Should I Remove My Popcorn Ceilings? 5 reasons why we think you should

Why popcorn ceilings in the first place? Popcorn ceilings, otherwise known as acoustic ceilings, were installed in homes between 1945 and 1980. They presented an attractive option to builders who found the material to be efficient and cost effective to install. They were less expensive because builders didn't have to focus on creating a perfectly smooth ceiling (thus lowering labor cost) and the popcorn effect did a lot to camouflage those imperfections. During that time, it was an easy sell to the homebuyer because these ceilings were said to reduce noise by absorbing sound better than a flat surface.

Today many homeowners are in favor of removing popcorn ceilings, and so are we.  Why?

1. Asbestos. For starters, if your home was built or refurbished before 2000, it may contain asbestos, especially if you have popcorn ceilings. If materials that contain asbestos are damaged or disturbed, the air contains small fibres have been released into the air. If these fibres are inhaled they can cause serious diseases over the long term. Even though it may not be noticed now, once diagnosed with one of these diseases it is often too late to do anything about it. We feel it is important to protect yourself now.
2. Lower home value. Today, thousands of homes that are listed for sale tout "no popcorn ceilings". This is a clear indicator that a home without popcorn ceilings is a more updated, popular and attractive purchase. Removing the popcorn ceiling improves the aesthetic to a new homebuyer, and thus, increases the value they place on it.
3. Difficult to maintain.
4. Because it has such a rough surface, it is near impossible to clean in the event that something is accidentally projected onto the ceiling's surface.
5. Also, over time, this extremely textured surface attracts dust in all the crevices which leads to a dirty ceiling. It also attracts impure air filled with very small, solid particles from cigarette smoking, cooking, or a fireplace.
6. Acting like a magnet, this ceiling can absorb odors over time and can lead to a stuffy smell throughout your home.
7. If your popcorn ceiling suffered any water damage, it is very difficult to patch and create a seamless, invisible repair.
8. Costly to paint. Many painters will charge more to paint a popcorn ceiling  just for the sheer extra trouble and material. Popcorn ceilings crumble from the pressure of a roller and can require a spray technique, which can be more costly.
9. Unattractive. A room containing a popcorn ceiling creates a multitude of  dark shadows which can leave a room feeling top heavy and not "open". This can make a room appear and feel smaller. Not only that but it creates a distraction or an eyesore within the room.

For these reasons we highly recommend you call Drywall of Boulder to remove your outdated, unattractive popcorn ceiling and replace it with a smooth, light reflective, beautiful and easy to maintain surface.  Call us today!

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