Replace paneling
Hi, the Eichler we moved into about a year ago has had its wall panels painted in some areas, covered in wallpaper in others sometime in the past. Considering the situation, we’d like to replace/add sheet rock. A contactor which saw the house suggested adding sheet rock onto the existing paneling. Has anyone done that? Any advantage to first removing the paneling? Does anyone have a recommendation for a contractor that’s done something similar (Peninsula/South bay area)? I realize that that cannot be posted in this web site – so if someone has a recommendation I’d appreciate an e-mail to the address below.
Thanks!
I'm no expert, but here's what you might think about.
- one of the advantages of drywall is the fire safety aspect. I think the recommended thickness (new construction/remodel) is 1/2" which gives 1 hour burn. If you leave the current 1/4" mahogany on, the contractor is most likely suggesting 1/4" drywall over top which doesn't give as much protection. Also, you'll want to ask the contractor how the profile at doors and windows will be handled.
- one of the side benefits of removing the panelling before drywalling is that it gives you the opportunity to more easily upgrade/ground/add outlets than if you are working with closed walls. It also enables you to check for termite damage (don't rely on visual for this, use a screwdrive or similar tool and check everything). If you find any damange, then you have the opportunity to treat/repair it while you have easy access.
Of course, the downside of full drywall installation is the dust but I'm not sure there's a lot of difference between 1/4" and 1/2" as far as that goes.
Perhaps some of the real construction experts can comment from their experience.
Jake
there are numerous examples of Eichler owners who have had paint and wallpaper removed to reveal the original beautiful wood underneath.
Is not that unusual-some construction methods in new homes put the sheetrock over that waferboard (a plywood type material) on the 'shear' walls (the load bearing ones). They use waferboard in lieu of diagnal framing 2 X 4's or that metal diagnal strapping.
Hello,
I had the same situation as you --- deciding whether to drywall over the wallpapered panels or remove the panels.
I removed the panels and did what Jake suggested, i.e., upgraded outlets. But also the contractor nailed these metal plates over the studs right where electric lines go through the stud. (Now it scares me to think that I've been hanging pictures by putting in nails where a live electric current may have been going through. But, really, the nail would have to be at least an inch long; I don't want to scare anyone.)
But also, to the upgrade of outlets, I put in insulation to all interior and exterior walls. It's really nice because I don't hear noises from the next room.
David
