Why Removing A Popcorn Ceiling Is About Way More Than Just Aesthetics

These days, more and more homeowners are saying goodbye to popcorn ceilings, for a few reasons. In most cases, it's because they are simply look outdated. The textured ceiling look has become more of an eyesore than an asset in modern homes. However, there are also some hidden (or in some cases, obvious) reasons to remove popcorn ceilings from your home once and for all. These textured relics from the past are so difficult to clean that most people don't even bother trying, which can lead to health hazards.

Over time, popcorn ceilings collect dust, harbor unwanted pests, and become coated in spider webs and debris. While there are plenty of ways to cover dated popcorn ceilings without the hassle of scraping, if things like asbestos or mold are already present, this could cause more issues in the future, as it will only temporarily hide the problem. Ultimately, the best course of action is complete removal to prevent any hidden damage. Plus, popcorn ceilings are considered so undesirable that removal may increase your home's value.

If you've ever tried to use a duster on a popcorn ceiling, you're probably all too familiar with the struggle of performing even the simplest cleaning tasks on the ceilings. Beyond the spine-tingling feeling of rubbing microfiber across a sandpaper-like surface, even the slightest disturbance can leave dusty white debris all over the room, while clumps of dust and more are left clinging to the unsightly knobby structure.

Ultimately, the only reliable way to clean a popcorn ceiling is a multi-step process using soft brushes, cloths, soap mixtures, and vacuuming, and even then, the results aren't always amazing. Plus, you have to wear protective equipment such as a face mask and eye protection, and you may need to cover your furniture with plastic to protect it from falling debris. The entire process can take up to a half a day to complete, and professionals recommend the cleaning be done once or twice per year. This is one cleaning task homeowners hate so much that there are actually cleaning services specifically designed for this.

Beyond the dust, dirt, and cobwebs you're sure to find, deeper problems can stem from improperly maintained popcorn ceilings. In old homes, you may find it contains asbestos, which can become dangerous when disturbed, especially if your cleaning process results in flaking or other damage. Similar issues can be present if there is any form of moisture in the ceiling, which leads to mold. Both of these concerns can quickly lead to dangerous air quality issues inside your home.

Since these textured eyesores are difficult to clean and were often installed in older homes back when the style was popular, you may want to contact a professional to avoid the potential health hazards of removing them. While it may already be impacting your indoor air quality, breathing in harmful contaminants during the removal process will make it even more of an issue. 

If you want to remove a popcorn ceiling, of course, you'll want to know what it will cost you. Ultimately, it depends on whether you choose a DIY approach (only recommended on homes built after the 1980s) or if you hire a professional. Complex jobs can be a couple of thousand dollars, but it's worth the peace of mind for your family.

If you have confirmed that the ceiling does not have asbestos, you can continue the removal process on your own. However, if you plan to scrape it off, you'll need to determine if it has been painted. Looking for inconsistent color is an easy way to tell if your popcorn ceiling has been painted or not. If it has been painted, it may be more difficult to remove. It is not recommended to DIY a painted popcorn ceiling removal as it can also present additional health hazards.

The professional process can take a few days, especially if the ceiling has asbestos. Generally, you can expect this to include the assessment, removal, repair, and refinishing. In the end, you'll get a modern ceiling that will be easy to clean, free of health hazards, and brighten up your space with better access to natural light.