Question: Should I Remove an Acoustic Ceiling?
Costs of Acoustic Ceiling Removal
Spray textured acoustic or “popcorn” ceilings date your home and many people find them unappealing. Consequently, removing this type of finish might add value to your home.
Have professionals test the material before removal. If the ceiling material contains asbestos, then professionals that are certified to work with asbestos must do the removal. Professional removal can cost $1,200 per room or more.
If there is no asbestos and you do the work yourself, expect to spend $20-30 on cleaning materials, depending on the size of your ceiling.
Ceiling Maintenance
By Homeminders Expert - Jim Rooney
Unless you applied the material yourself, think twice before removing it. Acoustic ceiling spray might be masking another issue, such as persistent cracks caused by settling or other damage.
Acoustic ceilings have some positive aspects; they help deaden sounds to make rooms quieter. They are also very forgiving and easy to maintain. If you elect to keep the material in place, restore deteriorating sections with inexpensive patching compound.
If you absolutely can’t live with the ceiling, you can cover it up. Fasten some 3/8-in. drywall to the ceiling with 1-½-in. drywall screws, and finish the drywall as you wish. It costs 3/8-in. in height, but that is imperceptible.
Safety Tips
By Homeminders Expert - Roger Faris
If the popcorn ceiling is flaking, shedding dust, or otherwise deteriorating, it might be dangerous as well as unattractive. If the material was applied prior to 1980, it might contain asbestos and represent a hazard to your health. Take a small sample to a testing laboratory. Do not remove the ceiling yourself if you have asbestos. A certified asbestos professional must remove any asbestos material.
If you have determined that the material does not contain asbestos, you can remove it yourself. Keep the popcorn wet as you remove it to minimize dust. Also, wear a good quality respirator during removal. Be prepared for a lot of work to create a smooth, attractive ceiling.