Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Lakewood, CO

If you have been considering removing your popcorn ceilings, you may be wondering whether or not it is worth it. Here are a few of the benefits of doing so. 

• It makes your home look more modern: Like them or not, there is something old-fashioned about popcorn ceilings that can make a property look dated. Updating them with smooth finishes or a more modern texture makes a room look fresher and newer.

• You remove the risk of asbestos: If your property is on the older side, there is a chance there could be asbestos in your popcorn ceiling. It is a dangerous substance- one you would rather not have in your home.

• Popcorn ceilings can reduce home value: Although not all popcorn ceilings contain asbestos, the association between the two is unavoidable. Potential home buyers could be put off by them- and you could find it harder to get the price you want in a sale.

• They are tricky to clean: Removing popcorn texture makes ceilings easier to clean. Smoother ceilings also don’t hold as much dust- which is beneficial for people with breathing difficulties.

Yes, they can- for multiple reasons. First of all, the majority of people don’t particularly like popcorn ceilings for one reason or another. It is viewed by most as being a little outdated, and others don’t like how much it collects dust and dirt in the deep grooves.

There is also the asbestos element. Most older buildings with popcorn ceilings have the toxic chemical present- which is (unsurprisingly) a turn-off for a lot of buyers. Having the popcorn ceilings removed before putting a property up for sale helps avoid worries, expensive inspections, and low offers.

In general, homes with smooth finishes on the ceilings have higher values than those with popcorn ceilings.

Ceiling damage can sometimes go unnoticed until the problem has become extreme- but there are signs to look out for. Some of the tell-tale signs of a deteriorating popcorn ceiling include:

• Sections falling off: If parts of your popcorn ceiling coating start falling off, there is probably some underlying damage. It could be down to poor installation, but it is more likely to mean moisture or water damage.

• Peeling or flaking: One of the most common signs of a compromised popcorn ceiling is the surface peeling off or flaking away. This results from humidity or excess heat in the air- most often in bathrooms or kitchens.

• Cracks: Cracked ceilings are the last thing many homeowners want to see. If you notice small cracks in your popcorn ceiling, it is important to act quickly. Don’t panic- it is often not as bad as it looks- they are usually caused by natural settling (the home’s foundation moving gradually over time) or damage from moisture.

• Bubbles or swelling: Another common side-effect of excess moisture or water damage is bubbling, swelling popcorn texture. It usually means there is a build-up behind the texture and paint- which could lead to a collapse if it is not handled quickly.

It is important to remember that not every popcorn ceiling contains asbestos- but it is not worth taking the risk if you are not sure. Living long-term with asbestos-free popcorn ceiling is not particularly dangerous- although it is known to collect dust, which could aggravate some health conditions.

If there is asbestos in your popcorn ceiling, the long-term effects can be devastating. It can cause breathing problems, lung disease, and even cancer- along with other potential health issues.

The drywall removal process will differ depending on your unique circumstances. However, in general, popcorn ceiling removal can be a long process because of the numerous steps involved, the size of the surface area, the ceiling condition, and the removal method. On average, it takes approximately one to three days to remove a popcorn ceiling. 

To start the process, the expert will wet the popcorn texture to loosen it. Next, they'll scrape it off, and lastly, they'll refinish and repair the ceiling. Keep in mind that if your ceiling is in poor condition, this might take longer. Furthermore, if there is asbestos in the popcorn ceiling, the removal process will be even longer as additional procedures and precautions will need to be followed. 

If you’re looking for an accurate timeline of the removal process, we recommend speaking to a professional about your specific situation.

There are a few things you can do to prepare your home for professional popcorn ceiling removal.

• Clear as many things as possible from the room with the popcorn ceiling.
• Cover anything you want to protect but can’t remove.
• Put down drop cloths or old sheets to protect carpeted areas.
• Make sure any ventilation systems in the room are working.

Your professional popcorn removal team will likely make a few more preparations to further protect the room and the health of everyone in the house- but taking these steps before they arrive helps ensure your treasured belongings are kept clean and safe.

It is also important to have the room inspected before removing the popcorn ceiling, as there could be asbestos present. If this is the case, the professionals handling the job will advise of any further necessary precautions.

The smooth finish is ultimately the most popular drywall texture for homeowners. However, it’s difficult to do, costs a lot, and shows all the dings and dents. Therefore, you might decide to have a slight texture, and orange peel is the most common option. 

With the orange peel texture, you’ll get a slightly bumpy finish. It resembles an orange peel, which is why it’s named this. Overall, you can choose light or heavy finishing, depending on your needs and preferences.  When weighing your texture options, keep in mind that popcorn ceiling cleaning is difficult to achieve.

Professionals will first test the area to ensure that it doesn’t contain asbestos. If the test comes back negative, they will use these tools: 

• Ladders  
• Tarps or coverings for the furniture and carpet  
• Painters tape  
• Plastic sheeting for light fixtures and walls  
• Personal safety equipment  
• A paint scraper  
• Primer  
• Water  

Usually, professionals will cover everything first and put on their safety equipment. Then, they’ll spray water on one area, using a paint scraper to remove the bumps. A primer might be necessary if the popcorn ceiling has been painted.