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Top 8 Questions Answered About Popcorn Ceiling Removal

You've seen popcorn ceilings in many homes, but have you ever wondered what they are? Popcorn ceilings are a form of acoustic insulation that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s and is a textured finish that was applied to the drywall of your home.


Less intrusive methods of sound attenuation has replaced popcorn ceilings, but many people still have popcorn ceilings installed in their homes. If you're thinking about having your popcorn ceilings removed from your home, then this blog post is for you! We'll cover everything from what popcorn ceiling removal entails to how much it costs and more.

1) What is a Popcorn Ceiling?

A popcorn ceiling is a type of decorative ceiling finish that was popular in the 1970s. It was also known as a stipple or acoustic ceiling is one of the many different options available when it comes to sound-deadening ceilings. The textured surface that makes up this type of architecture often uses tiny bits either sprayed on or painted in order to create its bumpy finish and give off an aesthetic appearance for any room.


There are a few different types of popcorn ceilings found in home in Melbourne, FL, including:


  • Spray popcorn ceiling - the popcorn is sprayed over an entire room or area as if it were paint. It can be applied by hand or with a machine that shoots out droplets.
  • Plaster popcorn ceiling - made from strips of styrofoam and paper dipped in plaster. The strips are then placed on the ceiling and allowed to set. This type of popcorn texture is not common because it's difficult to install.


The popcorn ceilings that are most popular today (aside from the original) are the spray popcorn and plaster popcorn ceilings.


The benefit of a popcorn texture is that it gives the room an original, vintage feel while also hiding imperfections in ceiling textures or sloping roofs. It's not uncommon for contractors to recommend removing popcorn ceilings because they're difficult to repair.

2) What is so bad about popcorn ceilings?

If you were to scrape your popcorn ceilings off yourself, it is possible that the ceiling contains asbestos. This means if there are any fibers in those cells they will be spread through the air and create a dangerous situation for anyone who breathes them in. Asbestos can cause many illnesses such as mesothelioma which would not only affect you but everyone around you too!


Another problem popcorn ceilings have is that they are usually made of cheap materials such as blown popcorn, plaster or stucco which aren't very durable. The decorative coatings, lead-based paint, and other hazardous substances which you want to avoid inhaling.

3) How much does popcorn ceiling removal typically cost?

Removing a popcorn ceiling can be a cost-effective process relative to the amount of work and mess to doing it yourself. The average cost to remove one is between $1 and $2 per square foot, which amounts to around $1,900 for the average homeowner. Most homeowners spend just below or above this price range ($850-$2,900) depending on how much they need done in order to get rid of that ugly yellow tint from their ceilings!

4) Is popcorn ceiling removal worth it?

Popcorn ceilings are often cheaply made and can cause problems for your health. They also make a room less attractive to the eye because they look like popcorn on walls that were once white. Popcorn ceiling removal will save you money in the long run as well, since it won't need to be replaced anytime soon.

popcorn ceiling removal

5) Does removing popcorn ceiling increase home value?

In Melbourne, FL, Popcorn ceiling removal is one of the easiest ways to increase property values. A recent survey has shown that over 90% of home buyers find popcorn ceilings unattractive and 80% said it would make them think twice about purchasing a house due to the outdated look. Ceiling repair and painted drywall offers a modern, updated aesthetic in the home.

6) How do you remove a popcorn ceiling without making a mess?

Popcorn ceilings are one of the easiest ceilings to remove. One needs to simply use a drywall knife or chisel and scrape away at the popcorn until it comes off in chunks by scraping off popcorn and painting the ceiling. It is important to make sure that you scrape all popcorn from your ceiling, as even a small amount of popcorn will show through the paint.

Ways to minimize a mess from popcorn ceiling removal

First, cover the floor and walls in plastic drop-cloths as you begin your project because water soaked through canvas ones can be a hassle later on.


The cleanup after this step will also be easier with only one item to throw away at the end of it all instead of multiple items that need washing and drying before being used again.


Leave the plastic around for when you return from repairing or sanding so spills are caught quickly rather than spreading across more surfaces like drywall or floor space.


Having said that, the better alternative is hiring a popcorn ceiling removal expert like Manatee Concrete in Melbourne, FL for this task to save time and money in the long run and we're experts at containing and cleaning up messes.

7) How do I identify if my popcorn ceiling contains asbestos?

The best way to identify asbestos in a popcorn ceiling is by testing it. There are kits available that you can use at home, or you can send the sample to an expert for analysis. Asbestos can be a dangerous material for you and others in the home, so it’s best to have an expert come over and collect samples themselves.


You may also choose to do this yourself with caution; ensure that no dust enters into your lungs while collecting debris from sampling process by using wet wipes or laying down plastic sheets as necessary on carpeted floors before starting any testing processes!

8) Common mistakes people make during the popcorn ceiling removal process

A list of mistakes people make and you should avoid are:


  • Removing popcorn ceilings without properly removing all the glue can lead to future problems with mold and bacteria growth
  • Using a scraper that is not sharp enough or scraping too hard leads to an uneven finish.
  • Failing to mask off anything near the work area
  • Using a chemical popcorn ceiling removal tool they don't know how to use
  • Failing to wear protective gear and not using the proper ventilation

Wrap-up

If you have a popcorn ceiling, it is time to remove the outdated and unattractive look. Popcorn ceilings were popular in the 1970s but dropped out of style due to their messy appearance during installation and removal.


The good news is that if you are looking for an affordable way to modernize your home without breaking the bank, hiring a professional can help make this possible! Call Dragon Drywall Repair today at (321) 341-6455 for a free estimate.


Our team provides competitive rates on all our services so there's no need to worry about paying too much when choosing us as your contractor.

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