Acoustic tile ceilings are fairly easy to remove
An acoustic ceiling is an architectural element that helps to minimize noise levels within a space by absorbing and blocking sound. It is available in both sprayed and tile versions. Sprayed acoustic ceilings can make a home look dated, while tiled versions lower the height of a room. Fortunately, both types of acoustic ceiling are fairly simple to remove, though they each require hard work and proper planning.
Preparation
Before you try to remove a popcorn ceiling, determine when it was installed. Ceilings installed before 1980 may contain asbestos, a hazardous substance, which can cause serious respiratory diseases if released into the air. If your ceiling was built before 1980, do not attempt to remove it without consulting an asbestos abatement contractor. There is no safe way to perform this task without using highly specialized equipment, and it is illegal to remove asbestos on your own in many states. If your home was built after 1980, you can safely remove these ceilings without fear of asbestos.
Removing Popcorn Ceilings
To remove a sprayed acoustic ceiling, often known as a popcorn or orange peel ceiling, start by protecting the room from dust and damage. Cover walls and floors with sheets of plastic taped together tightly at the seams. Add a second layer of plastic to receptacles and air vents.
Use a spray bottle or garden hose to spray water on your ceiling and saturate the finish. Allow the water to soak in for a few minutes, then use a putty knife to scrape away the acoustic covering until you reach the drywall below. Try to avoid damaging the drywall as you work. Repeat this process until all material has been removed. Finish by patching and sanding the drywall to create a smooth surface, then paint as desired.
Remove an Acoustic Tile Ceiling
Acoustic tile ceilings are made from metal grid and gypsum tiles. Start by pressing the tiles up into the grid so you can tilt and remove them. Turn off the electricity, then disconnect and remove any light fixtures in the ceiling. Cap any wires with wire nuts for safety. Cut the wires that are holding the tee's (short metal sections) of the grid in place, then unsnap each section of grid from the mains (longer metal sections). Cut and remove any existing wires then remove the mains. Unscrew the fasteners that were used to hold the wires to the ceiling, and use a hammer or pry bar to remove ceiling molding from around the perimeter of the room. Sand and paint the ceiling to complete the project.
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