How to Fix Water Damage on Baseboards
Water damage is no match for your baseboard replacing skills
- Utility knife
- Putty knife
- Tape measure
- Backsaw or miter saw
- Drill
- Baseboard molding
- Finish nails
- Paintable caulk
- Primer
- Paint
After minor flooding in your home, you may be left with warped, swollen, discolored, or deteriorating water-damaged baseboards. Fortunately, replacing them is a straightforward process you can tackle as a DIY project in an afternoon. Learn how to fix water-damaged baseboards with our step-by-step guide.
When water damage is discovered, turn off the power and disconnect all electronic devices from any affected area.
Remove Damaged Baseboard
Photo: Joaquin Corbalan / Adobe StockFirst, you’ll need to remove the damaged baseboard. Use a utility knife to cut through the old caulk between the baseboard and wall. Then, using a putty knife, gently pry the old baseboard away from the wall. Most baseboards are affixed to the wall using finish nails, but some may be glued or adhered, so use caution to avoid damaging the wall.
Dry the Wall
Next, ensure the wall behind the damaged baseboard is dry and undamaged. If any moisture remains, allow the area to fully dry before moving to the next step. Mold can grow quickly—it only takes one to two days for mold to start to grow, so you want to avoid trapping moisture behind the new baseboard. If the wall behind the baseboard is damaged, repair the water-damaged wall plaster or drywall before installing the new baseboard.
Measure and Cut a New Baseboard
Once you’re sure the wall is fully dry, measure and cut a new length of baseboard. Measure with a measuring tape several times before making your cuts with a backsaw or miter saw. Don’t forget to account for any angles that may be cut into baseboard corners.
Attach Baseboard
Place several small dots of caulk along the back of the baseboard. Drill pilot holes through the baseboard, and then use finish nails and a hammer to attach the baseboard to the wall. Caulk corner seams are where the baseboard meets the wall with paintable caulk, and the caulk is let dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Prime and Paint Baseboard
Once the caulk is dry, prime and paint the baseboard to match the existing baseboards. Allow for drying time between coats for the best finish.
Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes homeowners make when fixing water-damaged baseboards:
Not finding and fixing the source of the water damage
Ignoring signs of mold growth
Not allowing the wall to fully dry before replacing baseboards
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you’ve had significant flooding or notice signs of water damage to your floors, walls, or ceilings, contact a local water damage restoration pro to return your home to its original condition. Hiring a water damage restoration company will ensure all damage is identified and repaired and can prevent future problems caused by water damage. Water damage restoration costs will depend on the severity of the damage, the size of the damaged area, and what materials and items need to be repaired or replaced.
In most cases, replacing water-damaged baseboards is better than reusing them. Baseboards made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) should be always replaced after water damage, since the resulting swelling and warping cannot be fixed. Wood baseboards with small amounts of damage may be reused if damaged sections are sanded and sealed. Baseboard molding costs an average of $1 to $1.40 per linear foot, so replacing damaged segments won’t break the bank.
Insurance may cover water damage if the damage is sudden and accidental, depending on the details of your insurance policy. Water damage from slow leaks or that results from negligence or wear and tear is generally not covered by insurance. Check your policy to see what your coverage offers and what steps you need to follow to make a claim.
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