How to fix damaged skirting?

roximn

Hi everyone!

I think I have an idea on how to fix this but want to ensure I’m on the right path. How do I fix skirting board damage (pictured)? Sanding, wood filler, caulk? Replace it with a new bit?

Thanks!

MitchellMc

Hi @roximn,

From a purely cosmetic point of view, repairing the skirting is fairly straightforward.

You can:

1. Sand the damaged and flaking paint back to bare timber using 180-grit, then smooth with 240-grit.
2. Fill any dents or chips with a quality timber filler.
3. Lightly sand again once dry.
4. Prime the bare timber.
5. Repaint with a durable enamel trim paint.

If the damage is only surface-deep, that will restore the finish nicely.

However, there are some fairly telltale signs of moisture in that area, which is likely why the paint has failed in the first place. The bubbling and lifting higher up the wall suggest moisture may be tracking in from somewhere rather than this being simple wear and tear.

If you gently press or poke those slightly bulging sections, you may find the plasterboard feels soft or crumbly, which would indicate water ingress.

I would strongly recommend checking the exterior side of that wall, particularly:

• Around window or door frames for failed sealant
• Flashings above openings
• Cracked render or gaps in cladding
• Any areas where water could be entering and running down inside the wall cavity

If moisture is getting into the wall frame, simply repairing and repainting the skirting will only be a temporary fix. Long term, it would be wise to do a bit of exploratory work to make sure water isn’t entering the wall cavity and causing hidden damage.

If you can share a photo of the outside of that wall, we can help you narrow down where the issue may be starting.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell