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.

Is it better to remove popcorn ceiling or cover it?

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

How much does it cost to remove popcorn ceiling?

Popcorn ceiling removal cost ranges from around $898 to $2,847, with the average homeowner paying $1,853 for professional removal.

Are popcorn ceilings a problem?

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.

Why are popcorn ceilings no longer popular?

Asbestos was found to be a binding 'ingredient' in popcorn ceiling mixtures and was banned in the U.S. in 1978 under the Clean Air Act due to causing mesothelioma (a type of cancer) if inhaled. After this discovery, popcorn ceilings were made with materials such as Styrofoam to create the same stippled pattern.

Will removing popcorn ceiling increase home value?

Removing popcorn ceilings will almost always increase a home's value. Not only is the design trend no longer desirable, but it also poses safety concerns for home buyers. To understand further, it helps to learn more about why popcorn ceilings were once a popular design choice—as well as why they no longer are.

Is it safe to live in a house with popcorn ceilings?

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.

Why do houses have popcorn ceilings?

Popcorn ceilings were made to bolster the room's acoustics via the reduction of ambient sounds and echoes. However, acoustic ceilings have become somewhat obsolete in new homes and modern homeowners and buyers do not find them aesthetically appealing as they also give the home an outdated and old appearance.

When did popcorn ceilings go out of style?

Since the mid-2000s, the popularity of textured popcorn ceilings has diminished significantly across North America. A trend toward more modern, clean-lined design features has influenced home improvement professionals to provide popcorn ceiling removal services.

Should I texture ceiling after removing popcorn?

If you remove the popcorn and top off the bad seams and dings, you will need to sand the ceiling properly. It is wise to paint the ceiling before it has been primed. If you paint bare drywall, the paint will absorb moisture and will not even distribute the texture evenly.

How do you change a popcorn ceiling to smooth?

When scraping popcorn ceilings, you'll want to use a 4-inch utility knife or a drywall knife to chip away at the texture and create a smooth surface. You'll probably need to skim it with a thin layer of joint compound to smooth out imperfections, then sand it smooth before repainting.

How do I know if my 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.

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.

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.

How do you make popcorn ceilings look good?

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.

Are smooth ceilings worth it?

Smooth ceilings add visual height and spaciousness to rooms and hallways. In contrast, stippled or textured ceilings draws your focus to the texture, making the room seem smaller. 3. Spaces with smooth ceilings maximize the light.

How long do popcorn ceilings last?

From its inception well through the 80s, popcorn ceilings were ubiquitous, the remnants of which can still be seen in many homes across the country. While popcorn ceilings can remain intact for decades with the proper care, many of them do show the wear and tear that comes with their life cycles.

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.

Can I remove popcorn ceiling myself?

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.

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 textured ceiling outdated?

Although textured ceilings are currently used in many homes, some people might view its appearance as outdated or unappealing. If you're looking to make your house look as contemporary as possible, this is something to keep in mind.

What happens if you breath in popcorn ceiling?

If you do have popcorn ceiling asbestos and the fibers are released, you may inhale those fibers, which increases your risk of developing serious diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Was asbestos used in popcorn ceilings in 1986?

The application of sprayed-on coatings containing asbestos was banned in 1978, but a lot of popcorn ceilings installed as late as 1986 contained asbestos in the mixture.

When did they stop using asbestos 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.