Discover How to Keep Your Skirtings Looking in Tip-Top Condition
Having skirting boards in your home can add a touch of sophistication and style. Skirting boards define the bottom edge of a wall, providing an attractive finish that covers any gaps between walls and floors. However, not many people know how to properly maintain and repair these features when they become damaged or worn down over time. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about skirting board maintenance and repair.
Skirting board is an important part of any home’s interior décor. From protecting walls from dirt and damage to providing insulation, as well as adding a decorative touch – there are many reasons why it’s worth giving these features attention throughout the year. With regular maintenance and repairs, you can keep your skirtings looking their best for years to come!
What Causes Damage To Skirtings?
There are several common factors which can lead to wear and tear on skirting boards; including:
• Moisture
Not only does water seep through cracks in the flooring but humidity levels also contribute towards causing moisture damage; especially in areas like bathrooms where high levels of steam tend to be present.
• Impact
Furniture banging against skirting boards or children playing too close can cause impact damage such as dents or scuffs.
• Sunlight
Exposure to direct sunlight causes fading over time, reducing the appearance of the woodwork or paintwork on the skirtings.
How To Maintain Your Skirtings?
Maintaining your skirting boards requires some basic steps:
• Clean Regularly
Dust build up around edges should be cleaned away regularly using a damp cloth so that dirt doesn’t accumulate over time. This will help keep them looking fresh for longer periods of time.
• Seal Gaps
If there are gaps between your floorboards, use sealant to protect against moisture damage by filling them up completely before painting/staining the surface area afterwards (this applies for both internal & external skirtings). Make sure all surfaces have been sanded down prior application for best results! •
• Protect Finish
Applying lacquer or varnish will help protect painted finishes from scratches caused by furniture or everyday activities – meaning fewer repairs needed later on down the line!
How To Repair Your Skirtings?
If your skirting board has suffered minor cosmetic damages such as scratches, dents or chips, then you may be able to fix them yourself with minimal effort:
• Fill Cracks & Holes
Use filler specifically designed for wooden surfaces (available at most DIY stores) which helps fill small cracks/holes without having to replace entire pieces altogether – remember to sand down filled areas once dry before applying paint/varnish etc…
• Touch Up Paint
When touching up paintwork on damaged skirtings always use waterproof paint so that it doesn’t flake off after being exposed to moisture again later on down the line (same goes for stain). Covering large areas may require a professional painter unless you feel confident enough tackling larger tasks yourself!
• Replace Damaged Pieces
Sometimes even if all other options have been exhausted due replacing whole sections may still be necessary especially if major structural problems exist within existing pieces already installed within wall cavities (such as rotting wood etc…). It’s always best practice to seek out advice from industry professionals before attempting more challenging tasks like this, though!
Conclusion
Regular maintenance is key when it comes to keeping your skirtings looking their best throughout their lifetime; however, despite our best efforts, minor damage can occur, whether through natural wear and tear or accidents caused by everyday activities around our homes. Fortunately, however, with some simple steps outlined above, even novice DIYers should be able to find solutions suitable enough to restore their skirtings to their former glory without breaking the bank either way!
