During the 1980s and 1990s in particular, popcorn ceilings became extremely popular. This was largely due to the boom in new home construction during these decades. Popcorn finishes could be installed quickly and easily, often without even finishing the drywall on the ceiling. This allowed builders to put homes up even faster than they otherwise would have. Today, though, popcorn ceilings are decided “out,” and most homeowners want nothing more than to get rid of them. Removing this type of ceiling finish on your own, however, can be messy and frustrating. As you read this guide, you will learn more about why you should consider professional popcorn ceiling removal.
Why don’t people like popcorn ceilings?
Aside from the fact that popcorn ceilings have simply fallen out of style, there are practical reasons to remove them as well. If, for example, you are interested in painting your ceiling or decorating it in some other way, you might not be able to as long as the popcorn finish remains. Some ceiling tiles, for instance, won’t even stick to the popcorn. Another reason to get rid of a popcorn ceiling is to deal with damaged areas. It is often very difficult to repair popcorn because the texture and color may not match precisely, making the patched region extremely obvious.
What can a professional do that I can’t?
There are a number of tactics that can be used to get rid of popcorn ceilings, but the majority of them involve somehow wetting down the surface and using a scraper to remove the bubbly texture that is the hallmark of this style. While the process of removing popcorn ceilings is not necessarily difficult, it is usually incredibly tedious, and if you have certain health issues, such as chronic pain, can be a challenge.
Furthermore, many homeowners have never taken off this type of ceiling texture before, so every move they make is really nothing more than a guess. Professional contractors, however, know exactly which tools and techniques to use to make the job as simple as possible and how to avoid damaging the drywall underneath the ceiling texture. They will also be able to properly prep your space. One of the worst parts of removing popcorn ceilings is dealing with the dust and debris from the project. An expert will know how to lay plastic sheeting and arrange buckets to deal with the worst of the mess efficiently.
Finally, some people who live in older houses choose to have professionals remove their popcorn ceilings because they are worried about the presence of dangerous compounds, specifically lead and asbestos. Any quality contractor will test the ceiling material you want to have taken down prior to removing it. This way, if any extra precautions need to be taken, everyone involved in the project can be made aware ahead of time.
If you are interested in having one or more popcorn ceilings in your home professionally removed, it is important to do plenty of research prior to hiring a contractor. You should read reviews of any local service providers you are considering and make a point of asking trusted friends and relatives about their experiences with various contractors in the area. When you start getting quotes, it is important to also ask to see before and after pictures of previous popcorn ceiling jobs. This way, you can make an informed choice.