A home improvement project few owners would want to take on is removing wallpaper. Depending on the age of the wall covering, doing so could be an involved and time-consuming task. Because of this, it’s best to leave the work to the professionals. In Anchorage, AK, homeowners look to Henry’s Services to get the job done. Their first-class contractors rely on 56 years of experience to strip wallpaper carefully, completely, and quickly using some of the following methods. 

3 Techniques Used to Remove Wallpaper

1. Identify Drywall Vs. Plaster

Before your contractor can begin to strip away the actual wallpaper, they’ll need to determine what type of wall is underneath. In homes that are more than 50 years old, plaster walls are the most common. In this case, they’re working with wood-framed walls that have been coated in a few layers of plaster. These are sturdy and solid and usually require a bit more elbow grease.

Newer homes usually have drywall, which is essentially a thick, chalky material that is later covered with lightweight cardboard. Drywall is delicate, so your home improvement technician will need to use a gentler approach.

2. Prep the Site

The goal of removing wallpaper is to do as little damage to the surrounding area as possible. Remove all wall hangings and move furniture that is situated close to the perimeter of the room. Your contractor will line the baseboards with towels or tarps to ensure none of their solutions or old paper stain the items below.

3. Peel, Steam, or Saturate

Depending on the type of wallpaper that is installed, your contractor will proceed with one of a few techniques. If the wallpaper is somewhat modern, it may be easily peeled off without using water or chemicals. If, like most homes, the wallpaper is older, they may use steam to loosen the adhesive and scrape away the paper bit by bit. Tough projects require the team to make a strong mixture of concentrated remover solution and hot water. They’ll spray the wall and wait for the adhesive to dissolve then use a broad knife to chip away at the material. 

If you’re ready to remove outdated wallpaper in Anchorage, AK, it’s time to get in touch with Henry’s Services. Renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and honest pricing, they offer everything from plumbing and drywall work to mold removal and carpet cleaning. Make an appointment with a licensed, bonded, and insured home improvement contractor online or reach out by phone at (907) 344-4200.