What's the point of popcorn ceilings?

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.
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Is it worth it to remove popcorn ceiling?

In short, removing a popcorn ceiling can increase your home value. However, particular circumstances can affect its impact. Removing popcorn ceilings from a smaller home may not be a good use of renovation money. As long as it's in good condition, a fresh coat of paint may be the better option due to cost.
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Why are popcorn ceilings so terrible?

To soften the light.

A less scary, but still unpleasant, reason that many detest popcorn ceilings is because of the harsh light it introduces into a room. The bumpy surface causes light to bounce off the ceilings and create harsh shadows.
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When was popcorn ceiling banned?

Asbestos popcorn ceilings were popular between 1945 and the 1990s. Asbestos was officially banned from ceiling coverings in 1973. However, previously manufactured asbestos-containing products may have been installed in homes into the 1990s.
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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.
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Why Are Popcorn Ceilings So Terrible?



Do smooth ceilings add value?

“A freshly scraped ceiling may add zero value if the entire interior needs new paint and everything else about the house is outdated.” He advised looking at comparative sales and the current market to prioritize your updates (new flooring, sprucing up the kitchen and bath) before tackling a popcorn ceiling.
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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.
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Are all popcorn ceilings asbestos?

Popcorn ceilings generally contain between 1 and 10 percent asbestos. While 1 percent may seem insignificant, it's important to note that any percentage of asbestos in a popcorn ceiling is cause for concern and should be addressed.
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What happens if you breathe in asbestos once?

It is possible to develop an illness such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, pleural effusions or lung cancer after a one-time exposure to asbestos if the exposure was significant enough to lead to asbestos particles lodging in the body's tissues. The 9/11 attack is a common example.
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Where is asbestos most commonly found in homes?

Where Can I Find Asbestos?
  • Attic and wall insulation produced containing vermiculite.
  • Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.
  • Roofing and siding shingles.
  • Textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings.
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What percent of popcorn ceilings have asbestos?

Initially, the style became popular in the 1950s – when asbestos insulation use was similarly common – because it was easy to install and offered some sound- and fireproofing. Some popcorn ceilings contain up to 10% asbestos contamination.
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Is it better to cover popcorn ceiling or remove it?

Due to removing a popcorn ceiling is time-consuming, messy, requires many skills, and has dangerous asbestos, covering it is the best option.
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What is the cheapest way to cover a popcorn ceiling?

Some of the cheapest options include covering it up with tongue-and-groove wood panels, drywall panels, prepared fiberboard ceiling planks/tiles, fabric, and paint patterns.
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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.
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What is a California ceiling?

California. This drywall-esque finishing style is characterized by its simple, flat finish (from an architectural perspective). Though the finish of the ceiling can vary in terms of texture, 'California' specifies the standard, flat, wall-like look of the ceiling.
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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.
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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.
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What is a Shiplap ceiling?

what is shiplap? Shiplap is wood paneling that is made of long, usually horizontal panels with a gap between the boards. In some areas, shiplap was used in the construction of homes where people drywall now. It is especially popular in areas with harsh climate because it is really good at protecting against weather.
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What can I do with old popcorn ceilings?

9 Options to Remove, Hide or Play Down a Popcorn Ceiling
  1. Ceiling Scraping.
  2. Ceiling Replacement.
  3. Covering Stucco.
  4. Beadboard. Classic beadboard makes a charming ceiling treatment, and not just in a rustic cottage. ...
  5. Warm wood. ...
  6. Pressed tin. ...
  7. Other Options.
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How much does it cost to cover a popcorn ceiling?

If you're painting over a popcorn ceiling, rather than removing it, prices generally run from $1 to $3 per square foot.
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How much does it cost to skim coat a popcorn ceiling?

Skim Coat Over Popcorn Ceiling

The cost to skim coat over a averages $300 to $450 or $1 to $1.50 per square foot. This involves the process of applying a thin layer of plaster directly over the texture, rather than removing it first, and can cut down on the project price by taking away the removal expenses.
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Can I texture over popcorn ceiling?

You can also spray a heavier texture on the ceiling to cover and disguise the existing popcorn. As an alternative to spraying, you can trowel with ceiling with a heavy coat of drywall mud. This method covers the popcorn completely and allows you to create a new texture design on your ceiling.
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When was the last time asbestos was used in popcorn ceilings?

Asbestos was used in spray applied textured ceilings from 1945 to at least 1980. Exposure to asbestos and the probability of developing lung disease is high in individuals who lived with these types of ceilings in their home.
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