The Top 5 Reasons to Remove Your Acoustic Ceiling

The Top 5 Reasons to Remove Your Acoustic Ceiling.

#1 – Asthetics – The biggest reason to get rid of acoustic ceilings is that they just look terrible. Most people do not like the way popcorn ceilings look. In fact, this style is so disliked that in many cases it can bring down the value of a home, or even turn people away from buying it. This is especially true in more “trendy” cities or neighborhoods. Over the years, the ceiling will also become dusty and acquire stains which cannot be removed unless the entire ceiling is redone. Because the texture is difficult to paint over, some homes have color walls with white ceilings, which only emphasizes the ugliness of it. And if the owners do decide to paint, the fragile nature of the material limits the number of layers that can be coated on. Too much thick paint can weigh down the ceiling and cause parts of it to fall. The simple solution for a more versatile ceiling is to scrape off the surface of the popcorn ceiling and give it a smooth finish. This will give it a more appealing look that can more easily be changed according to taste.

#2 – Health – These types of ceilings are very dirty and dusty. Over years acoustic ceilings collect dust and dirt and there is no way to really clean it. Painting over it doesn’t clean it either, it helps trap dirt in and it starts building more and ruins the ceiling. The dust that collects can be inhaled by the inhabitants, causing health problems. Because the material these ceilings are made from is very fragile, every time it is disturbed, small particles are released into the air. This is not only a health threat, but can get your floors dirty as well. The only way to clean acoustic ceilings is to remove them and then you’re replacing it with something that’s not going to collect dust. So you’re taking a porous surface and turning it into a smooth, cleanable surface.

#3 – Allergies – Allergies go down substantially once the acoustic ceiling has been removed. Everything that you’ve been allergic to gets caught up in the acoustic and if you have allergens in your ceiling you can’t get away from it. Dust mites is the most common trigger of allergies, and it tends to get stuck in the nooks and crannies of the ceiling. Dusting or vacuuming can help, but is rarely completely efficient. And often times when attempting to clean, the surface is disturbed and particles are released into the air making matters worse. With a flat surface, you can rest easily knowing that allergens have one less place to hide.

#4 – Smells – Acoustic ceilings trap in smells were created because they absorb sound. Unfortunately, they also absorb smells. This can be particularly problematic in the kitchen where the ceiling is frequently exposed to an array of strong odors from cooking. Smoke and steam deliver the smells straight to the ceiling where it becomes trapped for a long time. Another big problem comes from people who smoke indoors. This not only gives the ceiling a disturbing smell, but an ugly yellow tint as well. Once smells get trapped there is really no way to get rid of them, except to get rid of the entire ceiling completely and give it a fresh finish.

#5 – Out Dated – Popcorn ceilings were popular in the 60′s and 70′s because of their noise reduction properties. But the truth is soft carpets and solid doors are much more effective, especially in single floor homes. Realizing this, people began opting for more modern styles.  Since the 80′s, the vast majority of homes do not have popcorn ceilings. The stippled effect can look especially out of place if a home has had other renovations.

System 1 provides acoustic ceiling removal in hundreds of cities across Southern California including Alhambra, Aliso Viejo, Alta Dena, Alta Loma, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Arcadia,  and Arleta.  To get your acoustic ceiling removed contact Richard McKinnon from System 1 at (800) 698-4410 today!

Nick Villareal Recommends System 1 for Popcorn Ceiling Removal

We have added another satisfied customer to our list.  We want to thank Nick Villareal for leaving a recommendation on our Facebook page.  We recently removed the acoustic ceiling in Nick’s home and he was thrilled with our service.  Here is what he had to say:

“(J)ust had some work done at the house removing all the popcorn ceiling, the work was excellent and professional, we definitely recommend them to anyone who needs this service.  Thank you Richard and crew.”

We pride ourselves in our professional service and our commitment to quality.  If you would like to have the popcorn ceiling removed from your home please contact Richard McKinnon at (800) 698 – 4410.

System 1 has removed acoustic ceilings in Southern California for the past 30 years.  They have removed acoustic ceilings in Fontana, Fountain Valley, Malibu, Duarte, Baldwin Park, La Mirada, Whittier, Reseda, Northridge and about one hundred other cities in Southern California.

