Water Damaged Baseboards

You may be wondering what to do when you notice water damage to your baseboards. You might notice that they have a lot of debris that you need to clean off. You can use a dish soap or all-purpose cleaner to clean them thoroughly. If your baseboards are not completely even, you can sand them. If this is an option, be aware that it can affect the non-swollen areas and leave dust behind.

Water damage on baseboards

You can either fix water damage on your baseboards on your own or hire a professional to do it for you. Regardless of your choice, it’s important to act quickly to avoid mold and other effects of water damage. If you fail to treat the water damage right away, it could lead to the need to replace the baseboards. The good news is that there are many solutions to this problem, and you can prevent it from happening in the first place.

First, make sure you know the source of the water damage. Water damage on baseboards does not occur in a vacuum. As water pools up behind the baseboard, it can cause significant damage to the drywall behind it. As it grows, mold may grow, posing a serious health threat to those who breathe it in. Consequently, if you discover water damage on your baseboards, it’s imperative to act fast.

Once you have identified the area, you can begin to repair it. Using a pry bar, you can insert wooden shims between the baseboard molding and the wall. Use two shims on either side of the affected wall. Mark the lines vertically on both sides of the damaged area. Cut the baseboards along the marked lines. Be sure to use a sharp utility knife to break any caulk seal.

Baseboard water damage

Discoloration, staining, and peeling are signs that water has penetrated your baseboards. If your baseboards are painted, these damage may be easier to spot, but if your wood is unpainted, it will be more difficult to see. If the discoloration is too extensive to fix, you should consider replacing them. Otherwise, you will need to replace the baseboards. You can’t repair the baseboards themselves unless they have become completely unusable.

If the baseboards are fiberboards, it’s best to replace them. It’s also important to fix the source of the leak, as it could lead to mold growth if they are left untreated. A professional should assess the severity of the water damage and offer recommendations.