Do Popcorn Ceilings Have a Purpose?
- Noise Cancellation. A popcorn ceiling is more effective at helping reduce noise within a room, as compared to a standard flat ceiling.
- Hiding Building Imperfections. Builders have found that by using this textured ceiling material, they can easily hide any imperfections.
- Save Money. Popcorn ceilings can also save the builder money. ...
What are the pros and cons of a popcorn ceiling?
Pros. There are many advantages to using popcorn ceiling. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that it can hide many imperfections in your ceiling, such as the tape and mud seams required for your sheetrock. While a flat non-textured finish can look nice, finishing it flawlessly can be very difficult since every ripple and dent will show through.
What to do after removing a popcorn ceiling?
What to Do After Removing Popcorn Ceiling?
- Wait for a Day. It is important to wait for a day to allow the ceiling to dry properly. ...
- Fix the Damages. When you remove the popcorn ceiling, damages, faults, flaws, imperfections are often revealed underneath.
- Sanding the Surface. As soon as you have repaired the damages and done some work on the faults, you need to give it time to dry.
- Paint. ...
What does a popcorn ceiling look like?
What does a popcorn ceiling look like? Asbestos ceilings are frequently referred to as a “popcorn ceilings” or “stucco ceilings”. As opposed to the smooth ceilings of today's modern homes, asbestos ceilings are textured and rustic in appearance. They can be white or cream-coloured with a bumpy texture that resembles cottage cheese.
What is the best way to clean a popcorn ceiling?
Preparing to Clean a Popcorn Ceiling
- Dusting an Acoustic Ceiling. If your main concerns are dust and spiderwebs, cleaning a popcorn ceiling isn’t too difficult. ...
- Removing Stains from a Popcorn Ceiling. ...
- Leave the Everyday Cleaning to Merry Maids®. ...
Why would you want a popcorn ceiling?
The reason why popcorn ceilings are also called acoustic ceilings is because they are better at absorbing sound. This is in part because of the increased surface area due to all the raised bumps, which is said to help muffle noise.
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.
Why are popcorn ceilings so unpopular?
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. To eliminate discoloration.
What is the problem with popcorn ceilings?
The main issue with popcorn ceilings is that they contain asbestos. Homes built before the 1970s likely have popcorn ceilings that contain asbestos. It was only during that decade that a ban on asbestos was passed. However, the ban did not state that asbestos-containing popcorn texture could not be used.
Is it cheaper to remove popcorn ceiling or cover it?
On average, it is $876 to $1,730 cheaper to cover popcorn ceilings versus having to remove them. For those with homes built before 1990 and dealing with asbestos knockdown ceilings, you can save thousands by covering them up.
How much does removing popcorn ceiling increase home value?
“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 smooth ceilings worth it?
Smooth ceilings are nice but not important. If the builder offered it, great. If it's not offered, it's not worth the upgrade cost unless you're planning to live there for a very long time and you really prefer smooth ceilings.
Will popcorn ceilings ever come back?
The best thing about popcorn ceilings is that they are not permanent. Therefore, if you are looking to sell your home, but think it might sell better if you remove the popcorn ceiling, the process can be done pretty quickly, especially if you hire a professional team.
How can I cover my popcorn ceiling without removing it?
The cheapest ways to cover up a popcorn ceiling without removing it is by installing readily prepared ceiling planks right over it. You can also use ceiling-grade drywall panels or large pieces of fabric to conceal the texture. Panting the ceiling with eccentric shades is also a great option.
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.
Are popcorn ceilings out of fashion?
Despite the outdated style, and, well, asbestos, popcorn ceilings still top many homes throughout the US. But, if you are looking into buying a new property, you're going to want that sucker gone.
Should you paint a popcorn ceiling?
After enough time, popcorn ceilings begin to look dull, weary, and dated. Removing the popcorn texture coating is messy, but painting the popcorn ceiling is one way to bring back the ceiling's sparkle and freshness for little cost and with minimal mess.
How expensive is it to remove popcorn ceilings?
Popcorn ceiling removal cost ranges from around $898 to $2,847, with the average homeowner paying $1,853 for professional removal. Popcorn ceilings were all the rage in the 1970s and 1980s—everyone wanted them.
Are smooth ceilings worth it?
Smooth ceilings are nice but not important. If the builder offered it, great. If it's not offered, it's not worth the upgrade cost unless you're planning to live there for a very long time and you really prefer smooth ceilings.
How much does popcorn removal cost?
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost FactorsCost ConsiderationAverage CostAsbestos$3 – $7 per square footLabor$15 – $40 per hourArea Size$1 – $2 per square footRepainting$1 – $3 per square foot
How much does it cost to replace popcorn ceiling?
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to remove a popcorn ceiling is between $1 and $2 per square foot. The average homeowner will pay around $1,780.
