It’s no secret that popcorn ceilings have fallen out of favour in recent years. Though they were once popular, more and more homeowners in the Greater Victoria Area are choosing professional popcorn ceiling removal services. This could be due to changing tastes in aesthetics, home maintenance work, or even health reasons.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not your home’s ceilings need a makeover, take a look at these five clues. You may be surprised by what you find!
Your home was built before 1979.
If your home was built before 1979, we’d like to bet there are a few rooms with popcorn ceilings! However, it is not necessarily the age of the ceiling that is cause for concern; it’s because there’s a chance it contains asbestos.
Before 1979, the chemical known as asbestos was considered safe and a commonly used building material. Asbestos was used in Canadian homes to insulate, add fire resistance properties to walls, and reduce noise. Knowing why builders once used asbestos in residential homes, it’s easy to understand why they would mix asbestos into a popcorn ceiling treatment!
However, we now know that asbestos harms your health, which is why many homeowners choose to have it removed.
Asbestos Popcorn Ceilings – Let the Pros Handle It!
While asbestos is only harmful when airborne, it’s still a good idea to have a professional remove any popcorn ceilings in your home that may contain the substance.
If you live in an older home in Victoria and are concerned about asbestos, we recommend having your popcorn ceiling tested. If asbestos is found, the best course of action is usually to have the entire ceiling removed and replaced.
You can’t stand the sight of a popcorn ceiling.
Popcorn ceilings are an acquired taste, to say the least. If you look up at your ceilings and can’t stand their sight, it might be time for a change. After all, if you have an unsightly ceiling, it could be the first thing people see when they enter your home.
Having trusted locally based experts remove and remediate your popcorn-style ceiling surfaces will help create a welcoming experience for you, your guests and your family.
Your Allergies Are Acting Up
Suppose you’ve noticed that your allergies seem to be acting up more since moving into a home with popcorn ceilings. In that case, they may be the source of the problematic allergens. The ceiling’s rough texture and bumpy surface give dust and other common allergens a place to settle in and get stuck. This same texture that traps unwanted particles is also challenging to clean.
Allergens that can get stuck in a popcorn ceiling include:
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- House dust mites
- Mould spores
- Cooking odours
If you or someone in your family has allergies or chronic respiratory conditions, you may consider removing the popcorn ceiling to help alleviate symptoms.
Allergy-Friendly Ceiling Styles
Ceiling styles that are flat, smooth and have minimal bumps or rough texture should help your family lower their exposure to allergens. If you’re concerned about airborne allergens, we recommend a ceiling style that can combat those concerns.
It should be a style that is easy to clean, doesn’t easily collect dust, and is treated with an allergy-friendly coating, such as mould-resistant paint.
A few trendy and allergy-friendly ceiling styles we recommend include:
- Smooth, painted
- Tiled
- Wallpapered
The Ceiling Is Cracking
Another clue that your home’s ceilings need a makeover is if they’re starting to crack and flake. Ceiling cracks are typically caused by age and normal settling processes. Still, they can also signal something problematic is lurking above.
The best way to tell if a crack is a simple maintenance issue or indicative of major concern is to consult with drywall repair experts in your area.
However, cracks usually worsen over time—so if you see one in your home, it’s best to take care of it sooner rather than later.
You’re Selling Your Home Soon
If you’re planning on selling your home soon, removing your popcorn ceiling is a great way to increase its value to potential buyers. Creating a fresh, welcoming and up-to-date atmosphere will demonstrate to buyers the home is both beautiful and well-maintained.
And, while most sellers will paint a property’s interior walls before selling, the ceilings are often overlooked. Removing old popcorn ceiling material and remediating decades-old ceilings will help your property stand out when it’s time to list it on the housing market.
Ready to Hire Popcorn Ceiling Removal Experts?
If you’re ready to let go of popcorn ceilings and invest in your home’s future, be sure to involve the help of popcorn ceiling removal experts. In the Greater Victoria Area, the team at Finest Finish can help update your home’s ceilings safely and with meticulous attention. Not only will we improve the look of your home, but we can help create a healthier living environment for you and your family. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
