4 Signs of Baseboard Water Damage In Your Home

Spotting baseboard water damage is either a breeze or it’s barely even noticeable. Sometimes you can’t uncover water damage until mold, cracks, or stains start appearing in strange places throughout your home. Instead of risking thousands in repair costs, keep your eyes peeled for the early signs of water damage before it’s too late to address them.

What Causes Baseboard Water Damage?

If you have water damage on your baseboards, chances are you’re seeing the tip of the iceberg. Factors like flooding and leaking pipes can contribute to water damage on your baseboards. More damage is likely to be found within your walls if you wait too long.

How to Find Baseboard Water Damage

When pipes leak, water can seep behind your walls for days unnoticed until mold rears its ugly head. Signs of baseboard water damage include peeling paint, visible stains, or the baseboard physically breaking apart from the wall. Let’s unpack these factors below.

Read More: How To Restore Hardwood Floors With Water Damage

4 Signs of Water Damage on Your Baseboard

1. Peeling Paint

Paint or wallpaper may start to peel or flake away after water damage. Excess moisture and water will eventually get between your paint or wallpaper adhesive and separate it. If you notice any problem areas around your walls, especially following heavy rain or a plumbing emergency, then take heed.

2. Noticeable Stains

That stain growing on your baseboard isn’t something to ignore. Stains that grow over time are a cause for concern. Water eventually stains and discolors walls, ceilings, and even baseboards. If you notice your baseboards turning yellow, gray, or brown, it’s time to bring in a professional.

3. Unstable Wall Contact

If your baseboard is physically breaking contact with the wall, then something is definitely wrong. Baseboards that warp, crack, and break from the wall are likely the victims of unseen water damage. Call the technicians at Cleanup & Total Restoration for a thorough inspection.

4. Mold & Mildew Growth

It’s what none of us want to hear: mold in the home. If you start smelling musty odors, especially in a localized area, you likely have mold. Cleanup & Total Restoration offers mold remediation services that help get your home back to its original condition.

7 Steps for Fixing Water Damage on Baseboards

Now that you know what causes baseboard water damage, let’s take a look at how you can fix it.

1. Ensure the Wall Is Dry

Before you start baseboard replacement, ensure the wall behind it is completely dry. If you don’t do this, you run the risk of ongoing water damage and mold growth. 

Resolve the issue first, then continue to step two.

2. Preserve Base Shoe

Instead of removing the existing base shoe, you can reuse it. By using a nail set, you can gently drive a finish nail through the base shoe, avoiding removal.

3. Remove the Baseboards

Next, remove the nails on the baseboards that have accumulated water damage, moisture, or stains.

4. Measure Carefully

Take your ruler and measure 1/16-inch to ensure a snug fit when placing the molding. Measure twice for accuracy.

5. Cut the New Baseboards

Before cutting your new baseboards, confirm the length. Once you do so, you can cut your new baseboards with a backsaw or miter box.

6. Install the Baseboard to the Wall

Install your new baseboard by drilling pilot holes and driving your finish nails into the sole plate. Glue all outside corners for a tight fit.

7. Install the Base Shoe Molding

Finally, install your new or used shoe molding at the foot of the baseboard. Drill pilot holes in either the floor or the baseboard.

Need help? Contact Cleanup & Total Restoration. We can solve your water damage issue and repair your baseboards to their pre-loss condition in a snap.

Read More: 5 Signs of Water Damage Under Vinyl Floors

Hire the Water Damage Experts at CTR

Water damage is never fun, especially in your own home. If you’ve noticed the signs of baseboard water damage and need help fast, you can count on Cleanup & Total Restoration to get the job done right. Our technicians will arrive on your property in 60 minutes or less to mitigate the damages and start repairs. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact the restoration team you can trust.