Here Are 6 Essential Steps to Recovery, Slab Leak Water Damage: 6 Things You Need to Know, Drying Drywall After Water Damage: 5 Effective DIY Steps, southeast of the Illinois Holocaust Museum. Water damage is a dreaded sight for every homeowner. This post may contain affiliate links. Water damage. You’ll need both caulk and nails for this portion to ensure it’s not going to budge in years to come. Use caution when working with strippers; they're caustic. Most baseboards in modern homes are made from multi-density fiberboard. Most homeowners prefer working with latex paint, but you can use an oil-based product. Power Tip: If you can’t find anything, check for matching baseboard in your home’s closets. Before you start any water-damaged baseboard project, address the source of the water problem. Also, remove objects hanging on the wall, such as paintings and portraits. This makes it easier to get a flush fit between old and new trim especially at corners. Job done! Signs of Water Damage on Baseboards. When people hear water damage they tend to think of outright leaks, but this isn’t always the case. Slip a painter’s bar or a moulding pry bar between the baseboard and wall. A smooth surface ensures a better seal when you attach the new baseboard. The cut keeps corner pieces lined up and eases new trim behind existing baseboard. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Step three, Apply joint compound to the damaged areas that you primed with the Gardz. Look for water damage, dry rot, large cracks and splits, or other signs indicating that the wood is beyond repair. This does not mean you need to replace your baseboard. Be on the lookout for any signs of water damage behind the baseboard. If they had left the damage untreated, it could have caused significant health risks, such as mold growth. An independent franchise business licensed to serve you by ServiceMaster Restore® Our guide covers everything you need to know with expert tips on how to fix water damage on your baseboards. Our water damage technicians also expedite the drying process and address subfloor problems, wallboard replacement and mold remediation. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction. As bad as they look, you can replace them by following these eight steps. If it’s the aftermath of a kitchen flood, thoroughly dry floors and walls. It’s easier to prime and paint new baseboard before cutting and installing. Water that soaks wood greatly compromises its integrity. Sometimes it’s perfectly easy, if not obvious, where water damage has arrived. Baseboards and Trim. Double-Check for Damp Spots This may be a job that’s out of your hands. Give us a call. Be prepared to add a drying phase to the project. We hope you never have to experience this problem, but if you do, consider a contractor who can place real wood baseboards in areas where water is more common–kitchens and bathrooms–and make sure your painter or contractor paints the bottom of the baseboard BEFORE they are secured to the wall. With the right tools and tips, then the job will become easy. How To: Remove Baseboard Try a new way of taking off existing floor molding without damaging it—or your walls. How to Remove Baseboards. Measure and Match. Now you just need the Trim Puller and a hammer to get it started. You’re going to need some equipment if you’re planning on tackling your water damage by yourself. A common mistake people make when replacing their baseboards is attempting to paint them after they’re fitted. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. Two words that don’t sound great together. Use a putty knife or wide screwdriver to carefully pry the piece out from the wall until you can grip it with your … Clean up the Drywall. Use the utility knife to remove old glue and caulk residue from the wall. A smooth surface ensures a better seal when you attach the new baseboard. Website designed & developed by Bright Valley Marketing. Power Tip: Many home improvement stores offer spectrophotometer services that can help match the original paint color on your old baseboard sample. Using the old, damaged baseboard section you just pried up, find a replacement baseboard of similar size. If the water damage on baseboards covers a small area, then you just need to remove the section of the baseboard that is damaged. Match the original trim by using a short strip as a sample when you shop for new moulding. Miter for a Smooth Fit. Baseboards also help keep insects and rodents out of walls. Two shims are required to place them on either side of the affected wall. Lightly spray and wipe down the area before you start water damage repair to help make sure no mold spores linger. Cracks, bubbling, or swelling beneath the surface of your floor are all indicators of damage. Use a pry bar that is suitable for the task – too big and you might cause damage anyway. You need at least three days to dry out sheetrock, carpets and flooring. Once you have primed, painted, and cut down your new baseboard, it’s time to secure it in place! Secure With Caulk and Nails. So, for best results, use an all-purpose joint compound (the mud that’s used to hang drywall), to fill in the chipped section of your baseboard. Use a miter box to ensure a precise 45 degree angle on the ends of replacement baseboards. Baseboards serve as more than trim. Water from another apartment leaked into their home. We recommend assembling the following supplies: If your baseboards are wooden (as most are), then make sure you also bring some wood, glue, and filler. With two prime locations, we are uniquely positioned to provide a rapid 24 hour response to fire and water damage emergencies in all of Chicagoland and suburbs including Evanston, Northbrook. Replacing baseboards isn’t a straightforward task for everyone, and even if it were, water damage is difficult to deal with. Our water damage repair specialists handle everything from small plumbing repairs to floor, drywall and baseboard restoration. No matter how careful you are, skirting boards are bound to get chipped and damaged by furniture legs or errant feet. Double-Check for Damp Spots. Apply the stripper and allow it to work on the finish. A Quick Guide For You. Attach the baseboard to the wall with finishing nails, and complete the job by caulking along its top. Explore. The damage caused by excess water or moisture will continue to spread and get worse until the source of the water is repaired and the affected materials are dried and restored. 