Sandra Oh Recommends System 1 for Acoustic Ceiling Removal

We posted our last blog article, Can Acoustic Ceiling Be Removed in One Day?, and Sandra Oh, one of our Facebook followers responded with the following:

“It’s true! Another company said the job would take one week, if I moved out, and three weeks, if I chose to remain at home. System 1 removed the acoustic ceiling in one day…I even slept at home that night. No mess…the crew actually arrived early…they stayed until they finished…they cleaned up everything. Stellar organization!”

- Satisfied Customer Sandra Oh

Thank you Sandra for the wonderful comment.  It was a pleasure working with you.  We are glad you were able to stay in your home and would love to perform the same service for home-owners who want to get their acoustic ceiling removed.

Thousands of customers from cities across Southern California have had similar experiences when they decided to get their acoustic (popcorn) ceiling removed by System 1.  If you want the acoustic ceiling removed and you want it done right, contact Richard McKinnon at (800) 698 – 4410.

System 1 provides acoustic ceiling removal in Gardena, Redlands, Santa Ana, Lakewood, Lawndale, Hawthorne, Monterrey Park, Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, Rialto and hundreds of other cities across Southern California.  Call them today!

Can Acoustic Ceiling Be Removed in One Day?

One Day, No Mess

Many people put off getting the acoustic ceiling removed in their home because they think they will have to move out of there home since it will likely take more than a day.

Having been in business for more than 30 years, System 1 has perfected the process of removing acoustic ceiling from your home.

More than 90% of the homes we work on can be completed in less than a day which means you do not have to leave your home.

If you want to experience quality, cleanliness and professionalism, choose System 1 to remove the acoustic ceiling from your home.

System 1 removes popcorn ceilings from homes in cities like Arcadia, Ladera Heights, San Pedro, Arleta, Sherman Oaks, Flintridge, La Canada, La Crescenta, Venice Beach, Venice and more than 100 cities across Southern California.  Contact Richard McKinnon at (800) 698 – 4410.

Do We Charge By the Square Foot for Acoustic Ceiling Removal?

Popcorn Ceiling Removal

When customers call they often think we can give them an estimate based on the square footage of their home, but this is not the case.

Every home is different.

When we come to your home we give you a customized estimate for your home for free.  We need to determine whether your home uses plaster or drywall, because they are completely different jobs.  The height of the ceiling is also a factor when determining how much a job will cost.

Many companies often give quotes over the phone and will offer an unrealistically low price so you will have them come to your home only for them to tell you they need to raise the prices.  At System 1, we provide free personalized in-home estimates, so you know up front how much getting the acoustic ceiling removed from your home will cost.

“The only time we don’t have to see a job is a if they say it’s a one bedroom apartment with a low ceiling,” said System 1 President Richard McKinnon.

System 1 has been removing acoustic ceiling for more than 30 years in Gardena, Redlands, Santa Ana, Lakewood, Lawndale, Hawthorne, Monterrey Park, Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights and more than 100 other cities across Southern California.  For your free, in-home estimate contact System 1 President Richard McKinnon at (800) 698 – 4410.

How Do We Remove Acoustic (Popcorn) Ceiling From Your Home? | System 1′s Quality Acoustic Ceiling Removal Process

How does acoustic (popcorn) ceiling removal work?  What steps are involved in the process?  How do you protect my home? 

People who make the decision to get the acoustic ceiling removed in their home often ask these questions.  With more than 30 years of experience, System 1 has fine-tuned the process of acoustic ceiling removal giving our customers the best value and the best product in the acoustic (popcorn) ceiling removal business.  Upon entering your home we apply the following steps to ensure the utmost in quality, cleanliness and professionalism when removing your acoustic ceiling.

Prior to any work we do in the home we ask the homewoners to remove any small breakables off the tops of tables, dressers and chairs.  The big furniture can stay in the home, but all the little things should be secure and out of the way. 

The big bulky pieces of furniture, things like china cabinets, we don’t move.  The only things we move are tables/chairs and similar items away from the middle of the room so we can have space to work. 

A common misconception many homeowners have is they think we want all the large pieces of furniture in the center of the room, like when you paint the wall, but we want it on the sides.  It’s easier for us to drape the protective plastice over the furniture more effectively when it is on the sides rather than in the middle.  Also, we need space in the middle of the room to work.  It’s easy for us to reach the corners over the large pieces of furniture when the furniture is on the sides of the room. 

