#1 – Asthetics – The biggest reason to get rid of acoustic ceilings is that they just look terrible. Most people do not like the way popcorn ceilings look. In fact, this style is so disliked that in many cases it can bring down the value of a home, or even turn people away from buying it. This is especially true in more “trendy” cities or neighborhoods. Over the years, the ceiling will also become dusty and acquire stains which cannot be removed unless the entire ceiling is redone. Because the texture is difficult to paint over, some homes have color walls with white ceilings, which only emphasizes the ugliness of it. And if the owners do decide to paint, the fragile nature of the material limits the number of layers that can be coated on. Too much thick paint can weigh down the ceiling and cause parts of it to fall. The simple solution for a more versatile ceiling is to scrape off the surface of the popcorn ceiling and give it a smooth finish. This will give it a more appealing look that can more easily be changed according to taste.
#2 – Health – These types of ceilings are very dirty and dusty. Over years acoustic ceilings collect dust and dirt and there is no way to really clean it. Painting over it doesn’t clean it either, it helps trap dirt in and it starts building more and ruins the ceiling. The dust that collects can be inhaled by the inhabitants, causing health problems. Because the material these ceilings are made from is very fragile, every time it is disturbed, small particles are released into the air. This is not only a health threat, but can get your floors dirty as well. The only way to clean acoustic ceilings is to remove them and then you’re replacing it with something that’s not going to collect dust. So you’re taking a porous surface and turning it into a smooth, cleanable surface.
#3 – Allergies – Allergies go down substantially once the acoustic ceiling has been removed. Everything that you’ve been allergic to gets caught up in the acoustic and if you have allergens in your ceiling you can’t get away from it. Dust mites is the most common trigger of allergies, and it tends to get stuck in the nooks and crannies of the ceiling. Dusting or vacuuming can help, but is rarely completely efficient. And often times when attempting to clean, the surface is disturbed and particles are released into the air making matters worse. With a flat surface, you can rest easily knowing that allergens have one less place to hide.
#4 – Smells – Acoustic ceilings trap in smells were created because they absorb sound. Unfortunately, they also absorb smells. This can be particularly problematic in the kitchen where the ceiling is frequently exposed to an array of strong odors from cooking. Smoke and steam deliver the smells straight to the ceiling where it becomes trapped for a long time. Another big problem comes from people who smoke indoors. This not only gives the ceiling a disturbing smell, but an ugly yellow tint as well. Once smells get trapped there is really no way to get rid of them, except to get rid of the entire ceiling completely and give it a fresh finish.
#5 – Out Dated – Popcorn ceilings were popular in the 60′s and 70′s because of their noise reduction properties. But the truth is soft carpets and solid doors are much more effective, especially in single floor homes. Realizing this, people began opting for more modern styles. Since the 80′s, the vast majority of homes do not have popcorn ceilings. The stippled effect can look especially out of place if a home has had other renovations.