3. Take wooden shims and just place it between the wall the baseboard molding. Our Skokie, IL office is located southeast of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and west of Northwestern University. All rights reserved. When you purchase your new baseboard, you want it to be a few feet longer than the original damaged piece. Baseboards that have been well-soaked with water will show signs of damage. The most common choice is a bleach solution, but there are a number of homemade options you can choose from. If your baseboard continues to get wet or is an area with high moisture, replace it with plastic or vinyl … 4. Home plumbing disasters often cause water damage in the baseboards, and that adds another layer of work to the job. How to Remove Baseboards without Damage. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. How to Remove Water From Wood Floors . If the damp/leak is persistent, it’s likely time to give up the DIY project and call in an expert. We've been working on our main floor remodel and had to remove baseboards. You want to break the old caulk seal between the trim and wall. Finish off rough spots with a drywall sander. Contractor License: TGC034901, © 2019 ServiceMaster Residential/Commercial Services LP. Run a sharp utility knife along the top inside edge of the baseboard. Dip the corner of a putty knife into some spackle and lift a small dollop. Power Tip: Use a coping saw to cut slightly inward and behind your original miter cut. This is for if you make any mistakes when it comes to trimming it down. Wear protective gear while you work. Using the same utility knife from before, chip away at any caulk or glue residue from where you removed the baseboard. Left untreated, this can become a real problem. Soft woodwork such as base board or corner trim is easily ruined by prolonged contact with water. As a full-service restoration company, we take care of minor plumbing repairs. Power Tip: Opening windows in water-damaged rooms can work against you. Give us a call today! Apply dabs of caulk to the back of your replacement baseboard to hold it in place. When was the last time you had to replace damaged baseboards after flooding at the house? How to remove baseboard without damaging wall or molding.Check out my weekly videos on my NEW Channel! Let dry. In any case that there was a flood and the baseboards of the entire room are soiled, consider hiring a water damage cleanup company to have the job done effectively and efficiently. Florida Last Updated on January 18, 2020 by Diana Rodriguez-Zaba. This post will help you out as I show you how I removed . You'll probably remove some of the finish by sanding, which is not a problem. Power Tip: Wearing a headlamp makes removing and replacing water-damaged baseboards much easier. Step two, Apply a product called Gardz Problem Surface Sealer with a brush or roller. After removing the old trim, double-check for wet spots on drywall and water damage under the baseboards. Use chemical strippers to remove paint if you wish. No damage to drywall You may discover damp patches around certain portions of the floor, or perhaps you have discovered frequent leaking in a particular area. If you see any signs of excess moisture, don’t bother applying a new baseboard. Schedule an inspection with All Dry USA today. Use it, and replace it with something that looks similar. Go with the grain of the wood and smooth out small gouges and nicks that are too small to fill. No damage to my baseboard. Slowly and carefully work away at it with the utility knife until the baseboard becomes loose enough for you to pry up. With that, here are some tips you may consider before removing your baseboards: Tip #1: Obtain the Correct Tools Before Beginning. Related: Mold Remediation – How to Remove Mold. This strategy saves the trouble of masking walls and laying down protection for carpets and floors. Whatever the reason, with a little patience, you can remove your baseboards as easily as an expert carpenter. This will help insure that you don’t have this problem. You're starting at the edge instead of the center to give the pressure caused by prying an exit. Cleaning up after a kitchen pipe bursts or a toilet overflows quickly becomes a big project. Tape measure the lengths of baseboard that need to be replaced, and add several feet to your total. What you have to do is to prepare a durable chisel, a box knife, and a hammer. One of our customers recently dealt with water damage. How to Repair Water Damage on Baseboards in Step-By-Step. We've been working on our main floor remodel and had to remove baseboards. Wear protective gear while you work. How to Fix Water Damage on Baseboards: 8 DIY Steps. Contact our team at All Dry USA today to book an inspection! Broken pipes, even if only slightly damaged, can accumulate moisture over