Just like a fresh coat of paint, wallpaper offers homeowners a creative way to personalize their space. However, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind before you pick out your wallpaper. Here’s what you need to know about wallpaper safety.
Is wallpaper safe?
Wallpaper can be a perfectly safe addition to your home when it is installed on clean surfaces in low-moisture areas. Under different conditions, however, it can be harmful to your walls and your health. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Toxic materials and VOCs
- Mold and mildew
- Lead content
Toxic Materials and VOCs
Some wallpapers, especially vinyl or synthetic-based kinds, can release toxic chemicals into the air, such as volatile organic compounds (VOC). This can be concerning in rooms with poor ventilation or where people spend a lot of time. To make sure you stay healthy, be sure to choose higher quality wallpaper.
Mold and Mildew
Where you place your wallpaper is another factor to consider. Wallpaper tends to trap moisture between the wall and its backing, especially in humid rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to both your walls and your respiratory health. As a result, if you’re installing wallpaper in a room with high humidity, choose a wallpaper that doesn’t trap moisture.
Lead Content
Older wallpapers are known to contain lead or other heavy metals that can be extremely harmful if ingested. This poses a particular health risk for children and pets.
Is wallpaper damage covered by home insurance?
Wallpaper is considered part of your home’s interior finish, so damage to your wallpaper could be covered under your home policy’s dwelling coverage. This would only apply if the damage was caused by a covered peril, like fire or a burst pipe.
Typically, home insurance would not pay to repair damage to your wallpaper if it was caused by general wear and tear or a lack of maintenance. The same goes for the paint on your walls. If you’re unsure about your coverage, review your homeowners insurance policy or contact your insurance provider.
- Poor installation
- General wear and tear
- Lack of maintenance (i.e., a slow water leak that wasn’t addressed)
- Removal of wallpaper
How does wallpaper damage affect my home insurance premium?
Your home insurance premium is calculated by assessing the potential risks of your home. While the type of wallpaper you choose may not have a direct impact on those risks, it may have an indirect one.
Here’s how wallpaper could increase your home’s potential risk:
| Fire |
| Flammable wallpaper increases your risk of fire damage. This could affect your claims payout if it was determined the wallpaper contributed to the damage. |
| Mold |
| If poorly installed or maintained wallpaper begins to peel, mold or mildew may occur behind it. This could elevate your home’s potential risk. |
How to choose the right wallpaper
Color and design aren’t the only things to think about when choosing wallpaper. You should also consider important features like fire safety rating, chemical content and breathability.
Here’s what to look for when buying wallpaper:
| Wallpaper Feature | Explanation | What to Look For |
| Fire safety rating | While no wallpaper is completely fireproof, some types burn slower and smoke less. | Wallpaper that’s Class A fire retardant |
| Chemical content | Some wallpapers contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the material or adhesive. When emitted, VOCs can be hazardous to your health. | Wallpaper labeled as low-VOC or non-VOC |
| Breathability | While vinyl wallpaper can be more moisture-resistant than paper wallpaper, it can still trap moisture and breed mold and mildew. | Wallpaper made with breathable vinyl or a non-woven backing |
| Environmental impact | Many wallpapers are fabricated from vinyl or other plastics that don’t break down easily. This may harm the environment. | Environmentally friendly wallpapers made from recycled paper or natural fibers |
How to install wallpaper for long-term safety
The best way to install wallpaper is to hire a professional. However, if you’re the do-it-yourself type, or just want to save money, installing wallpaper is not that complicated. Here’s a step-by-step explanation:
- Prepare the Walls
Once you’ve chosen the right kind of wallpaper, make sure the wall surface is primed. This will allow it to accept the adhesive and paper. Wallpaper that is stuck directly onto bare sheetrock is very difficult to remove in the future. - Mark the Wall
Draw a vertical line from the top of the wall down to the baseboard. This will act as a guide for your first wallpaper panel. It’s usually best to begin on the left side of the wall and work your way right. - Cut the Paper
Draw a vertical line from the top of the wall down to the baseboard. This will act as a guide for your first wallpaper panel. It’s usually best to begin on the left side of the wall and work your way right. - Apply Paste
Evenly apply an adhesive paste to the wallpaper or the wall. Let the paste soak into the paper for about three minutes. This will help it stick to the wall better. - Hang the Wallpaper
Begin at the top of the wall. Align the edge of the paper with the line on the wall. - Remove Bubbles
Once the wallpaper is in place, remove any bubbles or creases with a smoothing tool or stick. Start in the middle and push the air outward. - Trim
Carefully trim any excess wallpaper from the top and bottom with a utility knife. - Clean Up
Wipe away any excess paste and moisture with a damp sponge or towel.
How to maintain wallpaper
Maintaining the health of your wallpaper is rather straightforward. You should regularly inspect your wallpaper for any changes in the surface. Here’s what to look for:
- Peeling or bubbling – This can indicate an underlying moisture issue.
- Discoloration – This can indicate a mold or mildew problem.
The other way to maintain your wallpaper is to clean it once in a while.
Wallpaper removal
Removing old wallpaper definitely can be a challenge, especially if the adhesive has dried out. That’s why the easiest way to remove wallpaper is to hire a professional.
If you decide to remove the wallpaper yourself, you’ll need to heat it up. Hot air breaks down the adhesive so the wallpaper comes off the wall more easily. Here are two ways to heat up your wallpaper:
- Hair dryer – Aim an electric hair dryer at a seam and then try peeling it. If the surface of your drywall starts coming off, stop immediately to prevent further damage to the drywall.
- Steam cleaner – This can be purchased or rented from most hardware stores. The steam will help dissolve the glue holding the wallpaper to the wall. Wipe down the excess moisture to remove any leftover adhesive.
Once the wallpaper removal is complete, you may want to sand down your walls to smooth out any remaining adhesive or imperfections on the wall surface. After that, you are free to style the walls however you like. You can apply a different design of wallpaper or give the walls a fresh coat of paint.
Use protective equipment
When removing wallpaper, safety comes first. That means wearing the right personal protective equipment. For example, it’s very important to wear a mask or respirator, as the adhesive in the wallpaper, or even the wall underneath, may contain toxic chemicals. Even if there are no toxic chemicals, the process can create dust.
You should also wear work gloves and goggles when removing wallpaper. Gloves will protect your hands from getting burned as you apply heat. Goggles will protect your eyes from any hazardous materials in the air.
