One of the inevitable materials damaged in a house flood or leak is your baseboards, where even small amounts of water or moisture can cause bloating, staining, warping, and paint peeling. 

In this article, we will explain how to fix water damage on baseboards in Ontario, and why it’s so important to act fast.

Find the Source

Acting fast ensures you can find the source, cut it off, and remove the water to reduce the amount of damage caused. In some cases, the source is obvious, such as a flooded basement related to the weather or a burst water heater, overflows, or visible pipe leaks.

However, if the cause is a slow leak, they tend to be more insidious. Your baseboards might seem to be sitting in a nice dry spot yet show signs of damage like bubbling paint, warping, or bulging. In this case, you need to put your detective hat on and search for clues such as the following:

  • The source of a dripping sound
  • Damp, damaged, or stained walls and ceilings
  • Water around faucets, appliances, under sinks, and around showers, tubs, and toilets
  • Must, mould, and mildew
  • Window leaks
  • Attic check for roof leaks

You might need to call in a professional such as a plumber, roofer, or foundation expert, to address the issue. Regardless of the source, there’s no point in making repairs until you ensure the issue is resolved!

Assess the Damage of Baseboards in Ontario

The type of damage will tell you if you can get away with repairs, or will need to replace your baseboards. Repairs can be made when the paint is discoloured, peeling, cracked, etc., but the board itself is fine. However, if your baseboards are swollen, warped, mouldy, or cracked, then you’ll need to replace them. 

The Risks of Mould

We always advise gently prying the baseboard away from the wall to check for mould, even when the baseboards seem to have minor paint damage. If you have a slow leak, it takes a while for the leak to make its way through the wall and into the baseboards.

As a result, enough time might have lapsed to allow mould to form along the base of your drywall. If you find mould, it’s best to call in an expert to determine the type of mould and whether remediation is required.

How to Repair Damaged Paint on Baseboards

If the baseboard surface is damaged, this is a reasonably easy fix, although it’s time-consuming. Follow these steps:

  1. Make sure the baseboard and wall are dry: If the wall or baseboard is not completely dry, your new paint will likely bubble again. 
  2. Sand the surface: Sand any bubbles and cracks right down to the wood to make sure it is completely even. Otherwise, you’ll see ridges and divots once the paint is applied.
  3. Remove dust: Wipe away and vacuum up all the dust from sanding.
  4. Lay down tape: Unless you have a very steady hand, you should tape off the walls and floor.
  5. Apply a primer: You usually just need a single coat of primer unless you’re using a lighter paint colour on dark baseboards. Let the primer dry completely.
  6. Apply the paint: Apply the paint using enough that it spreads easily, but not so much that it is dripping everywhere. Let it dry.
  7. Apply the final coat: In most cases, you’ll only need two coats, and if you’re lucky, the first coat will be fine!

How to Replace Water-Damaged Baseboards

If you determine the boards are beyond repair, you’ll need to replace them. Follow these steps:

  1. Find a match: Choose an area of baseboard that isn’t damaged, and gently pry it from the wall using a putty knife or flat screwdriver so you have a sample to take to the store.
  2. Measure the area: Measure the area so you know the number of new baseboards you’ll need.
  3. Make the match: You can either shop at our online store or head out to our home improvement stores to match your baseboards. You need to match the profile, which is the design of the baseboard, as well as the height.  
  4. Remove the damaged baseboards: Gently pry the damaged baseboards from the wall, removing any nails as you work. Feel the wall to make sure it is completely dry. If the wall is dry, move to step #7.
  5. For wet walls: Continue removing the baseboards, and then allow the walls to dry completely before moving on to step #7. 
  6. For mould: If you see dark mould on the walls, have them inspected by a mould remediation company.
  7. Repair damage to walls: Sand down things like paint globs or old caulking. If you damage the walls above the area where the baseboards will be installed, you’ll need to repair holes with spackle or drywall filler. This is a pain, though, because you’ll also have to repaint the wall. Another option is to install a taller baseboard to cover the damage.  
  8. Cut the baseboards: Measuring twice and cutting once will save on waste! Follow the cutting tips below. 
  9. Prime and paint: If your baseboards aren’t primed, prime and then paint them before installation. This makes it easier as you won’t have to tape everything off. Avoid drips at the site of the cuts or you won’t have clean, smooth joints.  
  10. Install the boards: Ideally, you should use a stud finder for a solid fit. From there, you can use a nail gun every 16 inches.
  11. Finish: Caulk the nail holes and then dab with paint for an even finish. 

How to Make Baseboard Mitre Cuts

Follow these tips for clean mitre cuts:

  • Outside corners: Allow a few extra inches when cutting boards for outside corners. Place the board in the corner, and then run a pencil along the wall tracing where the mitre cut should be made on the back of the board. Use a mitre saw at 45 degrees, cutting the board 1/16 inch longer to make a clean joint. Repeat for the other piece.
  • Inside corners: Cut the first baseboard so it’s flush against the corner wall. Mark the corner with a pencil at a 45-degree angle from the corner, and then mitre cut the bevel at 45 degrees. Reset the saw in the opposite direction to cut the other board.
  • Butt joints: Where two pieces of moulding meet, make a 45 degree mitre cut on the front of the board and the other 45 degree mitre cut on the back so they fit on top of each other for a clean joint.

Baseboards Ontario: Contact the Baseboard Experts

These tips will help you restore your baseboards so it’s like the water damage never happened!

Click here to shop Cosmaroma’s baseboards in Ontario, or visit a store near you.