
Health Risks from a Popcorn Ceiling
One study revealed, “Exposure to asbestos and the probability of developing lung disease is high in individuals who lived with these types of ceilings in their home.”
If you own a home that was built before 1980, or your home had a significant remodel before 1980, there is a good chance the popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. If there is any other textured paint in the home, and it was applied before 1980, it may also contain asbestos.
According to painting experts, popcorn ceiling removal costs range from $1,923 to $3,876 with an average price of $2,899 to hire a professional. 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.
Popcorn Ceilings Can Be Vulnerable To Mold
Particularly the seams where drywall, wood slats or other construction materials met. Unfortunately, the textured surface of a popcorn ceiling and its microscopic pores also makes it easy to attract mold spores.
To cover a popcorn ceiling, drywall is a popular option, Wood planks comes a close second.
If you're not sure if your popcorn ceiling has already been painted over before, you can do a quick test to check. Flick a few drops of water onto the ceiling. If it absorbs quickly, the textured ceiling may not be painted at all, or it may only have a thin coat of paint.
Do people still use popcorn ceilings? Popcorn ceilings are never used in modern or new-build homes, and interior designers, decorators, and builders don't choose this design unless requested by a client. Whatever its original appeal, popcorn ceiling today simply isn't a good look.