If you have the type of home with a big back yard and a patio, we move as much stuff as we can onto the patio.  In an apartment or condo where that may not be possible we move those items into the kitchen since typically there is no acoustic (popcorn) ceiling in the kitchen.

After the furnitures is properly placed, we lay extremely thick plastic along the entire surface of the floor.  The thick plastic covers the floor and goes up the wall two to three feet around the perimeter of the room.  We then lay thin plastic covering the area from the ceiling to the floor along the wall.  A typical ceiling is 8 feet.  The plastic we use from the ceiling is 12 feet long giving your home an extra 6 feet of protection.  

In order to make a mess, someone would have to physically pick up the plastic from the wall and throw the excess acoustic material behind the plastic.  We have a failproof plan to ensure no mess is ever left behind one of our homes.

After we lay the plastic, we look for ceiling fans and light fixtures.  Many companies fail to remove the acoustic (popcorn) ceiling from the areas covered by ceiling fans and light fixtures, but we put in the extra effort to make sure all the acoustic is removed from the interior of your home.  

The entire home is encapsulated in plastic from top to bottom.  The only thing that’s exposed is the ceiling.  System 1 President, Richard McKinnon said, “We could walk in there with a firehouse and go crazy and nothing would get damaged because it’s completely and thoroughly wrapped in plastic.  Keeping our customers’ homes protected is our top priority.”

We come in with a light-duty hose and we mist some water on the acoustic to make the material wet and soft so there is no airborn dust or particles.  This makes it easier to take off the acoustic material cleanly.  

A lot of companies spray too much water which leaves a lot of residue and results in an unsatisfactory final product.  We wet it just enough to make sure it absorbs all of the water like a sponge, but doesn’t wet the dry wall underneath it. 

After Removing the Acoustic, We Apply Texture to Your New Ceiling

The acoustic ceiling turns into a type of sludge, like “cottage cheese.”  We scrape all of the acoustic extremely clean to where all you see is clean drywall, seams and nail holes.  We coat all of the seams and nail holes.  If there are bad tape joints, we fix them with mesh tape so they’re strong and will never go bad. 

We coat the ceiling so that it is “as smooth as glass” using a fast drying light weight compound made for coating joints and after that we coat it again.  This is something that only our company does.  Other companies don’t do this process because it’s like adding another 20 % more labor to the job . . . another 2 hours.  We always do it.  This is one of the reasons we’re the best.  Our attention to detail and our pursuit of perfection have made our brand synonymous with excellence.  

Depending on the type of texture the customer chooses we either apply a texture by hand or spray a texture.  Our most popular texture is “Light Cloud” which we apply by hand.  Applying texture is basically an art form.  When we complete a project, “It truly looks like you had an artist come in and smooth your ceilings out,”  Richard said.  All of the texturing we do is the same price so customers get our variety of skills and talents and they get them at the same price.

Call Richard McKinnon for a free estimate – (800) 698 – 4410.

System 1 has removed acoustic (popcorn) ceilings and painted homes in Phillips Ranch, Pomona, Cerritos, Cypress, Seal Beach, Rossmoor, Los Alamitos, Norco, Alta Loma, Mira Loma and 100 more cities across Southern California for the past 30 years.

Choose System 1 to Remove Your Acoustic Ceiling . . . You Won’t Regret It!

Several years ago, Richard McKinnon gave an estimate to a woman who lived in Los Alamitos.  The woman was referred to Richard by a neighbor who loved the quality work System 1 did when they removed the acoustic (popcorn) ceiling in her home. 

System 1 Can Remove Acoustic Ceilings from Any Home

The house was a large house and Richard explained to the woman it would be a large project and would take a full day with a full crew.  He gave her the best price he could possibly give her.  She said she would be in touch . . . She never called, but Richard eventually ran into her again.

Three or four months after the original estimate, Richard headed back to Los Alamitos again.  He recognized the street name and realized the new estimate was just a few doors down from the woman he had not heard back from months ago.  System 1 began working on that home shortly thereafter.

