What Should Be Checked Before Retrofitting Older Walls With PVC Panels

One of the best features of PVC Wall panels is that they can be installed over existing walls, meaning you don’t need to do a great deal of construction to get excellent wall protection. However not all walls are created equal and sometimes installing PVC panels over older walls can present some problems. In today’s blog we will be looking at what should be checked before retrofitting older walls with PVC Panels.

Make sure there are no cracks or holes in the walls

Older walls may have cracks or holes due to their age; it is important that these get sealed up before paneling is put over them. If left as they are these cracks can get worse, leading to hidden damage behind your PVC panels, reducing their lifespan.

Check for mold or mildew stains

On top of being generally unsightly, mold and mildew can indicate that there is a moisture problem or a leak present which may still occur when the PVC panels have been retrofitted onto the walls. If mold and mildew are actively present, they may grow behind the installed panels, leading to problems down the road.

Make sure the walls are flat and smooth

You can do this by making use of a level to ensure that there are no portions of the wall that are bulging, even if you can’t see it with the naked eye, as this can cause problems when installing PVC Panels. You will also want to make sure that the walls are smooth by sanding down any rough spots before you put the panels in place.

Ensure there are no no exposed nails or screws

Exposed nails and screws can cause issues if you install PVC panels over them so they should either be removed or plastered over before the PVC panels are installed. If you remove any nails or screws, be sure to fill in the holes before installing the panels.

Check for Cleanliness

Over time walls can accumulate dust, grime and dirt so the older the walls the more important it is that you ensure that they are clean before retrofitting panels.

We hope that we have been able to provide you with some useful information when it comes to retrofitting older walls with PVC Panels. If you have any questions about PVC panels, please feel free to contact us.

WallPro, based in Surrey, BC, provides and installs specialized wall coverings to meet stringent standards for sterile or hygienic purposes.

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about specialized wall systems for your business, please call us at (778) 746-6286.