Popcorn ceilings are a magnet for dust and dirt. They make the room look dingy and need to be cleaned. They also absorb paint and make it more difficult to keep them painted. Hiring professionals to remove your popcorn ceilings will save you time and money. They know the same precautions to protect you from toxic exposure during the process.

Safety

Professional services have the knowledge and experience to remove old popcorn ceilings without damaging drywall safely. It will avoid costly mistakes if you try to do the project yourself.

When removing popcorn ceilings, following safety precautions to prevent toxic dust from building up in your home is important. You should remove all furniture and light fixtures from the room you are working in. It is also advised to shut off the breaker box before starting the project. It will help to prevent electrical shock or fire. It is recommended to wear a mask while using a power sander or any other power tool that may produce dust that can irritate your lungs. Testing your old popcorn ceiling for asbestos before proceeding with the project is a good idea if it has been painted. Many overlook this step and end up with a mess professionals can’t fix. Professional popcorn ceiling removal services ensure that your ceiling is tested and any asbestos is removed before the process starts. It will also guarantee that cracks or gouges are filled and the surface is smooth before painting.

Experience

Removing popcorn ceilings takes a lot of work, leaving it a project to professional contractors. It is especially true if your home has many rooms with these ceilings. Removing these ceilings yourself can lead to major damage requiring expensive repair and reconstruction work. Besides being time-consuming and hard, removing popcorn ceilings can harm your health. Popcorn ceilings are often made with asbestos, which is toxic when inhaled and can cause various health problems, including mesothelioma. If you decide to remove your old popcorn ceilings, testing them for asbestos first is important. It can be done by spraying water on a small ceiling area and waiting for 2-3 minutes to see if it soaks in. If the material does not soak in, it is not asbestos and can be removed safely. If you hire a contractor to perform the job, you should check for proper licensing and insurance coverage before hiring them. It will ensure they have the experience and knowledge to complete the work safely and efficiently. It is also a good idea to ask for references and check reviews to find a reputable contractor that will do an excellent job. A good contractor will also have a surety bond to cover damages and other financial issues that may arise during the project.

Time

It is not uncommon for homeowners to assume they can save money by removing popcorn ceilings themselves. Still, the reality is that this is a much more time-consuming project than many people expect. It is especially true if the textured material contains asbestos, which requires special safety procedures and training to remove it safely. Removing popcorn ceilings involves spraying the ceiling with water, letting it soak for about 20 minutes, and then scraping off the texture. It is recommended that furniture be moved out of the room before starting this work so it does not get wet or damaged, and electrical fixtures such as recessed lights should be turned off to avoid accidentally spraying them with water. Covering the floors with plastic sheeting or tarps is also a good idea to protect them from dust and debris. Homeowners must consider a DIY popcorn ceiling removal job and know it can take a full day to clear a single room of the texture and paint. This task should only be attempted by a homeowner who has the time to devote to it and knows what they are doing. It is also not recommended that this type of work be done in a home built before 1979, as it is common for the drywall and paint used to contain asbestos, which can cause lung problems if it becomes airborne.

Money

Removing a popcorn ceiling and repainting is a major expense. However, if you plan to sell your home shortly, removing this outdated texture can increase your chances of a quick sale and help you recoup your costs. A professional contractor will charge a flat rate to remove the texture and either retexture or repaint. The price will be higher if there are any other repairs required. Heavier surfaces or ceilings with multiple coats of paint can also require additional labor to remove. Another consideration is if your house contains asbestos, which can be expensive to remove and test. You should hire a qualified asbestos testing company. These professionals will use a special air sampler to assess whether the house contains asbestos. This service will cost around $100 for the tester kit and a lab fee to process the results. Depending on the scope of the job, you can expect this project to take up to a day. You will likely be unable to use the room while the work is taking place, so it is important to make arrangements elsewhere. The result may be messy, so you should prepare by removing furniture and covering floors with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. You will also want to turn off electricity in the room(s) and cover any recessed lighting or fans.