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Rotting Skirting Boards – What Causes It?
Rotting or crumbling skirting boards are often a visible sign that moisture is affecting the lower sections of a wall. Timber skirting boards can absorb moisture from damp masonry, which may eventually lead to decay and structural damage.
Homeowners may notice that skirting boards feel soft, begin to crumble when touched or show signs of discolouration.
Although replacing damaged skirting boards may improve the appearance of a wall, it is important to identify the underlying moisture problem before carrying out repairs.
Signs of Rotting Skirting Boards
Common signs of damp affecting skirting boards include timber becoming soft to the touch, paint blistering or peeling from the wood and sections of skirting crumbling away from the wall.
In some cases the timber may show dark staining or visible fungal growth if moisture has been present for a prolonged period.
Rotting Skirting Boards Caused by Rising Damp
Rising damp is one of the most common causes of skirting board decay. When moisture travels upward through masonry from the ground, it can affect the lower parts of internal walls and the timber skirting attached to them.
Over time, continuous moisture exposure may cause timber to rot or deteriorate.
Skirting Boards Damaged by Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp may also affect skirting boards when water enters walls through external defects such as damaged brickwork, cracked render or leaking gutters.
Moisture entering the wall structure can gradually spread to internal timber components including skirting boards.
Rotting Skirting Boards Near External Walls
Skirting boards located along external walls are often more vulnerable to damp problems due to exposure to outside moisture and colder wall surfaces.
Rotting Skirting Boards in Ground Floor Rooms
Ground floor rooms are more susceptible to rising damp because moisture can travel upward from the ground through masonry walls.
Skirting Boards Crumbling or Soft to Touch
When skirting boards become soft, crumbly or begin to break apart, it often indicates prolonged exposure to moisture.
When Rotting Skirting Boards Should Be Investigated
If skirting boards continue to deteriorate or moisture is visible on nearby walls, a professional damp survey may be required to identify the source of the problem.
A damp survey uses specialist equipment to measure moisture levels and determine whether rising damp, penetrating damp or other issues are present.
Book a Damp Survey for Rotting Skirting Boards
If skirting boards in your home are rotting or crumbling, Dampline provides professional damp surveys across Durham and surrounding areas.
Our damp surveys identify the cause of moisture problems so the correct solution can be recommended.
Book a damp survey today to investigate damp affecting walls and timber in your property.