Why Wallpaper Removal Should Be Left to the Experts

Removing wallpaper is a project that requires special equipment and skill. While it may be tempting for homeowners to do it themselves, this job is best left to the professionals for many reasons.

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Safety

Before you convince yourself to hire a professional instead of doing a DIY wallpaper removal and ask where to find wallpaper removal near me services, it’s essential to understand the reasons behind it. The process of removing wallpaper can leave your walls damaged. Some wallpapers are not stoppable and require tearing to remove. Even the best steamers will only do so much. Many small pieces of wallpaper will fall onto the floor, creating a mess that must be addressed with either a plastic painter’s tarp or a large garbage can.

Many older wallpapers hide problems with the plaster or drywall behind them. Years of dust can collect in the texture, leading to mildew or mold that can spread throughout the home. Some homeowners choose to paint over their wallpaper rather than deal with these issues, which can lower a home’s value and make it more difficult to sell.

Removing wallpaper can also allow for a better assessment of the condition of the wall and plaster behind it. If there is severe damage, the homeowner may need to repair the wall before painting it or applying new wallpaper. This can increase the cost of the project, and it can delay a home sale.

Efficiency

The best way to remove wallpaper is with a steamer, which softens the glue and peels the paper away naturally. This method is labor intensive and requires careful attention to ensure the walls aren’t damaged.

It is also essential to prep the room before removing wallpaper, including removing wall plates from light switches and outlets, taping plastic over switch and outlet covers, and covering floors with a drop cloth or poly sheet to prevent water and soap damage. Taking the time to do this will make the job much more efficient.

Many older styles of wallpaper were used to cover damaged plaster or drywall; when removed, they can reveal these issues. This can cause drywall damage that will need to be repaired before painting.

In addition, old wallpaper can often hide a musty odor or mildew growth, which can be challenging to eliminate once the paper has been removed. Removing dated or stained wallpaper can improve the air quality in a home and increase its value if it is done well.

Aesthetics

Wallpaper is a great way to add personality and flair to any room, but it can become outdated or unattractive after time. It is also difficult to remove, especially if it has been stuck on the walls for decades. If you have old wallpaper in your home, it is essential to get rid of it before it causes any further damage to your walls or the baseboards.

While some homeowners may attempt to remove wallpaper, it is best left to the professionals. This is because several aspects of the process make it more complicated than it seems.

For example, old wallpaper often contains a lot of adhesives that are difficult to dissolve with a paint stripper. It can also be very textured, making it more difficult to scrape off. Additionally, the walls may be plaster rather than drywall if you have an older home. This makes it even more important to work with a professional with the tools and expertise to avoid damaging your walls and belongings.

Time

Modern strippable wallpapers (meaning they have a sticky surface that easily peels off) can be relatively easy to remove, especially if the walls were coated with a primer before the paper was installed. But older wallpapers can be a different story. They may require chemical strippers to break down the adhesive and make it easier to remove. This process can take several hours to a few days depending on the room size and complications that arise.

Older wallpaper can also hide other issues with the wall underneath. Dust collected over the years can be trapped behind the wallpaper and develop into mold or mildew. This can affect a home’s air quality and even cause sickness if not cleaned immediately. Removing wallpaper will allow these problems to be identified and repaired, including repriming the walls and adding texture if needed.

Wallpaper removal may seem daunting, but it is doable with the right tools and knowledge. These tips can help make the job go more quickly and efficiently without damaging the wall.

Money

There’s no denying that wallpaper removal is a labor-intensive project that costs money. It can also add up if you must prep your walls for another surface treatment. For example, if you need to paint over your walls after removing the wallpaper, sand or skim-coat the drywall may be necessary. If you damage the drywall during this process, it can cost you much more in repairs.

For these reasons, consider hiring a professional to care for your home improvement projects like wallpaper removal. Professional painters and contractors have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to do the job correctly. Plus, they can save you time and money in the long run by doing it correctly the first time. So if you have a wallpapered room in your Bismarck home that needs to be removed, contact a contractor today to learn more about how much it will cost and to schedule an estimate.