Popcorn ceilings, known for their rough, uneven texture, are used by homeowners because of their reasonable cost and noise reduction abilities. The popcorn texture is either sprayed or painted on an existing ceiling, which makes installation easy as well. Because the rough texture hides flaws, popcorn ceilings are often used to update the look of older homes. However, if you are considering installing a or deciding whether to keep an existing one, take note of several problems with the popcorn texture before making your decision.
Asbestos
One of the most serious problems ceilings is that many that were installed prior to 1977 contain asbestos, according to Do It Yourself, a home improvement website. Asbestos is a toxic mineral fiber which is linked to lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma and other pulmonary conditions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Its use in construction materials is since banned in the U.S. If your popcorn ceiling has asbestos, remove it as promptly as possible to prevent potential health risks. Do not attempt the removal yourself; call a professional.
Difficult to Paint
A practical problem with popcorn ceilings is that they have an extremely heavy texture which makes them difficult to paint. This is an issue if you wish to redecorate a room with popcorn ceiling in the future.
Difficult to Repair
If your popcorn ceiling suffers leaks or other damages, it is difficult to repair due to the texture. Some products are designed specifically for repairing these ceilings, but, in most cases, you must replace the entire ceiling.
Difficult to Clean
Because of the rough, uneven texture, popcorn ceilings are difficult to clean. Dust and cobwebs often settle in the indentations, and it is difficult to remove them. Popcorn ceilings are prone to stains as well because liquid can settle in the crevices of the ceiling's texture. The fact that they retain a great deal of dust and debris make them an especially poor ceiling option for homes with allergy or asthma suffers.
Falling Particles
It is not uncommon for particles from the popcorn ceiling's rough texture to fall during the life of the ceiling, which not only has the potential to cause a mess, but also may aggravate allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions in some individuals.
Difficult to Remove
Once they are installed, popcorn ceilings are difficult to remove. The process is extremely tedious and time consuming, so individuals should ensure that they enjoy the look of this type of textured ceiling before installing it. When removing it, first have the ceiling tested to ensure that it does not contain asbestos. A professional must remove a popcorn ceiling with asbestos, or recover it with new drywall. If your popcorn ceiling is asbestos free, remove all the furniture in the room or cover it with plastic sheeting. Wear safety goggles, a face mask and long sleeves to protect yourself from irritation. Moisten the ceiling with water so it becomes soft and easier to scrape off. A taping knife works best for removing a popcorn ceiling. Work in small sections until all the texture is removed. In most cases, the ceiling beneath the popcorn is in rough shape. It is often necessary to spackle some areas before repainting.
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