Are you looking to have your wallpaper removed? If yes then it's important to have realistic expectations before going ahead with it as walls are often covered up by wallpaper. In this blog post, we will discuss why wallpaper was used to hide defects and uneven surfaces and delve into the different types of hidden defects that you might encounter when having your wallpaper removed.
Why Wallpaper Was Used To Hide Defects
Wallpaper was a popular choice for covering up defects in walls because it was a cheap alternative to having walls plastered. In the past, people didn't have the luxury of modern construction techniques, so they had to make do with what they had. Walls were often made of uneven surfaces, and plastering them was a time-consuming and expensive process. As a result, wallpaper was an easy and affordable way to cover up the imperfections of walls, making them look much smoother and uniform.
Different Types of Hidden Defects in Walls
When removing wallpaper, it is not uncommon to uncover hidden defects in walls. The following are the different types of defects that you might encounter:
Nail Holes and Dents- Inexperienced DIYers often hang things on walls without properly filling in nail holes. The result is a wall full of unsightly marks and dents.
Cracks- Homes often experience structural settling, which can result in cracks in walls. Additionally, changes in temperature and humidity can also cause cracks in walls.
Water Damage- Wallpaper was often used to cover up water stains caused by leaks or condensation. If you uncover wallpaper with hidden water damage, it's essential to address the source of the problem first.
Textured Walls- In the past, wallpaper was often used on textured walls to help disguise the uneven surface.
Removing Wallpaper and Uncovering Hidden Defects
If you decide to have your wallpaper removed, it's essential to be prepared for any hidden defects that might be found. Firstly, the walls will be inspected carefully to look for any potential defects and determine the existing condition before consulting with you. If the wall surface is in a really bad state beyond filling and repairing then a discussion will take place to get your walls plastered which would be the best option and result in additional costs.
In conclusion, wallpaper was a popular choice to cover up defects and uneven surfaces in walls in the past. Unfortunately, when removing wallpaper, you may find other problems lying underneath the surface. The worst case scenario is to have the walls fully plastered and the best case scenario will be minor filling and sanding.