Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Twin Cities MN - Dangers, Process & Cost

Dangers of Popcorn Ceilings and Why To Remove Them

Popcorn ceilings, also known as acoustic or textured ceilings, were very popular in homes built between the 1950s and 1980s. The texture was created by spraying a coat of dry compound over the ceiling surface. While visually interesting, popcorn ceilings can pose some health and safety risks.

Asbestos Contamination

One major concern with older popcorn ceilings is potential asbestos contamination. Asbestos fibers were commonly mixed into ceiling textures before the risks were fully understood. When old brittle ceiling material starts flaking off, it can release asbestos fibers into the air. Inhaling these microscopic fibers can lead to lung diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

The only way to know if your ceilings contain asbestos is to take a sample and have it lab tested. If results come back positive, specialized removal by a licensed abatement company is highly recommended. Attempting a DIY removal on popcorn ceilings with asbestos puts you and your family at risk.

Falling Debris

Over time, popcorn ceilings start drying out and loosening from the substrate. Pieces can unexpectedly fall from the ceiling, especially if there is excess humidity or roof leakage present. Large falling pieces pose an injury risk to building occupants. Additionally, falling ceiling debris makes a huge mess requiring cleanup.

Even if your ceiling is not currently showing signs of deterioration, there is no predicting when issues might start. Pre-emptively removing and replacing risky ceilings eliminates safety issues in the future.

Allergens and Irritants

When popcorn ceilings start shedding particles into the air, it can worsen allergies and respiratory issues like asthma. Some people also speculate trace amounts of vaporized paint in old texture mixes caused irritation for sensititve individuals. Those with environmental allergies often report symptom relief after switching to a smooth ceiling.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Process

Homeowners have a few different options when it comes to removing popcorn ceilings:

Skim Coating

Skim coating involves leaving the existing texture in place and applying a smooth coat of drywall joint compound over the surface. While sometimes less expensive upfront, this adds more weight to the ceiling and still leaves old texture material underneath. Cracks or imperfections may eventually show through the skim coat as the building shifts and settles over time.

Scraping

Using a wide drywall knife, scrapers can chip away at the heavy texture to remove it. This dusty process is labor intensive and time consuming. Special breathing and eye protection is necessary when scraping to avoid inhaling or getting debris in eyes. Complete removal is difficult, often leaving uneven spots requiring extensive re-finishing. For asbestos-containing ceilings, scraping should be avoided.

Professional Removal

The most effective and thorough way to eliminate popcorn ceiling texture is hiring a professional removal company. Experts have industrial vacuums with HEPA filters to safely contain dust and particles during work. After testing and assessing the ceiling material, they use solutions to soften and separate the texture for removal by scraping tools or pressure washing.

Ceilings are prepped for resurfacing once cleared of old texture. Smooth drywall finish options like California knockdown, orange peel, or skip trowel textures can be applied. New ceiling coatings brighten up rooms and have seamless uniform finishes. Turnaround time tends to be quicker compared to DIY removal methods.

Cost of Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Twin Cities Metro

On average, popcorn ceiling removal costs $2-4 per square foot depending on factors like:

• Ceiling height/accessibility
• Amount of decorative trim/light fixtures
• Asbestos testing needs
• Repairing water damaged areas
• Type of ceiling re-finish applied
• Amount of drywall repairs/replacement

Expect to pay around $600 to remove texture from a 12'x12' bedroom ceiling. Larger open concept living rooms may run closer to $1200 or more. Many companies provide free estimates to survey the ceiling area and scope of work needed.

Asbestos Testing and Removal

If asbestos is discovered in your ceilings, abatement costs are considerably higher due to regulated disposal processes. Testing through a lab typically runs $40-75 per sample. Depending on ceiling square footage, asbestos removal and disposal expenses fall anywhere from $8-15 per square foot.

Keep in mind, disturbance of asbestos without proper handling can result in large fines from the EPA. Only trained professionals should test and remove asbestos containing materials.

Find a Popcorn Ceiling Removal Contractor

When selecting a contractor, here are a few key qualifications to look for:

• Licensed and fully insured
• Excellent customer reviews
• Experience handling both asbestos and non-asbestos ceilings
• Strong attention to safety protocols
• Provides smooth ceiling finishing options

The best popcorn ceiling removal contractors will properly protect your home, keep work areas clean, minimize disruption to normal routines, and deliver beautiful renovated ceilings you can enjoy without worry.

Removing dated, hazardous popcorn ceilings can boost aesthetics and safety for Minneapolis, St Paul, and Twin Cities suburban homes. Reach out to reputable local contractors to get an affordable quote for your ceiling refresh project today!

FAQs

Does my popcorn ceiling contain asbestos?

The only way to know for sure is to collect a small sample and send it to a lab for testing. Asbestos was commonly added to spray-on ceiling textures prior to the 1980s before health risks were fully recognized. Testing each ceiling is the best way to determine if hazardous asbestos is present before proceeding with removal.

How long does popcorn ceiling removal take?

The timeline can range from 1-4 days depending on ceiling area and complexity. Factors impacting turnaround time include ceiling height, amount of fixtures/vents, drywall repairs needed, and type of refinishing texture applied after popcorn removal. Professional full-service contractors tend to work much faster than DIY methods.

Can I remove popcorn ceiling myself?

While it's possible for motivated DIYers toremove their own popcorn ceiling, the process is extremely messy, labor intensive, and potentially dangerous. Special breathing equipment is imperative when scraping to avoid inhaling particles. Additionally demolition debris must be carefully contained and disposed of according to local regulations, especially if asbestos is present.

What are signs my ceiling needs removal?

Flaking material, falling pieces, cracks, moisture damage/stains, or sagging areas indicate a ceiling in distress. Popcorn ceilings become more brittle and prone to issues as time passes. Noticing allergy/asthma symptom relief when away from home can also signify problems with old ceiling texture. Addressing problems early on limits further water intrusion or safety hazards.