Drywall Installation & Repair
Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Acoustic ceilings date a house and collect dust. We remove them once testing confirms they are safe to disturb, then skim, texture and paint the ceiling.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Popcorn or acoustic ceilings were sprayed onto ceilings in many homes built from the 1950s through the 1980s. They hid imperfections and dampened sound, and today they make a room look dated, catch dust and cobwebs, and are hard to clean or repair. Removing them is one of the most noticeable upgrades you can make to an older house.
Before any scraping, the texture has to be tested. Some acoustic ceiling materials from that era contain asbestos, and scraping them releases fibers into the house. Testing is inexpensive and fast compared with the cost of getting it wrong.
Test first
A certified laboratory analyzes a small sample of the ceiling texture. If no asbestos is found, removal can proceed as normal construction work. If asbestos is present, it must be removed by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor following state and federal rules, and we finish the ceiling after the abatement is complete and cleared.
Sample
A small sample taken from each texture type in the house.
Lab results
Analysis by a certified lab, usually within a few days.
Next step
Standard removal if clear; licensed abatement if asbestos is found.
Removal and refinishing
The room is emptied or furniture is covered, floors and walls are protected with plastic, and the electrical to ceiling fixtures is made safe. The texture is wetted and scraped off. Some ceilings were painted, which makes scraping harder. Then comes the part that decides how the ceiling looks: repairing gouges, retaping seams and skim coating so the surface is flat.
The new finish can be smooth, which shows every flaw and needs the most prep, or a light texture like orange peel or knockdown that hides minor imperfections. Primer and paint finish the job.
Good time for lighting changes
With the ceiling being refinished anyway, it is the ideal time to add recessed lighting, move fixtures or add a ceiling fan. The holes and wiring are hidden in the new finish. California's energy code requires high-efficacy lighting in remodeled spaces, and LED recessed lights meet it.
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Update the ceilings safely
We will arrange testing, then remove and refinish the ceilings and give you a written price.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal: FAQs
How do I know if my popcorn ceiling has asbestos?
Only a lab test can tell you. Homes with acoustic ceilings applied before the 1980s are the most likely to contain it, but age alone is not proof either way. A small sample sent to a certified lab gives a clear answer, usually within a few days.
How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost?
It depends on square footage, ceiling height, whether the texture was painted, the finish you want afterward and whether asbestos abatement is needed. Smooth finishes need more skim coating than textured ones. We price it after seeing the rooms and the test results.
Can I stay home while the ceiling is removed?
You can usually stay in the house, but not in the rooms being worked on. Scraping and sanding are messy, and we seal off the work area with plastic. If asbestos abatement is needed, the abatement contractor will set their own requirements for occupancy during that work.
Should the new ceiling be smooth or textured?
A smooth ceiling looks clean and modern but needs more preparation, because every seam and bump shows. A light orange peel or knockdown texture hides minor imperfections and costs less to finish. We can show you both on a test area.