The primary stage in the renovation process of residential and commercial spaces is preparing them for the repair work. This includes preparing the wall surfaces for the application of a new coating. It is crucial to eliminate any existing defects. Most of these can be identified visually, but there are hidden flaws that can be detected by lightly tapping the walls. If numerous voids are found during this operation, the old coating must be removed.
Wallpaper Installation
When undertaking cosmetic repairs, many people apply new wallpaper over the old one. This is only advisable if the previous wallpaper was applied with great precision and still adheres firmly to the walls. This approach should be considered only when there is a significant time constraint.
It is crucial! In all other cases, the old coating must be completely removed.
There are several rules that must be followed when working with wallpaper:
- If the previous covering was adhered with regular paper glue, removing it will be quick and easy. Simply lift the top edge with a sharp tool or spatula and gently pull the sheet downward.
- The key is to work steadily without any sudden jerks, as the wallpaper can tear. This will significantly increase the time needed to work with the wallpaper.
- If the edge of the canvas has been painted, this section will need to be cut.
- If the wallpaper does not easily separate from the wall, you can dampen it slightly and wait a bit. Once the adhesive softens, the wallpaper will quickly come off the wall.
- The process of removing old wallpaper can be significantly expedited by treating the surface with a wire brush or a specialized spiked roller. These tools act as a kind of perforator for the covering, making it much easier to strip it from the wall.
If the aforementioned methods fail to remove the old wallpaper, consider adding a bit of a special solution to the water used to moisten the wallpaper. This solution is available at regular stores and is known as a «wallpaper remover.»
Simply apply this composition to the walls and leave it for approximately 15 minutes. After that, the coating can be easily removed using a spatula.
Painting Work
When updating wall coverings, it’s often necessary to remove the old paint. If the previous layer is solid and even, the new paint can be applied over it. However, if the coating is blistered or peeling in some areas, the entire old paint layer will need to be removed.
Important! Removing paint is a rather complex process.
To achieve a positive outcome, it’s essential first to determine the type of paint applied to the walls.
The paint composition category can be determined by the following characteristics:
- The paint can be removed with a regular damp sponge – adhesive.
- After applying vinegar, the paint blisters, and after ordinary wetting, it darkens – the composition is either cement-based or lime-based.
- Repels water but slightly swells under the influence of vinegar – silicate.
- The paint surface is water-resistant and remains unaffected by alkalis and chemical acids—it’s a dispersion type. It can only be removed with a solvent.
- The composition remains unchanged after exposure to acid but gets damaged only when alkalis or solvents are applied – a typical oil-based composition.
- The application of alkali does not alter it, and it completely repels water – the walls are coated with nitro lacquer. The paint can only be removed using a solvent.
- Complete lack of reaction to any acid, water repellent properties, and the presence of polyester in the composition – this is reactive dye.
Depending on the type and category of paint, its removal may require either chemical or mechanical methods. Each option comes with its own specific characteristics.
Such methods include paint removal, wet or dry sanding, as well as sandblasting. These processes should be carried out using tools such as:
- Specialized wire brushes.
- Sandpaper.
- Professional grinding machine.
When using a grinding machine, it should be operated in conjunction with a dedicated extraction fan and a container to collect dust and debris.
To perform the dry sanding method, you should use a regular sanding block with sandpaper securely attached to it. While working, the tool must be moved consistently across the entire surface of the wall. It is crucial to apply light, even pressure during the process.
If you choose the wet sanding option, you will need to use a special sanding paste and moisture-resistant sandpaper. Start by making circular motions. After that, proceed with longitudinal movements.
Regarding chemical methods, the use of a special solvent is suggested. This compound is essential for the complete removal of old paint, which can then be easily scraped off.
It is crucial to ensure optimal ventilation in the room during the chemical paint removal process.
The chemical composition used needs to remain on the surface for several hours, which can adversely affect the well-being of the technician.
Afterwards, the old coating is swiftly removed using a construction spatula.
Working with Tiles
If the wall preparation involves removing damaged ceramic tiles, a regular hammer and a construction chisel will be needed. The removal process is straightforward. Position the chisel in the center of each tile and try to knock it out with the hammer. Alternatively, a putty knife can be used. It allows for the quick removal of tiles that are not tightly adhered to the wall.
Wall Demolition
When a major renovation is undertaken, it is often accompanied by the removal of existing walls.
