Popcorn ceilings were popular in the 1960s, but their popularity changed in the 1990s after people started realizing that they were hard to keep clean and maintain. Popcorn ceilings, also known as acoustic ceilings, were made during this time for dampening sounds or hiding ceiling imperfections. During that time, popcorn ceilings were easy to make, and this is why you will find them in most old buildings. Unfortunately, many of them have asbestos issues causing various health complications. Today, a house with popcorn ceilings has less appeal than its counterpart with flat ceilings. Before you roll the sleeves and take out your tools, it is crucial to know if removing a popcorn ceiling is worth the job. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss the benefits of Popcorn Ceiling Removal and other aspects to help you understand if removing the ceiling is worth it.
The Benefits of Popcorn Ceiling Removal
You need to weigh the cost of the removal, the time, and the risk to understand if the job is worth it. However, from the benefits we will discuss below, it is clear that hiring professionals to remove a popcorn ceiling is worth your money and time. Consider the following benefits.
1. More Room
Popcorn ceilings make the upper part of the room look puffed up, and the ceiling looks a bit low. Therefore, the room may look and feel stuffed, and this why clearing the ceiling is best. It will give a flat surface and push the ceiling higher. This removes congestion, creating more space above. Furthermore, the place looks neat and open.
2. Better Lighting
The popcorns on the ceiling crate small shadows that ruin the lighting in a room. They create dark spaces that cause less light, and the room appears a bit gloomy. Removing the ceiling removes the shadows. This helps the light to bounce back and spread well in the room. When light spreads well, it creates an ambiance that sets a good mood whether you are using artificial or natural lighting.
3. A Clean Ceiling
One big problem with popcorn ceilings is that they trap a lot of dust and the bumps on the ceiling are not so good at hiding the dust. It is also hard to remove the dust and dirt accumulating on the ceiling, and that is why you might notice a change in color over time. Don’t even try to think about the water patches if your roof is leaking. The best way to have a clean ceiling is by replacing a popcorn ceiling with other ceiling solutions like drywall or tiles. These ceilings do not trap dust, and if dust accumulates with time, it is easy to brush it off.
4. No More Asbestos
Materials like asbestos were banned from being used to build houses. Since popcorn ceilings date back to the 1950s, there is a high chance they have asbestos materials. In the past, asbestos was considered an essential material for absorbing sound, hiding imperfections, and retarding fire. However, asbestos exposure caused health complications in the long run. This is why asbestos was banned in construction by the government. Removing a popcorn ceiling with asbestos saves you a lot of stress. Before you remove the ceiling, conduct a pre-check to confirm the presence of this material. You can then remove it, and you and your household will be safe from the hazardous material.
5. Improved Aesthetics
Last but not least, replacing popcorn ceilings with modern options improves the aesthetic appeal of your home. In the 1950s, popcorn ceilings were the thing and what most homeowners considered okay. However, modern changes have eliminated the necessity of this kind of ceiling. Unless your home’s style is vintage, you need to remove a popcorn ceiling for a more modern finish. Removing the ceiling will improve the aesthetic appeal of your interior.
Does It Increase Your Home Value?
A popcorn ceiling can be a deal-breaker if you want to sell your house. You may have to sell it at a lower price than you intended. Therefore, updating the ceiling with a modern one will increase your home value. However, this is not always a guarantee. The project could be as low as $3000 depending on the size. Even if the change will not increase your home’s value, it may eliminate barriers to selling your house fast and attract more buyers.
Can You DIY Popcorn Ceiling Removal?
You can DIY the project, but there is a high chance you will get tired in the middle. The job can get messy, and you will need time to clean up. When deciding whether to DIY or call professionals for popcorn ceiling removal, ask yourself the following questions.
- Do I have enough money for the project?
- How much time do I have?
- Do I have the right gear and expertise to skim the ceiling afterwards?
Removing the ceiling requires at least two people to work together. This will help to save time and effort. However, hiring experts is a better option. These professionals have ample knowledge of popcorn ceiling removal. Even if they get the job messy, they will do all the cleaning, leaving you with a clean house. Furthermore, professionals come with the right gear. They have respirators, face masks, scrapers, a ladder, collection containers, and everything necessary to complete the job.
Removing asbestos can be risky, and you may end up with health complications. The good thing about hiring pros is that they have the know-how of removing asbestos safely, ensuring there are no remnants. They come with protective gear to ensure they are safe too.
Hire Professionals for Popcorn Ceiling Removal
We strongly suggest working with experts to remove a popcorn ceiling. A DIY can take a lot of time, and even if you have the right equipment, you probably would not know what to do with the asbestos in the air. Professionals are certified to work in such an environment. Furthermore, they clean up after the job to make sure they leave no work to you. Therefore, if you have a popcorn ceiling, this is the time to grow with the change. You may end up improving the value of your house, and there is more to gain. Call us for popcorn ceiling removal services. We will also help you choose the best replacement for your ceiling.f