Acoustic popcorn ceilings were very popular in the 1970’s and through the 1990’s. However, the trend has died out. Nonetheless, you can still find older homes with popcorn ceilings. For those who still have popcorn ceilings in your home, you may wonder if you should remove them or just leave them. There are a lot of benefits that can encourage the removal of popcorn ceilings. McKay’s Painting will share why you should consider removing your popcorn ceilings and why you may want to seek out professional help.

Remove Popcorn Ceiling to Update Home

Popcorn ceilings have a way of dating your home. As stated, acoustic popcorn ceilings were greatly used between the 1970’s and 1990’s which reveals the home’s age. Popcorn ceilings make the home look old and outdated. Many homeowners will remove the popcorn ceilings simply to modernize the look of their home. Popcorn ceiling removal often coincide with small to major remodeling and painting projects. Additionally, removing popcorn ceilings are a popular choice when trying to sell the home. Repainting inside and outside the home, combined with removing and replacing the popcorn ceiling, are great strategies when trying to sell a home.

Danger of Asbestos Exposure

If you have a home that was built prior to 1978, and it has popcorn ceilings, you are in danger from asbestos. Asbestos was widely used in popcorn ceilings until 1978. Before you ever begin removing asbestos, you will first want to get the popcorn ceiling tested. Additionally, due to the threat of asbestos being present, it is always recommended to have the ceiling removed by a professional. Removing popcorn ceilings isn’t just about spending hours scraping it off the ceiling. There are ways to help prevent air born particles that can contain asbestos.

How to Remove Painted Popcorn Ceilings

Everyone has their own preferred method on how to removal popcorn ceilings with or without asbestos. Removing popcorn ceilings first can be very messy. Regardless as to which method is used, it is important to prep the areas first. When removing popcorn ceilings, it helps to remove all of the furniture to make ladder placement and reaching the entire ceiling easier. Next, a drop cloth or plastic sheet is laid down which is used to catch the small pieces as they fall and to make clean up easier. To prevent the drop cloth or plastic sheet from moving around, make sure to tape it in place. Also consider turning off power to the area if possible, and cover all of the outlets to prevent small particles from entering inside the outlet. Finally, cover any other features such as furniture and light fixtures to prevent getting the dust particles on or inside them.

DIY VS Professional Popcorn Ceiling Removal

There are plenty of reasons to use a professional when removing popcorn ceilings. One of the key reasons is safety, as asbestos may be present. Another reason is to help prevent damage. It is too easy to damage the actual ceiling when scraping the popcorn off the drywall. Often the wrong methods are used to remove the popcorn. For example, many DIY methods suggest soaking the popcorn before you scrape it off. While this helps to make the task easier, you risk over soaking the drywall and allowing mold to develop.

Interior & Exterior Painting in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California

When you need your acoustic popcorn ceiling removed in your home, contact McKay’s Painting as we provide popcorn ceiling removal and more. Contact McKay’s Painting today!