Lumps, Popcorn Ceiling Removal & Shade Lines – Tips & Solutions

Common ceiling treatments include popcorn ceiling removal, treatment of shadow lines at joints, treatment of dark areas, and others. Some of these treatments can be tackled with DIY efforts. Learning the difference between various treatments allows owners to gain a better insight into what is required of them.

Seal shadow lines

Drywall ceilings can develop lines on their surfaces. This problem occurs due to a lack of insulation on top of the joists. The caps of the joists are exposed to low winter temperatures. Wooden beams are not effective insulators and there is a difference in temperature between adjoining parts of the ceiling. The difference helps create the appearance of lines. Condensation occurs due to the lower temperature: dirt and mold get trapped in these wet spots and shadow lines are produced.

There are solutions even for problems that seem as insurmountable as this one. Homeowners can address this issue. A special paint can be applied to the ceiling and then the insulation on the joists can be repaired. This insulation must fill the spaces between the joists in addition to covering the wooden caps that were previously left uncovered.

This treatment, while complicated, may seem less daunting than the task of popcorn ceiling removal (cottage cheese or acoustic ceiling removal), which may include testing the surface with the help of a lab and then contacting a removal company of asbestos in case the samples prove dangerous.

bulge in plaster ceiling

Older homes with plaster ceilings can have bulges that homeowners are concerned about. In older homes, plaster was applied over metal, wood, or plaster lath to coat walls and ceilings. Vibrations and water damage to the ceiling can interact with substances applied in the plastering process. Gypsum sheathing layers can cause the gypsum to dislodge from structures within the surface, causing a bulge. Lack of heating can cause even the finish coat to create sags in the wall.

There are two repair methods available. The DIY method of applying drywall washers may appeal to homeowners who want to avoid the cost of the alternative: contacting a drywall contractor. Valuable Resources point out an important difference between a drywall contractor and a drywall contractor, indicating that choosing the wrong repair business is a common mistake.

Obviously, the DIY method could involve steps beyond those involved in popcorn ceiling removal. However, if a contractor is involved, popcorn ceiling removal could still amount to more errand work for the homeowner than this treatment would create.