Popcorn ceilings, also known as acoustic ceilings, were born out of laziness due to being considered a budget-friendly shortcut and was especially popular from the 1930s to the 1990s. These eyesores are staples in many old apartment buildings and housing complexes as an attempt to cover up any imperfections – but, after time they collect dust, the craters create shadows and end up being a distraction, taking value away from the property itself. Today, the style is simply outdated, and most landlords and facility managers have them removed to increase market value and to attract and retain more tenants. HOAs should remove popcorn ceilings and replace them with something more appealing for these reasons:

They’re Out of Style By removing popcorn ceilings, you are increasing your property’s value and ridding it of the “outdated” look. Although a property’s overall condition and appearance will dictate the value more than a single item, Mike Ford, a general certified real estate appraiser, said, ” a freshly scraped ceiling may add zero value if the entire interior needs new paint and everything else is outdated.” Today’s renters much prefer the look of smooth ceilings and modern interiors, and by removing popcorn ceilings in your property, you are increasing the value of your facility and helping it rent faster. The sight of popcorn ceilings is a good indication that the property has not been updated in a while.

They Affect Interior Air Quality and Cleanliness Popcorn ceilings harbor a lot of dirt, dust, and other allergens that can negatively impact the air quality of a property, potentially resulting in asthma and allergy flare-ups. These lingering particles can get inhaled by occupants, which can lead to allergic responses and respiratory issues. Additionally, these particles and allergens, along with the textured material itself, will gradually fall down and cover the surface below, requiring frequent and constant maintenance. Unfortunately, cleaning a popcorn ceiling is challenging due to its texture, therefore, facility managers and landlords prefer smooth ceilings for their frequently used rooms and offices.

Asbestos is a Major Liability Popcorn ceilings were popular from the 1950s to the 1980s because it was an easy way for builders to hide imperfections. Unfortunately, this was the same time asbestos was a high-demand material in the United States. Asbestos is not dangerous if left undisturbed or contained. However, some landlords and facility managers may not want to run the risk at all, especially if their property was built before the 1980s, as the material increases a person’s risk of developing lung disease, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Landlords are generally liable for any asbestos-related harm that comes to tenants, so containment removal is crucial. To find out if your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos, you can purchase a test kit and send a sample of your popcorn ceiling to a lab or hire a professional.