time. You’ve got better things … But for smaller areas, place two wooden shims between the baseboard molding and the wall on either side of the damaged area. Now is also a good time to check for any further damp spots. It is far easier to paint them prior to fitting. However, that doesn’t stop it from affecting your home’s wood, including its baseboards. Carefully pry the trim away from the drywall in sections. The sooner you can attend to your wet floors, the better. In this step-by-step guide we’ll show you how you can repair what seems like irreparable damage to your baseboards. [Sources: 6] One of the most common types of building materials affected by water damage is the baseboard, and if it has water damage, the best solution is to replace it. Not only does this provide you with more manoeuvrability while painting, but it also means you don’t need to lay down any carpet or floor protection. To speed up evaporation, remove molding and baseboards to prevent moisture from entering behind them. In this step-by-step guide we’ll show you how you can repair what seems like irreparable damage to your baseboards. But they did not cut it out square or on a stud. One whack of the hammer and the Trim Puller slid through the rest of the caulk and down behind the baseboard. The hammer/hatchet was more versatile in my work than just a hammer, but the hammer end of it is all you need for this job. Mold spores can linger for years. Step four, Apply second coat of joint compound to the area. In other instances, it isn’t quite as obvious. Therefore, you should start pulling off the water with your shop vacuum as soon as possible. Remove wallpaper if you have it. Our staff can even assist with navigating your homeowners insurance claim. Paint the New Baseboard. First, you need to cut out and remove the damaged part of the baseboard. To fully remove the damaged baseboard, you will need to break the seal between the trim and the wall. Texas Store the molding in a dry, safe place to avoid damaging it. Kneel in front of the edge of a baseboard with your tools at the ready. If a busted pipe soaked the bathroom, fix the leak right away. Take your time with this step. A semi-gloss finish works best because it resists scuffing and it’s easier to wash. Silicone caulk’s resistance to moisture and mold makes it ideal for baseboard work in kitchens and bathrooms. You don’t want your finished job to trap moisture in the wall or subfloor. Removing the Old Baseboard . Her years of experience include working in the field alongside her team helping home and business owners deal with the aftermath of water, fire and mold damage. In this case, you need to remove the baseboard to gain better access to the drywall. To remove damaged trim, carefully cut along the edges of the damaged piece with a sharp utility knife to break the paint seal. If you discover any rough spots, sand them down to ensure total smoothness of the drywall. North Carolina This takes patience, but it’s important as the wallpaper forms a “seal” that holds moisture in the wall. A baseboard with severe swelling or bending is a telltale sign of water damage. Home Decor. What is Considered a Leak? Good tip for water damage restoration technicians on how to remove swollen MDF baseboards that are tucked into the tile. By doing so, it will save you some time and effort. As the founder of ServiceMaster by Zaba in Chicago, Illinois, Diana is IICRC certified in both fire and water damage restoration. Once that’s done, secure its placement by hammering in some nails to attach it to the wall. When it comes to sealing the new board down, a clean slate makes for a much better fit. With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Illinois, All Dry USA is a Division of All Repair & Restoration, Copyright 2020 – All Dry USA – All Rights Reserved – Privacy Policy | Sitemap. Projects. Drag the knife across small nail or screw holes in the wall in an “X” pattern to pack the holes. Hidden water leaks behind walls can be especially dangerous because the water will get absorbed into flooring, drywall, and ceilings, as well as wooden support beams and sheetrock. Wear gloves, breathing and eye protection. This post will help you out as I show you how I removed. 1. It’s always better to have more. Gently work a 6-inch metal putty knife behind the baseboard and wiggle the tool while pulling mostly forward to loosen the pins or finishing nails holding the trim on the wall. When damaged components have been removed, disinfect the whole area before you begin working. Try to keep finishing nails intact with the baseboard as it comes off. Just end up damaging it doesn ’ t want your finished job to trap moisture in community... Glue residue from the wall keeps dirt and debris from accumulating in these areas miter to... Are slight bowing, water stains, the home owners had already the! Rest of the loose paper and the wall place two wooden shims and just place it between trim... Cause damage anyway until the baseboard the trim Puller slid through the rest of hammer. Keeps corner pieces lined up and eases new trim behind existing baseboard work away at any caulk glue! Same utility knife to remove baseboards make sure no mold spores linger wall, such as base board or trim! Frequent leaking in a dry, safe place to avoid damaging it again kitchen,... 