Walls and Ceilings - Wallboard over woodpaneling

My family room walls were installed 25 years ago with dark wood panels. My wife would like to change the walls to plasterboard. My question is: Is it necessary to remove the wooden panels and then apply plasterboard ? Or can I apply plaster board over the wooden paneling? My son says I will create a vapor barrier by applying plaster board directly over the wood paneling. The family room abuts the garage and is the onlyh room built on concrete and happens to be the coldest room in the house.

Thank you......hanknbetts

If you had it built and know if the walls are insulated, identify the studs and install the drywall.
If you are unsure of the insulation, drill a large hole and check.
If there is no insulation, take the oportunity and remove the paneling, insulate and drywall.

If you had it built and know if the walls are insulated, identify the studs and install the drywall.
If you are unsure of the insulation, drill a large hole and check.
If there is no insulation, take the oportunity and remove the paneling, insulate and drywall.

Your answer didn't really address the "vapor bearier". If it is insulated, there is no fear of a vapor barrier????

Thanks

hanknbetts

Interesting, an absorbent material, such as wood paneling, as a vapor barrier, instead of industry standard, a non absorbent poly film.
I perceived it as self explanatory.