When the job was completed, the woman called Richard to let him know what a great job System 1 had done on their acoustic (popcorn) ceiling removal.  The woman said, “Richard, you guys did a beautiful job on my ceiling.  The guys were clean.  They were here on time.  They were even waiting outside before they were supposed to start and rung the doorbell at exactly 7 O’Clock.  Very rarely does a contractor we hire show up on time.  I can’t think of anything bad to say about your crew.  Everything looked exactly how you said it was going to be.  It was an easy, painless process and we are absolutely ecstatic.” 

The reason she called; however, wasw to let Richard know why she chose System 1.  She chose System 1 because her neighbor, the original one in the story, decided to go with another company because it was $200 less then what Richard had quoted her months ago . . . and she regretted her decision.

Richard went to see the job the other company had done on the home because the original woman wanted to see how much it would cost to fix the shoddy work of the other company.  Unfortunately, Richard told her, it costs more to redo the acoustic ceiling once it has been done because they have to go over everything rather than just a few patches. 

The original woman in the story regretted her decision to use someone other than System 1 for their acoustic ceiling removal.  Time and time again System 1 has proven it is the most capable, competent, clean, professional company in the business.  Make sure you make the right choice when choosing who you want to have working in your home . . . make sure you choose System 1.

System 1 provides acoustic ceiling removal and painting services in Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Hollywood, North Hollywood, West Hollywood, Sun Valley, Sunland, Calabasas, Encino and hundreds of others across Southern California.  Call Richard McKinnon today for a FREE estimate – (800) 698 – 4410.

Happy Thanksgiving to the System 1 Family

At this time of Thanksgiving, we at System 1 would like to thank our customers.  For over 30 years we have provided acoustic ceiling removal (popcorn ceiling removal) in thousands of homes across Southern California.  We truly want to thank every single one of you for allowing us to enter your homes and make you feel better about the place you live.

Happy Thanksgiving from System 1

We have improved the homes of people in:

  • Torrance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes
  • Palos Verdes
  • Palos Verdes Estates
  • Rolling Hills
  • Rolling Hills Estates
  • Carson
  • Lomita
  • Huntington Beach
  • Newport Beach
  • Irvine
  • Mission Viejo
  • Laguna Hills
  • Long Beach
  • Marina Del Rey
  • Playa Del Rey
  • Westchester
  • Westminster
  • Los Angeles
  • Westwood
  • Redondo Beach
  • Manhattan Beach
  • Garden Grove
  • Orange
  • Tustin
  • Aliso Viejo
  • Rancho Cucamonga
  • Chino Hills
  • Chino
  • Anaheim
  • Anaheim Hills
  • Yorba Linda
  • Fullerton
  • La Habra
  • La Habra Heights
  • Brea
  • Riverside
  • Corona
  • Moreno Valley
  • Upland
  • Claremont
  • Montclair
  • Ontario
  • La Verne
  • Walnut
  • Diamond Bar
  • Placentia
  • Covina
  • West Covina
  • Sierra Madre
  • Pasadena
  • Glendale
  • Burbank
  • Hollywood
  • North Hollywood
  • West Hollywood
  • Sun Valley
  • Sunland
  • Calabasas
  • Encino
  • Phillips Ranch
  • Pomona
  • Cerritos
  • Cypress
  • Seal Beach
  • Rossmoor
  • Los Alamitos
  • Norco
  • Alta Loma
  • Mira Loma
  • Alta Dena
  • Eagle Rock
  • Culver City
  • Santa Monica
  • Chatsworth
  • Northridge
  • Reseda
  • Whittier
  • La Mirada
  • Baldwin Park
  • Duarte
  • Malibu
  • Fountain Valley
  • Fontana
  • Rialto
  • Hacienda Heights
  • Rowland Heights
  • Monterrey Park
  • Hawthorne
  • Lawndale
  • Lakewood
  • Santa Ana
  • Redlands
  • Gardena
  • Venice
  • Venice Beach
  • La Crescenta
  • La Canada
  • Flintridge
  • Sherman Oaks
  • Arleta
  • San Pedro
  • Ladera Heights
  • Arcadia
  • Tarzana
  • San Bernardino
  • Colton
  • Villa Park
  • Mar Vista
  • Rosemead
  • Montebello
  • Alhambra
  • El Monte
  • Costa Mesa
  • Santa Fe Springs
  • Glendora
  • Monterrey Hills
  • San Dimas
  • Eastvale
  • Bellflower
  • Downey
  • El Segundo
  • Woodland hills
  • Beverly Hills
  • La Puente
  • Hermosa Beach

Thank you for choosing System 1 for your acoustic ceiling removal, painting and lath and plaster specialists.  And thank you for being a part of the System 1 family.

