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Popcorn ceilings, also called textured or acoustic ceilings, grew popular in the late 1950s. During the era when textured ceilings were popular, builders used them in homes because they were inexpensive and could hide imperfections with ease.
Why was popcorn ceiling a thing?
To start off, popcorn ceilings, otherwise known as acoustic ceilings, were born out of laziness. It was used to cover up a lot of flaws in the ceiling. It was time-effective, cost-efficient, and as you may have heard it called before, an acoustic ceiling. It also served the purpose to absorb sound and reduce noise.
What year did popcorn ceilings become popular?
Popcorn ceilings were popular from 1945 to the early 1990s. This textured ceiling covering was useful for acoustic insulation and covering up imperfections. However, popcorn ceiling material often included the mineral asbestos.
Why do poor people have popcorn ceiling?
They were a form of mild soundproofing in multi-family units. They were made of what is essentially garbage. They made lopsided ceilings look less so. They allowed for corners to be cut in construction because the textured material covered it up.
Does removing popcorn ceiling increase home value?
By removing popcorn ceilings, you are increasing your home value and ridding your home of the “outdated” look. One important note: If the popcorn was added before 1979, get it tested for asbestos.
How do you modernize a popcorn ceiling?
When looking for a way to dress up a ceiling with texture while also hiding that popcorn texture, consider adding wood or wood paneling. Covering the ceiling with tongue and groove wood planks, bead board, or another rustic wood plank or panel is a creative way to add interest to the ceiling and update the space.
Are popcorn ceilings making a comeback?
Popcorn ceilings, also called textured or acoustic ceilings, grew popular in the late 1950s. However, acoustic ceilings have become somewhat obsolete in new homes and modern homeowners and buyers do not find them aesthetically appealing as they also give the home an outdated and old appearance.
When was popcorn ceiling banned?
In 1977, the U.S. Government banned the use of asbestos in ceiling finishes, and most ceilings installed after this date will not contain asbestos. It is still possible, however, that materials manufactured before 1977 were installed in homes after the ban.
How much does popcorn ceilings devalue a house?
Schutte estimates that removing a popcorn ceiling would add $25,000 to $35,000 in value for a large estate executive home. For a home of about 1,400 square feet costing about $200,000, he estimates an added value of about $2,500—essentially, close to what a homeowner might put into the project.
Can you sell a home with popcorn ceilings?
If you want to sell your home quickly, removing the popcorn texture may be a good investment. Homebuyers will make offers on homes that need no work. It could be the difference between the home sitting on the market or getting sold within a few days. The property’s condition and appearance also need to be considered.
Should you get rid of popcorn ceilings?
If you discover that your popcorn ceilings contain asbestos, don’t panic—and don’t try to remove it yourself. Removing it will cause the particles to escape into the air, making it easy for you and your family to breathe in the carcinogens.
What is the most popular ceiling finish?
Here are some of the common textured ceiling designs to get your creative juices flowing: Popcorn Ceilings. Orange Peel Texture. Skip Trowel. Knockdown Ceiling Texture. Stippled. Swirl. Lace.
Is it better to remove popcorn ceiling or cover it?
Most of the time, removing the popcorn ceiling takes too much effort, and it cost you a lot of cleaning during and even after. Due to removing a popcorn ceiling is time-consuming, messy, requires many skills, and has dangerous asbestos, covering it is the best option.
Are textured ceilings outdated?
Although textured ceilings are currently used in many homes, some people might view its appearance as outdated or unappealing. If you’re looking to make your house look as contemporary as possible, this is something to keep in mind.
Are smooth ceilings worth it?
Smooth ceilings add visual height and spaciousness to rooms and hallways. In contrast, stippled or textured ceilings draws your focus to the texture, making the room seem smaller. 3. Spaces with smooth ceilings maximize the light.
Do all popcorn ceilings asbestos?
Do All Popcorn Ceilings Have Asbestos? So, in 1977, the U.S. government banned the use of asbestos in ceilings and most ceilings installed after this date, would not contain any asbestos. So, yes, most popcorn ceilings have asbestos, especially if they were installed before 1977 or the ban.
Do modern popcorn ceilings have asbestos?
Popcorn ceilings generally contain between 1 and 10 percent asbestos. However, popcorn ceilings are constructed from highly friable (crumbly) materials, and even the slightest disturbance can release toxic asbestos dust into the air.
Can you drywall over popcorn ceiling?
Covering the ceiling with drywall is a very inexpensive option, but it can be hard work to lift and attach 8-foot-long drywall panels overhead, unless you rent a special drywall lifting tool. Installing drywall also requires finishing skills that are challenging for many DIYers.
Can I paint over popcorn ceiling?
Interior acrylic-latex paint is the best type of paint to use for popcorn ceilings. If you need to protect your ceiling from moisture, though, use eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss paint sheens. Popcorn texture ceilings require more paint than flat ceilings.
How much does it cost to replace popcorn ceiling?
If you’re wondering how to get rid of popcorn ceiling, you should know that removing a popcorn ceiling is a labor-intensive job, and the cost reflects it. 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.
Is it cheaper to remove popcorn ceiling or replace drywall?
The cost to scrape, remove and refinish a popcorn ceiling is around $. 85 cents per square foot when few repairs are needed and you do the work yourself. To hire a painter or drywall contractor, expect an estimated cost of around $2.25 / square foot to remove the popcorn and finish the ceiling.
Can you mud over popcorn ceiling?
You can always swap the prickly texture of your popcorn ceiling with a more contemporary and attractive coat of material. This tactic involves adding drywall mud over the surface of the ceiling, applying joint compound, and lathering on a finish compound with a utility knife.