Why do people use popcorn ceilings?
Popcorn ceilings were originally used to cover up imperfections in drywall, and NOT for decorative purposes. Popcorn ceilings were also considered a much cheaper option than the traditionally painted ceiling. If you have a popcorn ceiling in your home but are not sure what to do with it, read on before making any final decisions.
Why is popcorn ceiling better than flat ceiling?
A popcorn ceiling is more effective at helping reduce noise within a room, as compared to a standard flat ceiling. The increased surface area created by the multi-dimensional raised popcorn valleys helps cut down the echo of any noise contained within a room.
How do popcorn ceilings save money?
Another way that popcorn ceilings save money for the builder is that they are relatively inexpensive to produce and install in a room. There is a significantly less amount of prep work to be completed before installing this textured ceiling.
Why do apartment buildings have textured ceilings?
These textured ceilings have been a perfect building solution for apartment buildings to cut down on noise from multiple rooms, or in basements of homes where echoing sounds can be an issue. Many homes have found them to be very beneficial in high traffic areas such as entranceways and hallways.
How much does it cost to remove popcorn from a ceiling?
The budget for professional removal will be anywhere from $3 to $7 per square foot, depending on where you live.
What is cottage cheese ceiling?
Cottage Cheese ceiling. No matter what these ceilings are known by, they all have the same attributes, with homeowners either loving them or hating them. They are evident in apartment buildings or several areas in a home, including bedrooms, basements, hallways, and entranceways. Many people don’t know that there are actually some benefits ...
Can popcorn ceilings be used to mask drywall?
If there has been any damage to the ceiling drywall during installation, popcorn ceilings can easily mask this . With just a little more application of the compound, the popcorn mixture can camouflage drywall damages, including scrapes, cuts, and nicks, without spending extra time taping and mudding the area.
What is the Purpose of Popcorn Ceilings?
The purpose of popcorn ceilings has been talked about a lot over the years. There are well-grounded points on why they became so popular, how they’re useful and why the style eventually fizzled out.
What Are Popcorn Ceilings Made Of?
You can use several different materials to create the popcorn texture. In the past, the mixture would widely depend on the year your popcorn ceiling was installed. These materials include:
What is skip trowel texture?
Unlike popcorn ceiling, skip trowel texture is applied by hand using coarse and joint compounds. It’s also good at hiding any imperfections, and you can apply it in a light, medium or heavy consistency. Knockdown Ceilings. It’s considered the successor to popcorn ceilings and is still relatively popular today.
What is the least popular ceiling style?
Out of all the styles of textured ceilings, popcorn ceilings are the least popular. They’ve become almost obsolete in new home builds as they give your home an outdated look and lowers your property value.
What is knockdown ceiling?
Knockdown Ceilings. It’s considered the successor to popcorn ceilings and is still relatively popular today. Its appearance is similar to skip trowel, but the texture looks less spread out. Creating it starts the same way as popcorn ceilings, by spraying on the texture compound.
What color is popcorn texture?
The thickness of the texture will vary from ceiling to ceiling. When the popcorn texture is first applied, it’s generally an off-white colour . Over time the colour will be yellow, especially if there has been a lot of smoking in the home.
What is Artex ceiling?
During the mid-30s, they began marketing their product “Artex,” which you could use to texture your ceiling and finish it without needing plastering skills.
What is popcorn ceiling?
Half a century ago, popcorn ceilings were all the rage, cropping up above brightly colored walls, psychedelic patterns, and shiny furniture. Less expensive than traditional hand-troweled plaster, the sprayed-on technique—which actually resembles cottage cheese more than popcorn—camouflaged ceiling imperfections, offered a measure of fire-resistance, and provided noise-dampening benefits. These days, the speckled ceiling design tends to date a room’s style. Fortunately, whether you want to get rid of a popcorn ceiling altogether or bring new life to the retro look, you’ve got options.
How to test for asbestos in popcorn ceiling?
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. Contact your local waste authority before having asbestos removed to determine the best (and legal) way to dispose of it.
Can you patch popcorn ceiling texture?
Thinned drywall compound, which is commonly used to texture new ceilings today, is not recommended for patching popcorn ceiling texture since it contains water, which can cause the existing popcorn texture to come off. Advertisement. Photo: istockphoto.com.
Can popcorn ceilings contain asbestos?
That means that popcorn ceilings installed as late as the mid-’80s could contain asbestos, and, when disturbed, disperse microscopic fibrils known to cause lung-scarring illnesses and even lung cancer if inhaled. You can test a popcorn ceiling for the presence of asbestos by carefully scraping a small sample into a plastic bag ...
Can you paint popcorn texture over white?