System 1 Professionalism

System 1 Professionalism

Interested in getting your Acoustic Ceiling Removed?  Want to get a job done quickly, efficiently and professionally? 

At System 1, we don’t waste.  We don’t screw around.  We get right down to business.  We’re prompt, courteous and professional so it doesn’t cost you a lot of money. 

We work from the minute we walk into the door until the time we leave.  Sometimes the guys don’t even take a lunch because they want to get the job done and they’re proud to get it done right and get it done quickly.

“At System 1, you can expect us to be punctual, professional, efficient and courteous,”  Richard McKinnon III, System 1 President

System 1 has provided Acoustic Ceiling Removal, Painting and Lath & Plaster services for thousands of homes across Southern California, including homes in Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda, Fullerton, La Habra, La Habra Heights, Brea, Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, Upland and more than 100 others.

Call Richard McKinnon for a Free Estimate – (800) 698 – 4410

System 1 Quality

System 1 Quality

What should I look for when choosing someone for acoustic ceiling removal? 

There are several things a buyer should look for when choosing someone to remove their acoustic ceilings.  One of the most important things you can do is choose someone who has a track-record of providing exceptional quality to their customers. 

System 1 has provided the highest quality acoustic ceiling removal for over 30 years all across Southern California.

The two questions customers need to ask themselves is, “What is it going to look like?” and “Is it going to last?”  

When you choose System 1 for your acoustic ceiling removal, for painting your home or for a variety of home improvement projects we provide you are receiving products of the highest quality.  You are investing in your home with System 1 quality: ” our texturing; our seems; our paint lines; and our skin-coating from top to bottom is the best in the business,” said System 1 President, Richard McKinnon III.

The reason why we’re the best is because of the talent level of our workers.  These workers “were hand-selected by my Dad before he passed away.  After more than 30 years of service, these guys are the cream of the crop and there is no one better at what they do,” said Richard.

“From taping, to texturing, to painting our quality exceeds any other business in Southern California and most likely the world since we’re the mecca of home improvement,” Richard said.

*System 1 has improved thousands of homes across Southern California, including homes in Irvine, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Long Beach, Marina Del Rey, Playa Del Rey, Westchester, Westminster, Los Angeles, Westwood and numerous others.

Call Richard McKinnon today for a free estimate (800) 698 – 4410

System 1 Interiors - We're proud to service Alhambra, Aliso Viejo, Alta Dena, Alta Loma, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Arcadia, Arleta, Baldwin Park, Bellflower, Beverly Hills, Brea, Burbank, Calabasas, Carson, Cerritos, Chatsworth, Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, Colton, Corona, Costa Mesa, Covina, Culver City, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Downey, Duarte, Eagle Rock, Eastvale, El Monte, El Segundo, Encino, Flintridge, Fontana, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Gardena, Glendale, Glendora, Hacienda Heights, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Hollywood, Home, Huntington Beach, Inland Empire, Irvine, La Canada, La Crescenta, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, La Puente, La Verne, Ladera Heights, Laguna Hills, Lakewood, Lath and Plaster Specialists, Lawndale, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Los Angeles, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Mar Vista, Marina Del Rey, Mira Loma, Mission Viejo, Montclair, Montebello, Monterrey Hills, Monterrey Park, Moreno Valley, Newport Beach, Norco, North Hollywood, Northridge, Ontario, Orange, Orange County, Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Pasadena, Phillips Ranch, Placentia, Playa Del Rey, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redlands, Redondo Beach, Reseda, Rialto, Riverside, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rosemead, Rossmoor, Rowland Heights, San Bernardino, San Dimas, San Pedro, Santa Ana, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Monica, Seal Beach, Sherman Oaks, Sierra Madre, Southern California, Sun Valley, Sunland, Tarzana, Torrance, Tustin, Upland, Venice, Venice Beach, Villa Park, Walnut, West Covina, West Hollywood, Westchester, Westminster, Westwood, Whittier, Woodland Hills, and Yorba Linda

Acoustic Ceiling Removal • Popcorn Ceiling Removal • Cottage Cheese Ceiling Removal • Interior Painting