We all love pleasant changes related to home renovation, but most of us rarely enjoy all the work necessary for this process. It’s especially bothersome when you have to remove popcorn ceiling, which is a well-known “root of all evil,” specifically, asbestos. However, even if the ceiling doesn’t have asbestos, most people are sick and tired of this design, so they want something new. This article discusses the reasons why this type of ceiling is outdated and the reasons to remove it as soon as possible.  

Why Popcorn Ceilings Are Outdated

Popcorn ceilings (also called stippled or acoustic ceilings) are no longer appealing in modern homes for several reasons:

• Outdated aesthetics. They were trendy during the mid-20th century, but now look old-fashioned. Modern interior designs are more about clean aesthetics and flat or minimally textured surfaces​.
• Dust, cobwebs, and dirt fly to their rough texture like a moth to a flame, and it’s not an exaggeration. Many homeowners complain about dust falling on their heads and an unpleasant smell in the rooms. Moreover, they’re also prone to discoloration, which makes a home look less appealing​.
• Speaking of homes looking less appealing, popcorn texture can lower the resale value of a home. Buyers often see them as a feature requiring immediate removal, so you won’t have a chance to get a better deal.

Overall, this option was popular in the previous century, so most people want to leave this design in the past. And let’s not forget the numerous health and even life risks.

The Risks Of Keeping Popcorn Ceilings In Canada

Popcorn ceilings have specific risks due to the construction materials used in the past and a few environmental factors. Here’s the list:

• Asbestos presence. Many popcorn ceilings installed before the 1990s contain asbestos. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can release into the air, posing severe health risks like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Canadian regulations require testing before any renovation​.
• Moisture problems. In colder regions of Canada, moisture and humidity can cause popcorn ceilings to deteriorate. Peeling and cracking can release harmful materials into the air and make repairs necessary​.
• Health concerns from dust. The textured surface traps allergens, dust, and mold, which can worsen allergies or respiratory issues. These problems are amplified in areas with long winters when homes are sealed tightly​.
• Popcorn ceilings may seem harmless, but their drawbacks outweigh any benefit they once offered. Modern alternatives are safer, easier to maintain, and more visually appealing.

Moreover, home renovations are a bit more tricky if there’s a popcorn ceiling in at least one room. According to the law, it’s important to test the material for asbestos, and only then to remove it. Therefore, many people contact professional for safe and high-quality removals. 

How Professionals Remove Popcorn Ceilings 

Professionals follow several steps to remove popcorn ceilings effectively. They begin by testing the material for asbestos. Asbestos can cause health problems, so specialists handle removal when it is found.

Workers protect the area, so they cover floors, furniture, and walls. They use plastic sheets and tape to contain debris and dust, so it won’t cover the floor, furniture, and so on. They also seal vents and windows to prevent spreading.

The first step is to spray water onto the ceiling to loosen the texture, as this process softens the material, so it is easier to scrape; not to mention the lowered risk of dust spreading everywhere. The next step is to use tools that guarantee easy removal.

The workers inspect the surface after scraping the texture. They repair holes or cracks and sand the ceiling until it’s free of the texture. They finish the project with primer and paint (if agreed upon) or apply a new ceiling texture.

Renovation Tips For Homeowners

Homeowners can prepare before removing the outdated texture, so the process is faster and smoother. These tips help make the process easier:

• Cover the area. Protect floors, walls, and furniture with plastic sheeting. Use painter’s tape to secure covers.
• Hire experts. Look for contractors with experience in ceiling removal. Read customer reviews and ask for recommendations.
• Budget for repairs. Plan for the costs of removal, refinishing, and potential repairs. Unexpected issues can increase the overall cost.
• Schedule at a convenient time. Plan the removal when disruptions are minimal. The process involves noise, dust, and some downtime in the affected rooms.

Overall, the most important part is to be 100% positive that there’s no asbestos in the ceiling. In many cases, people are lucky to not have this pesky problem (if you can call it that), but just to be sure, it’s best to contact professional removers.