Popcorn texture comes in standard ceiling-white and, for a uniform look, it’s a good idea to prime the ceiling before spraying it on. The texture is also paintable, so if you want a color other than ceiling-white, plan on painting over the texture after it dries.
Can you remove popcorn ceilings?
Unpainted popcorn ceilings are not necessarily difficult to remove, but the process is messy and time-consuming. After spraying the ceiling with water to saturate the texture, which causes it to release, it’s simply a matter of scraping it away with a large putty knife or taping trowel.
Why are Popcorn Ceilings Even a Thing?
Here’s the short answer: Popcorn ceilings camouflage a multitude of sins. If you know anything about building a house, you know that finishing a dry-walled ceiling is an art form. In layman’s terms, once a ceiling is constructed, dry wall seams are covered with paper or fiberglass tape and then covered over with joint compound (“mud”). Once dry, more layers of mud coat are thinly applied and sanded until the surface is flawless. Taping and mudding, as the process is referred to, requires skill and can result in uneven ceilings, sagging seams, and visible nail dimples. If you are DIYing the work yourself, or are on a tight budget, spraying this highly textured finish on your ceiling is a cheap and quick way to hide imperfections.
What is acoustic popcorn ceiling?
Popcorn ceilings—formally known as acoustic ceilings and sometimes appetizingly referred to as cottage cheese— have gotten a bad rap over the years. Just Google “popcorn ceilings” you’ll be inundated with a slew of tutorials on how to remove them. That being said, this spray-on textured treatment was the standard in most homes for decades, ...
What happens when you mud coat a ceiling?
Once dry, more layers of mud coat are thinly applied and sanded until the surface is flawless. Taping and mudding, as the process is referred to, requires skill and can result in uneven ceilings, sagging seams, and visible nail dimples.
Does a popcorn ceiling cut down sound?
Plus, as their “acoustic ceiling” nickname suggests, popcorn ceilings also cut down on sound, which is attractive in high-traffic hallways and entryways—not to mention rooms with high ceilings that echo.
Is it safe to have a popcorn ceiling?
After 1978, paper-based and styrofoam materials were used in place of asbestos. So, if you currently have a popcorn ceiling, and it’s in okay shape, you’re safe.
Is popcorn ceiling bad for you?
Popcorn ceiling aren’t for everyone. Haters tend to mention the highly porous, lumpy surfaces, which, aside from looks, catch dust and materials that can easily discolor over time. Their crater-like surfaces also tend to cast harsh shadows (which is not dissimilar to shining a flashlight under one’s face while telling a scary story) which makes rooms appear smaller.
What is a popcorn ceiling?
A popcorn ceiling, also known as a stipple ceiling or acoustic ceiling, is a ceiling with one of a variety of spray-on or paint-on treatments. The bumpy surface is created by tiny particles of vermiculite or polystyrene, which gives the ceiling sound-deadening properties.
What was used to make popcorn ceilings?
After the ban, popcorn ceiling materials were created using a paper-based or Styrofoam product to create the texture, rather than asbestos. Textured ceilings remain common in residential construction in the United States.
Is popcorn ceiling smooth or textured?
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. Smooth ceilings have many benefits over textured ceilings, such as their association with a high-end aesthetic, reflective bouncing of natural light (especially in combination with high gloss floors), ability to not harbor dust and allergens (only to be re-introduced into the air), and ease of patching and touching up after a drywall repair.
What Is The Point Of Popcorn Ceilings?
The reason why this ceiling was popular was because of its noise reduction property.
Why do people use popcorn ceilings?
It hid building imperfections, sealed small gaps, and gave the houses what was considered at that time, an okay finish.
What Do You Need For Popcorn Ceiling Removal?
If you decide to remove the popcorn ceiling yourself, here are most of the materials you will need.
How does popcorn ceiling work?
Popcorn ceilings form mini craters that create small shadows. This effect causes less light in the room, making the room gloomy. Clearing the popcorn ceiling removes the shadows and makes sure light bounces off a flat surface to cover more of the room.
Why do popcorn ceilings look cramped?
Popcorn ceilings create the illusion of a puffed-up ceiling. It makes the ceiling appear lower than it is. Due to the nature of the material , it makes the room appear more cramped, only increasing the claustrophobic effect.
How much does it cost to paint a ceiling after popcorn removal?
Painting the ceiling after popcorn removal will also cost you. Depending on your area, set aside about $3 per square foot. That’s about $1500 for every 500 square feet you have to cover.
How much does it cost to remove popcorn ceilings?
The estimated cost for popcorn ceiling removal can go up to $2500 depending on the house’s size. You can add the cost of the upgrade to the house’s final price. And while it’s not guaranteed that a modern ceiling will increase resale value, it might widen the pool of interested buyers. It’s safer to invest in modernity than lose prospective buyers.
