Popcorn Texture Removal Services

Is it time to replace your popcorn texture ceiling with a more modern option? Find a popcorn texture removal service to do the job efficiently.

Popcorn texture has been used for many years on ceilings in homes and other buildings. Home designs in various countries have incorporated it, including England and the United States. The popularity of popcorn texture was most popular between the 1950s and 1980s. Since that time, it has become increasingly less popular. That is why many homeowners who still have it in their homes opt to have it removed.

If you have a popcorn texture ceiling in your home, you may wonder if it is time to replace it. There are certain benefits of popcorn ceilings, but there are also drawbacks. Exploring both is the key to understanding how popcorn texture works. It is important to know why it became popular and why that popularity has waned as home design practices have changed. Then you can determine if replacing your popcorn ceiling is the right decision. If so, it is also important to learn how to remove it. That process is outlined below.

What is Popcorn Texture?

Popcorn texture is typically used on ceilings. A popcorn ceiling is also sometimes known as a stipple ceiling or an acoustic ceiling. It is a certain type of ceiling texture that somewhat resembles cottage cheese because it has a bumpy appearance. When it is installed, it is typically sprayed on. In previous decades, some builders incorporated extra features into the spray, such as coloring or glitter. That practice was particularly popular in the 1970s.

Where Did Popcorn Texture Originate From?

The official name for popcorn texture material is Artex because it was created by a company called Artex Ltd. in the United Kingdom. It was developed in the 1930s. In the United Kingdom, it gained rapid popularity for its ease of installation and other convenient features. Eventually, that popularity spread to other countries. In the United States, Artex gained popularity by the 1950s and remained quite popular until the late 1970s.

What Are the Benefits of Popcorn Texture?

The primary benefits of popcorn texture ceilings are saving money and saving time. The material is sprayed on quickly with very little preparation. It eliminates the need to plaster or tape off certain areas. Workers installing other types of ceilings must make sure they are flat. There is no such need when installing popcorn texture on a ceiling. Therefore, the process is completed quickly and is inexpensive. That is why it was a favorite option for builders over several decades. Other potential benefits of popcorn texture include:

Hiding Ceiling Imperfections
Contributing to Better Light Distribution in a Room
Reducing Sound Transfer Between Floors

What Are the Drawbacks of Popcorn Texture?

One of the biggest reasons to remove an old popcorn texture ceiling is it may contain asbestos. However, incorporating asbestos into popcorn ceiling material was banned in the late 1970s. Since that time, a Styrofoam-like material has been used to produce popcorn ceilings. Therefore, asbestos contamination is only a possible drawback. Its presence is not guaranteed.

Another more universal drawback of all popcorn ceilings is repair problems. If a popcorn ceiling becomes damaged, it is often necessary to redo the entire ceiling. You can potentially patch only the impacted area. However, there is no way to make it blend seamlessly with the surrounding ceiling. The patch becomes permanently visible.

A third reason to potentially remove popcorn texture is its tendency to hold dust. The bumpy surface makes it difficult to clean properly without damaging the texture material. As dust accumulates over several years, it can contribute to athsma attacks. It can also cause sinus and allergy issues. The unsightly dust can also make the space look and feel dirty or dingy.

How Do You Make Sure it is Safe to Remove Popcorn Texture?

Before you remove popcorn texture from the ceiling, you must prepare. The first step is determining when the material was installed. If it was installed after 1980, you can probably start the removal process right away. However, an earlier install requires an asbestos test. If you are unsure of the installation date, err on the side of caution.

The Health Department in your area may have professionals available to perform the test for you. A second option is to hire popcorn texture removal professionals. Professionals who remove popcorn texture on a regular basis may have the knowledge and tools necessary to perform the asbestos test themselves. If not, they may know exactly which testing professional in the area to call. Therefore, they can potentially handle all aspects of the project for you.

What Do You Need to Know to Hire a Popcorn Texture Removal Service?

If you want to hire a professional removal service, the first thing you may wonder is how much it costs. The answer depends on the size and scope of the project. Prices vary, but the average cost in the United States for the removal of popcorn texture is $899 to $2,855 per project. Typically, it costs $1 to $2 for each square foot removed. You can compare rates of top removal services to find the best price.

The next issue is where to find a popcorn texture removal service. If you know someone locally who has hired such a service, you can get their recommendation. Otherwise, you may need to do some research into local popcorn texture removal services on your own. You can do so using the following resources:

Can You Remove Popcorn Texture Yourself?

It is possible to remove popcorn texture yourself, as long as you are sure it does not contain asbestos. However, the process is not easy. You must gather the proper materials, including a putty knife, eye protection, and plastic sheets. Then you must moisten the entire ceiling and scrape the bubbly, textured material off. Once that process is complete, you must clean the debris from the area. Then you can patch the ceiling and replace the popcorn texture with flat plaster and paint. Since it is such an involved process, it is often better to hire professionals who have experience with the entire process. They can often remove the popcorn texture more efficiently and already have the materials required to do so.