As homeowners in Western North Carolina seek to modernize their living spaces, Drywall Asheville is raising awareness about the potential health risks associated with removing outdated popcorn ceilings, especially in homes built before the 1980s. The locally owned company, led by owner Daniel Reyes, provides comprehensive drywall services, including installation, repair, ceiling restoration, and painting across Asheville, Hendersonville, Weaverville, and Black Mountain.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that asbestos may be present in textured paint and patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints in older homes. The use of these materials was not banned until 1977. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials through scraping or sanding can release fibers into the air, which, when inhaled, increase the risk of serious diseases. For residents of historic neighborhoods like Montford and Biltmore Forest, where many homes retain their original textured ceilings, this is a pressing concern.
“Many of the beautiful, historic homes still have their original textured ceilings,” said Reyes. “Homeowners want that texture gone because it looks dated and traps dust, but taking a scraper to a ceiling built in the 1970s without testing it first is incredibly dangerous. Our priority is to modernize the home while keeping the family completely safe.”
Drywall Asheville emphasizes that popcorn ceiling removal is not a simple DIY project. The company follows a meticulous, dust-controlled process. For homes built before 1979, proper asbestos testing is conducted before any work begins. Once cleared, the team uses heavy-duty plastic sheeting, professional-grade dust containment systems, and HEPA air scrubbers to minimize airborne particles while the texture is carefully moistened and scraped away.
Beyond aesthetic updates, the company frequently addresses structural drywall issues exacerbated by the region's humid subtropical climate. Seasonal moisture fluctuations often cause older drywall seams to crack and ceiling textures to bubble or stain. For drywall repair in Asheville, NC, Drywall Asheville uses moisture meters to assess underlying conditions before removing damaged sections. The team then applies moisture-resistant board and blends the new texture or smooth finish to make the repair virtually invisible.
For new construction or remodeling projects, proper installation is crucial. Drywall Asheville provides full-service hanging, taping, and finishing to Level 5 perfection for drywall installation in Asheville. The team ensures every panel is securely fastened and structurally sound, preventing nail pops and seam cracks common in rushed installations.
“We treat every home like it is our own, which means we don't cut corners on prep work, dust containment, or the final finish,” Reyes added. “Whether we are patching a small hole or skimming an entire house to remove popcorn texture, our goal is to leave the home cleaner and more beautiful than we found it.”
Homeowners are encouraged to schedule a professional evaluation before attempting any textured ceiling removal or significant water damage repair. Drywall Asheville offers free, fast-response quotes and can be contacted online or by calling 828-761-0913. For more information, visit https://www.ashevilledrywall.com/.