It is crucial to entrust the dismantling of such structures to professionals.
If the operation is carried out improperly, the walls may collapse, and the building could be completely destroyed. This could pose a serious threat to the health and lives of people.
By entrusting this process to professionals, you can ensure complete oversight of the work being performed, achieve the highest quality calculations, and maintain impeccable precision. The dismantling operation is carried out following specific preparatory measures:
- Before commencing renovations, it is essential to cut off the electricity and shut down the heating and water systems. Often, it is not possible to perform these disconnections within just one apartment. In such cases, it becomes necessary to shut down the systems for the entire building. This will require the involvement of specialized services.
- It is crucial to obtain a special permit from the project organization before commencing any work — without it, the demolition of concrete and brick walls is strictly prohibited.
Load-bearing structural elements cannot be completely dismantled because they bear the weight of the upper floors of the building. If such a structure is removed without proper consideration, it could lead to the collapse of the entire building.
To determine the location of a load-bearing structure, one can identify elements such as beams, the presence of girders (part of the building’s support structure), and floors. If it is impossible to avoid dismantling a load-bearing wall, it is crucial to ensure the redistribution of the load. Typically, a special load-bearing beam is installed for this purpose. This element must rest on a solid support.
The dismantling of structures is carried out exclusively in stages, requiring the following actions:
- All elements are being reinforced, which will relieve the structure from the imposed load.
- The demolition is carried out directly. Instead of the wall, beams and special lintels are installed to bear the loads from the entire structure.
- The dismantling of the wall is carried out if the temporary structure is very sturdy. This will prevent any shifting in the entire construction.
If a simple partition is being dismantled, there’s no need to install fasteners. It’s quite easy to distinguish a partition from a regular load-bearing structure. Its thickness does not exceed 10 cm.
Typically, builders leave a small gap between the ceiling and the wall, averaging about 10 cm. This gap is filled with tow and plaster. During the demolition process, it is necessary to clean out this gap and remove the baseboard. Only after these steps can the partition wall be broken down.
Important! To expedite the demolition process and minimize the amount of debris, it is advisable to use diamond cutting..
The use of such a tool significantly enhances productivity. Diamond cutting is distinguished by its positive characteristics, such as:
- Efficiency.
- Versatility.
- Simplicity.
- Security.
- Environmental Purity
- High precision.
- No need for finishing work.
- Affordable price.
All these features have made diamond cutting the most popular method in the world. The versatility of diamond tools is particularly noteworthy. They can be used for tasks such as:
- Dismantling of structural components;
- Cutting Openings;
- Drilling Holes Necessary for Installing Air Conditioners and Ventilation;
- Cutting Openings for Installing Plumbing Equipment.
Drilling is performed without vibrations, which automatically prevents the formation of cracks that can weaken even the most robust structures. During dismantling, no concrete dust is generated, which is highly harmful to humans. This is one of the main advantages of diamond cutting..
Dismantling of the plumbing cabin
When carrying out major renovation work, special attention is given to the bathroom. In this relatively small space, making changes and rearrangements is challenging due to the large number of pipes, plumbing fixtures, communications, and electrical wiring that run through it..
Despite the complexity of the work, the breakdown of a standard plumbing unit opens up a multitude of positive opportunities for the owner.:
- Increasing the total area of the bathroom by approximately 10 cm. (This parameter increases for each wall);
- Significant increase in overall room height. The cabin ceiling lowers the bathtub by approximately 25-30 cm.;
- It is possible to replace not only the lighting fixtures but the entire electrical wiring as well.;
- Removing the metal ductwork automatically enhances the room’s ventilation.;
- The possibility of installing a new, higher-quality and more stylish door frame.
If you put in the effort to clean and remove the booth, you can avoid the unpleasant issues of unevenness and improper wall geometry. As a result, you won’t encounter problems when installing furniture, suspended ceilings, or laying tiles..
Conclusion
By following the tips and recommendations presented in the article, you can make the renovation process more comfortable and less time-consuming and costly. As a result, you will achieve a renovation that fully meets the functional and aesthetic expectations of a modern individual.
Baltic Job Service OÜ provides services:
- Apartment and Office Dismantling
- Construction Waste Removal
- Wall Cutting
- Post-Demolition and Construction Cleanup.
Our experts will assist in evaluating the scope of required work and accurately estimate the cost of its execution..
