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Many people ignore their ceilings, but homeowners must know about popcorn ceiling removal. This includes the methods to explore and the total cost of the entire process. Popcorn ceilings usually contain synthetic polymers and asbestos.
Recent designs now feature Styrofoam and other similar materials. Today, it's one of the least common ceilings people use, and people who have them want to remove them immediately. This article will take you through how you can do away with your popcorn ceiling.
What are popcorn ceilings?
These are among the oldest ceilings and have been around since the 30s. However, they only became popular between the 50s and the 70s. These ceilings were first used with asbestos before they got banned in 1977, after which newer alternatives stopped including asbestos.
After the ban, these ceilings became a less popular option. Most people believed they were not the perfect option for masking flaws. Even though the ceiling had a few benefits, they weren't sufficient to outweigh the disadvantages.
Reasons to remove popcorn ceilings
People started to remove popcorn ceilings after asbestos was banned, and this is due to many reasons. Here are some of the reasons you should remove popcorn ceilings:
Pesky texture
The texture is one of the main reasons you should remove the popcorn ceilings. The ceiling is a hotbed for dust, cobwebs, and spiders. Also, the upper layer of the ceiling has a high potential to flake off or peel, which can release harmful particles.
Dated
Popcorn ceilings are dated, meaning they are entirely out of style. If you want an alternative, consider getting plaster ceilings. Plaster ceilings last longer than other options.
Asbestos
Another reason to get rid of popcorn ceilings is that they contain asbestos which has long been banned, especially for those installed before the 80s. If your popcorn ceiling was installed before 1980, consider getting a professional to remove it or do it yourself.
Apart from asbestos, exposure is also a cause of concern, as this is linked with many symptoms. Some of the most notable signs of exposure include clubbed fingers, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, loss of appetite, weight loss, hernia, bowel obstruction, dry cough, shortness of breath, respiratory complications, and many more.
How to remove a popcorn ceiling
There are many ways to remove popcorn ceilings, and here are some practical options you should consider before you call a professional to do the job for you.
Method one: Highly efficient method
Even though this method takes time, you won't need to spend or do so much. It's an excellent and efficient method, and you'll only need a ladder, drop cloth, pan or catch tray, sander or sandpaper, and a putty knife. The first thing to do is to lay the drop cloth on the floor to avoid making a mess of the area.
This is very important, especially if you have a carpet, because it will be challenging to get rid of mud on the carpet when you are done. You can leave out the drop cloth if you still need to finish floors or plan to replace your floor after you complete the process. The main thing to note is that disposable drop cloths are not expensive.
The next step is spraying the ceiling because it's a lot easier to remove popcorn ceilings when wet. However, it's important to ensure the water doesn't soak into the drywall below the ceiling. Consider applying the sprayer on one area at a time to prevent the entire ceiling from soaking for a prolonged period. Soaking the ceiling for a long time can lead to the growth of mold and the development of cracks underneath.
After soaking, you can start scraping, and there are two methods you can use. You can use a putty knife and tray to scrape the ceiling if it's a small area. You can also use a floor scraper to remove most parts of the ceiling because it makes it easier and much faster.
Method two: Cost-effective method
Consider using this second method only if you're on a budget. It's not only a cheap method but also easier than the method above. However, you should know that this method will leave a rough texture on your ceiling. You'll need a fan, mask, drywall hand sander with screens, ladder, drop cloth, and popcorn removal tool.
The first step is to prepare the area; in this case, you won't need to get the popcorn ceiling. However, you'll have to use the drop cloth, wear a mask, and position the fan such that it blows wind out of the windows. Do not stay close to the fan if you're asthmatic. When performing any remodeling work, using a mask is always wise.
Scraping a dry popcorn ceiling can be challenging. You won't be able to remove everything, but it will make a big difference from what you had earlier. Once you have removed the top layer, you can use a sander or sandpaper to sand the ceiling and create a smooth area.
Method three: Mess-free method
This is a complex method, but it doesn't leave much mess in your building. You'll need a ladder or stilts, wet/dry vacuum, and drywall taping knife.
Once you have everything ready, the first thing is to wet the ceiling to ensure that it scrapes easily. Attach the nozzle and the extension to the wet/dry vac, and use duct tape to attach the knife beneath the nozzle.
With that, the knife should hover above the opening of the vacuum. Stilts are very handy for this method, making it easier to move as you vacuum. Ladders are restrictive, but you can still use them for the job.
Frequently asked questions
In addition to everything above, here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Can you remove a popcorn ceiling painted with oil-based paint?
Testing for asbestos is one of the first things to do before anything else. After that, you can rip off the ceiling, but avoid scraping it. Use drywall to replace the ceiling to match the connecting ceilings perfectly.
Use a plastic material to cover the room before you apply a paint stripper. After that, you can easily scrape off the ceiling. You should employ a heat gun if you experience any difficulty. Also, wear eye protection during the entire process.
How can you remove mold from a popcorn ceiling?
Yellow stains on the ceiling are a sign of a leak, which can cause mold growth on your ceiling. Removing it is easy; you will first need to use hydrogen peroxide or bleach to kill the mold. You can then combine the bleach with water in a spray bottle but ensure that your mouth and eyes are turned away as you spray the mold.
Hydrogen peroxide is always a better option because it vaporizes easily compared to bleach. If you still have popcorn ceilings in your home, you'll need to always be on the lookout for mold. Fortunately, removing mold is easy, and there are other DIY methods that you can apply for this purpose.
DIY popcorn ceiling removal
Removing popcorn ceilings is relatively easy, and we have provided three methods that are easy to follow. While you can do the job yourself, it is best to contract it to a professional with experience handling popcorn ceilings. Safety should always be a priority whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a professional contractor to handle the job.
Professional popcorn ceiling removal
When it comes to popcorn ceiling removal, consulting with experts is the ideal solution. Their skill and experience, knowledge of health and safety protocols, efficient removal techniques, ability to address surface repairs, and time and cost savings make them the best choice for ensuring a successful and hassle-free process.
By entrusting professionals with your popcorn ceiling removal project, you can enjoy a safer, smoother, and more appealing ceiling finish in your home or business.
