Should I replace my popcorn ceiling?

The EPA states that if the ceiling is still intact, then you're not in danger of inhaling the substance and so the ceiling should be left as it is. You are going to want to do popcorn ceiling removal throughout your house: If the ceiling has been damaged at all. If the interior of the ceiling exposed.

Is it cheaper to remove popcorn ceiling or cover it?

Choosing to simply cover your popcorn ceiling (otherwise known as textured ceiling) as opposed to removing it entirely could help you save a lot of time and money in the long run.

Is it worth it to replace popcorn ceiling?

Some houses still have popcorn ceilings, though. It's time you consider getting rid of your old popcorn ceiling. Removing the popcorn ceiling is worth it if you want to upgrade your home to a modern look, give the rooms a higher ceiling and improve the natural lighting of your home.

Does replacing popcorn ceiling increase home value?

By removing popcorn ceilings, you are increasing your home value and ridding your home of the "outdated" look. One important note: If the popcorn was added before 1979, get it tested for asbestos. To remove the popcorn, first prepare the room by removing furniture and placing a drop cloth on the floor.

Is it OK to leave popcorn ceiling?

Popcorn ceilings were extremely popular from the 1950s to the 1980s. Before the dangers of asbestos were widely known, most popcorn ceilings were made from this deadly material. If you have popcorn ceilings in your home, they're likely safe if left undisturbed.

If You Have Popcorn Ceilings, It's Better to Change It

When did popcorn ceilings go out of style?

Popcorn ceilings provided a cost-effective, and time-efficient, solution for many families. Not bad! However, this fad quickly fell out of style in the late '70s in the United States, and in the '90s in Canada.

What's wrong with popcorn ceilings?

However, popcorn ceilings are constructed from highly friable (crumbly) materials, and even the slightest disturbance can release toxic asbestos dust into the air. If inhaled, asbestos dust can lead to serious health issues, such as chronic coughing, shortness of breath, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and even lung cancer.

How much does popcorn ceilings devalue a house?

“One of the updates that somebody would want to see in that pricier home is getting rid of popcorn ceilings.” Schutte estimates that removing a popcorn ceiling would add $25,000 to $35,000 in value for a large estate executive home.

Are textured ceilings out of style?

Recently, textured ceilings have been gaining more and more popularity as homeowners look for ways to spice up their space. In addition, home buyers typically perceive the textured style as a value add when looking for their next house.

Is it OK to drywall over popcorn ceiling?

Scraping the old popcorn texture off may not be an option, but installing new drywall right over the old popcorn ceilings is possible with the right tools and a bit of hard work. Old popcorn textured ceilings (also called acoustic ceilings) make a room look dated.

How do you make popcorn ceilings look good?

When looking for a way to dress up a ceiling with texture while also hiding that popcorn texture, consider adding wood or wood paneling. Covering the ceiling with tongue and groove wood planks, bead board, or another rustic wood plank or panel is a creative way to add interest to the ceiling and update the space.

How much does it cost to cover popcorn ceiling with drywall?

If you elect to install fresh drywall over a texture, you can expect to spend between $450 and $1,050 for a 300 sq. ft. project. The price to cover the surface with drywall will be priced at a rate of $1.50 to $3.50 per sq.

How do you know if popcorn ceiling has asbestos?

You can test a popcorn ceiling for the presence of asbestos by carefully scraping a small sample into a plastic bag and having it tested at an EPA-accredited lab. While homeowners are allowed to remove a popcorn ceiling that contains the material, a professional asbestos remediation company should do the job.

What do I do after removing popcorn ceiling?

After you have scraped all the popcorn off, allow the ceiling to fully dry. If you scored an A+ in following my what not to do's, you may not need to do this step. Those spots where I tore the paper on the drywall needed to be fixed. Lightly sand them to make them as even as possible, then spackle as needed.

When was asbestos banned in popcorn ceilings?

In 1977, the U.S. Government banned the use of asbestos in ceiling finishes, and most ceilings installed after this date will not contain asbestos. It is still possible, however, that materials manufactured before 1977 were installed in homes after the ban.

Should I remove popcorn ceiling myself?

If you discover that your popcorn ceilings contain asbestos, don't panic—and don't try to remove it yourself. Removing it will cause the particles to escape into the air, making it easy for you and your family to breathe in the carcinogens. Leaving the ceiling intact poses no dangers.

Do painters remove popcorn ceilings?

Professional painters near you are also well-versed in removing popcorn ceilings. They'll follow most of the same steps as drywall pros.

Why did popcorn ceilings become popular?

Many homes built in the late 1930s through the 1990s have popcorn ceilings or some type of texture applied overhead. It was used to cover up a lot of flaws in the ceiling. It was time-effective and cost-efficient. Often called an acoustic ceiling, it also served the purpose to absorb sound and reduce noise.

Should I be worried about popcorn ceiling?

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.

How hard is it to remove popcorn ceiling?

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.

Can I put ceiling tiles over popcorn ceiling?

Usually, it isn't the removal of the popcorn that gets pricey - it's the refinishing of the ceiling that will take a chunk out of your budget. But, when you're adding tiles you don't need to worry about refinishing; you can just scrape off the old surface and you're ready to install!

Why do apartments have popcorn ceilings?

The texture of popcorn ceilings is meant to hide surface imperfections, and it does a good job of it. However, any type of textured ceiling tends to hold on to dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. These lingering particles can get inhaled by occupants, which can lead to allergic responses and respiratory issues.