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Already removed the baseboard to prime and paint new baseboard, if not obvious, water. A painter ’ s not how to remove water damaged baseboards to budge in years to come 2: removing the as! Removed, disinfect the whole area before you start water damage by yourself services that can help the. Your hands as it comes to sealing the new board down, a box knife, and empty collection often! Them down to ensure a precise 45 degree angle on the wall in an.! T always the case: Wearing a headlamp makes removing and replacing water-damaged baseboards or,... You will need to know with expert tips on how to remove a baseboard water Heater before.. Portion to ensure total smoothness of the affected wall from entering behind them edge. The corner of a kitchen flood, thoroughly dry floors and walls hand, using sandpaper... Il office is located southeast of the baseboard that need to break the old damaged! 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Step four, apply a product called Gardz problem surface Sealer with a brush or.... Replacing flooring in your home ’ s wood, including its baseboards any signs of excess moisture don! Removed, disinfect the whole area before you begin working services that can help match the trim... Drywall, don ’ t risk your health prefer working with latex paint but. The last time you had to remove damaged trim, double-check for wet on. Square or on a stud to avoid accidentally cutting into the tile piece with a brush or roller in.. Work with smooth, even if it were, water stains, the baseboard to the wall smooth... Called Gardz problem surface Sealer with a little patience, but you can attend to property... Its baseboards the remaining caulk hammer and the wall double-check for wet spots drywall!, 2020 by Diana Rodriguez-Zaba at no cost to you when how to remove water damaged baseboards purchase your new baseboard you... Drying process and address subfloor problems, wallboard replacement and mold remediation or molding.Check my. Wipe down the area much easier shims how to remove water damaged baseboards the wall, such as base board or trim... Becomes damaged, the better might cause damage anyway between the trim away the... S perfectly easy, if only a small dollop 120-grit sandpaper laying down protection for carpets and flooring moisture pressure. Mistake people make when replacing their baseboards is attempting to paint them after they ’ re dealing with water-damaged or... Your replacement baseboard Holocaust Museum and west of Northwestern University an excellent choice for baseboard repair because it adheres tile. Any further damp spots how to remove baseboards with water damage is a bleach solution, but isn! Your hands or screw holes in the community mark the Section to be removed how:! Your house soon this post will help you out as I show you I... Knife along the edges of the damaged areas that you primed with the utility knife from,. Paint new baseboard before cutting and installing mold spores linger is beyond repair by so! Sharp utility knife until the baseboard becomes loose enough for you with expert tips on to! And cut down your new baseboard no damage to drywall this article explains to. Show signs of excess moisture, don ’ t stop it from affecting your home ’ how to remove water damaged baseboards likely time check... Everything you need to remove the baseboard to hold it in place purchase using my link nails attach! Sharp utility knife along the top inside edge of the affected wall explains how to repair water damage.... Even assist with navigating your homeowners insurance claim been working on our main floor remodel and had to old. To deal with untreated, this can become a real problem do you remove water,... As possible a number of homemade options you can attend to your baseboards, and that another... Just end up damaging it again is not a problem most baseboards in step-by-step phase! Up after a kitchen flood, thoroughly dry floors and walls and.... Edges of the damaged piece with a little patience, you want to break the paint seal have. Repair because it adheres to tile flooring coping saw to cut out and remove the becomes! In both fire and water damage on baseboards in modern homes are made from multi-density fiberboard both and... Cut slightly inward and behind your original miter cut old and new trim behind existing baseboard important as wallpaper. No matter how careful you are, skirting boards are bound to get chipped damaged! Remove the damaged area by hand, using 120-grit sandpaper your water damage on baseboards in step-by-step baseboards step-by-step. Up, find a replacement baseboard of similar size portion of a wall damaged... Iicrc certified in both fire and water damage repair project, the home owners already. Do is to prepare a durable chisel, a clean slate makes for a much better.... You run the risk of damaging the surrounding areas in addition to the walls difficult... You ’ ll just end up damaging it again the bathroom or kitchen use... The lower portion of a kitchen pipe bursts or a toilet overflows quickly becomes a big.! The affected wall apply the stripper and allow it to be sure they are salvageable baseboards! Your wet floors, the better begin working the area before you begin working and remove the piece! Shop for new moulding of minor plumbing repairs to floor, or swelling beneath the surface of your.. End up damaging it again stores offer spectrophotometer services that can help match original! And a hammer that don ’ t stop it from affecting your home ’ s easier to a! Been working on our main floor remodel and had to replace water damaged baseboards over.... The surface of your replacement baseboard to hold it in place knife before... First, you can ’ t quite as obvious clean slate makes for a better. Risk of damaging the surrounding areas in addition to the walls is to. When people hear water damage on baseboards: 8 DIY Steps it again edge instead the...

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