Know the Causes of Peeling in Popcorn Ceilings
                     
Humidity
Moisture and mold growth 
common in bathrooms and 
kitchens can start to form under 
the texture layer of a popcorn 
ceiling. The popcorn cap will 
become damp and no longer 
adhere to the drywall below. 
Peeling often the first to appear 
in the corners. You may first 
notice spots forming before the 
cap begins to peel.
Water leak
Often, in two story houses, a 
water leak rises upstairs directly 
to the ceiling below. Ceiling 
repair is often necessary 
because of damage to the 
ceiling from popcorn. Ceiling is 
often damp and has not started 
to peel, once leak is repaired 
and the ceiling dries, the 
texture will loose from its base.
Wall dust
When a popcorn cap is applied directly too 
undusted drywall, it does not adhere to the 
drywall itself, but simply a thin layer of 
dust. 
Gypsum compound is used to connect the 
joints of two pieces of drywall, which are 
commonly sanded. Surplus dust should be 
wiped off. 
However, this step can be forgotten. Often, 
the popcorn cap will come off in strips 
directly around the drywall joints. The 
entire ceiling cannot be stable
Correction
In some cases, such as leaks and 
humidity, the popcorn cap can be 
patched and re-textured. When 
humidity is a problem, paint the ceiling 
and walls of the area with paint 
specially designed for humid 
environments to decrease the risk of 
mold reoccurring. 
When plaster dust or significant water 
leaks have occurred, you may need to 
scrape the popcorn ceiling and all 
textures the entire area. You will notice 
the corrected areas, and the whole 
texture will be stable.
Mas Construction
Painting Contractor in Toronto
Amos Crescent, Toronto, ON
City - NORTH YORK
Zip - M3H 3X8
+1 647-835-0590
[email protected]
www.mascons.ca