Trying to restore a high-quality paint finish on existing wall linings, often previously covered with wallpaper, takes a lot of time and effort.
Replacement is easier, according to Winstone Wallboards, and more economical if insulation is needed or old wiring needs replacing and new powerpoints added.
"While redecorating, you may like to consider heat retention, lighting and electrical fittings.
"Replacing the wall linings can be a cost-effective solution to insulation and updating old fittings, fixtures and wiring," says residential market manager, Louise Webster.
"It can save you hours of tedious wallpaper stripping, and the disappointment of a less than satisfactory end result."
The company has long promoted its Gib Living Solutions, a published guide to the best use of its Gib plasterboard for new houses. It is about to produce one for renovation work on a range of house styles.
For example:
Villas (1880-1915): Villas tend to be draughty, cold, lack sufficient power points and often need rewiring and replumbing. Their interior walls are traditionally timber planks over the timber framing covered by scrim (a jute fabric) and paper - and need insulating.
Bungalows (1912-1928): The bungalow has been described as the perfect suburban design. Like the villa, it was built from native timber, with timber wall linings covered by scrim and paper - again, needing insulation.
Spanish bungalow deco (1926-1941): By the 30s New Zealanders were drawing architectural influences from further afield, with this stucco plaster style reminiscent of Spanish and Mediterranean architecture.
Interior linings are plasterboard, but insulation was unheard of and the timber framing in stuccoed houses should be inspected for water damage.
Early state house (1937-1953): By this time, houses were being built with either treated pine or native timber framing lined with plasterboard.
The plasterboard joints are not reinforced and therefore crack. Repairing the cracks often results in cracking again.
Modern (60s to 80s): Virtually all are built with treated timber framing and plasterboard linings. Again, the joints are not reinforced, and crack and, pre-1978, the walls were not insulated.
(Telephone 0800 442 4663 for a copy of Gib Living Solutions or advice on projects.)
Don't strip - save hours
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