Popcorn ceiling is a friable material — meaning it is very easy to damage. Friable asbestos materials release toxic dust at the slightest disturbance. Inhaling asbestos dust is what can lead to serious diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
What is so bad about popcorn ceilings?
The main issue with popcorn ceilings is that they contain asbestos . Homes built before the 1970s likely have popcorn ceilings that contain asbestos. It was only during that decade that a ban on asbestos was passed. However, the ban did not state that asbestos-containing popcorn texture could not be used.
What’s bad about popcorn ceiling?
Homeowners should know that disturbing a popcorn ceiling by scratching, bumping, or even touching it can trigger asbestos’s toxic particles to be released into the air , and inhaling these fibers can contribute to diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Is it good to have a popcorn ceiling?
Depending on the look you want to achieve, popcorn ceilings can either be seen as outdated or well-suited to the interior of your home. ... That said, one great benefit (then, and now) is that they hide imperfections, cracks, and scuff marks a lot better than regular, smooth ceilings.
Can you remove popcorn ceiling yourself?
Removing a popcorn ceiling is a fairly easy and affordable DIY project that just requires some time and muscle. Should your ceiling need more TLC than just scraping and painting, there are also options for covering up popcorn ceilings, such as wood paneling, pressed tin tiles, or new drywall.
How much does it cost to get rid of popcorn ceilings?
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost
On average, the price to remove a popcorn ceiling falls between $1 and $2 per square foot , with the average homeowner spending around $1,845.
Does removing popcorn ceiling add value?
Schutte estimates that removing a popcorn ceiling would add $25,000 to $35,000 in value for a large estate executive home. For a home of about 1,400 square feet costing about $200,000, he estimates an added value of about $2,500—essentially, close to what a homeowner might put into the project.
What is the cheapest way to cover a popcorn ceiling?
Wooden ceiling planks (or tongue and groove paneling) are another stylish and affordable option for covering up the popcorn ceiling in your home and are quite simple to install, as well.
Is it better to remove popcorn ceiling or cover it?
For all of these reasons—mess, time, skill level, asbestos— covering a ceiling is often easier than removing texture . ... That’s why several pros told us they routinely cover plaster ceilings: it’s the best way to be sure that they won’t have to come back and repair the ceiling again in a year or two.
Why is popcorn bad for you?
Premade popcorn often contains a high level of salt, or sodium. Eating too much sodium can cause high blood pressure and lead to other health complications. Some brands also include a lot of sugar. Added butter, sugar, and salt can make popcorn an unhealthful snack.
Is there a tool to remove popcorn ceiling?
A scraper : Any 6- to 10-inch drywall knife will work as a scraper, but to make life easier, Lipford suggests a special popcorn scraper tool from Homax ($21.99, Homax), which has a loop to attach a garbage bag, so you can scrape right into the bag instead of onto the floor.
What can I spray on popcorn ceiling to remove it?
Using your spray bottle filled with warm water , spray an area and let the water soak the popcorn for a moment. By wetting the popcorn, it reduces the powdery mess and also makes the scraping process easier. Don’t douse the ceiling with water. Remember that the drywall has a paper backing.
Who gets rid of popcorn ceilings?
If you’re sure your ceiling texture doesn’t contain asbestos, a drywall contractor is the best service provider to contact for removal. Though other types of providers could do the work, drywall pros have the experience to provide the best finish.
