Noticeable gaps may occur in many parts of the home but you often see them between the wall and baseboard. This can be an unsightly issue but is it possible to fix it?
The easiest way to fill the gap between the wall and baseboard is to use caulking. If the gap is relatively small, you can simply use the caulking in the gap and smooth it with your finger. Otherwise, use a backer rod to fill the gap before using caulking.
There are many factors that can make this job successful. This is a way to do more than fix the gap between the wall and the baseboard. If you do it properly, you will actually make the gap disappear altogether.
Here are a few tips to help make it successful and then we’ll talk some more about options and reasons why filling the gap is so necessary.
1. Use a Caulking Tool – Although it may be tempting to simply swipe the caulking with your finger, a caulking tool is going to do a much better job in most cases.
2. Use Painter’s Tape – It is also a good idea to use painter’s tape to cover both the wall and the baseboard so caulking does not get on them. You can then peel off the painter’s tape for a clean finish.
3. Paint – Although you may be tempted to simply allow the caulking to stay in place as is, it will make a much better job if you paint it. Make sure that you paint it the color of the wall and not of the baseboard. That is what will make the caulking and the gap disappear.
Can You Fix The Gap Between Wall And Baseboard? (How To)
In most cases, the gap between the wall and the baseboard is not something to be overly concerned about. It is just something to fix and once it is fixed, you don’t have to worry about it for many years.
There may be instances, however, in which the gap between the wall and the baseboard is extensive and may even be growing. When should you start to worry about this issue?
1. Cracks – If you are also seeing cracks in the walls and ceilings that are forming at the same time as the gap between the wall and the baseboard, it could be of concern. Contact someone to take a look at it and see if you need the help of a contractor.
2. Windows – If the Windows start to stick or no longer stay up, this may also be an indication that you are having structural problems. Those same structural problems can lead to a gap between the wall and the baseboard.
As you will see, there are very few times that this is an issue but it is worth mentioning. In most cases, the gap occurs because of something that was done wrong or just because of natural shifting and settling.
Why You Should Fix The Gap Between Wall And Baseboard
The question as to whether you can fix a gap between the wall and baseboard is easy enough to answer. This may leave you wondering if it is a good idea to do it. What are the problems if you don’t?
Looks – One of the major reasons why we fix the gap between the wall and baseboard is because it doesn’t look good. As a homeowner, we tend to notice things like this because we live with it day after day. If somebody visits your home, it is likely to attract their attention as well.
Hidden Issues – The area behind the baseboard is supposed to be completely hidden from sight. If it is open because there is a gap between the wall and the baseboard, you are also opening the area to your family as well. This is not typically an issue, but it could lead to exposure to mold or other problems that exist in those areas.
Honestly, there isn’t much of a reason to fix the issue aside from the fact that something wasn’t done right. Once you correct the gap and fill it, you will be happy you did.
What Is Causing The Gap Between Wall And Baseboard?
It is not uncommon for baseboards to separate from the wall. There are also times that they are separate from the wall from the moment they were constructed. Here are some reasons why it may happen.
Insufficient Nails – If the baseboard was nailed to the wall without the use of construction adhesive, then the nails may not be the proper fit or not enough of them were used to hold the baseboard in place.
This issue can sometimes be fixed by adding additional nails but sometimes, the damage is already done. It may be easier just to hide the gap rather than try to close it.
Wall Surface – Although your wall may look nice and flat, that is rarely the case. Walls are imperfect and wavy, which can lead to occasional gaps behind the baseboard that may be noticeable.
Shrinking Caulk – The area may have had some caulking inserted to hide the gap at some point in the past. That caulking may be shrinking or not enough was used to properly hide the gap. If that is the case, remove the old caulking and add new caulking.
Installation – One other reason why the gap may exist is because the baseboard was not installed properly. This may be an issue that shows up immediately or it could show up at some point in the future as the house naturally shifts and settles.
Foundation – This is an unlikely problem but it can occur from time to time. If the foundation is sinking, you may have bigger problems than a gap between the wall and the baseboard.
How To Prevent Gaps From Forming Between Wall And Baseboard
If you would like to prevent this problem from happening when you install the baseboard, there are some things you can do.
Nails – When you nail the baseboard in place, make sure you are using adequate nails and toenail the baseboard rather than nailing it straight into the wall. It will get a better grip and hold firmly rather than loosening over time.
Construction Adhesive – Make good use of construction adhesive when applying the baseboard to the wall. You can then use nails to hold it in place. The combination will remove much of the gap immediately.
Caulking – No matter how hard you try, you are going to end up with a gap between the baseboard and the wall. It can be filled immediately with caulking to hide the gap from the very start.
3 Ideas To Fix The Gap Between Wall And Baseboard
1. How To Fix The Gap Between Wall And Baseboard (Caulking)
If a gap does exist between the wall and the baseboard there is something you can do that will hide it and make it virtually invisible.
Caulking is the best way to fill the gap between the wall and the baseboard. You can use a paintable type of caulk, running the bead across the top and filling the gap. Larger gaps may need some spline to fill the gap before the caulk is inserted.
After applying the caulking, allow it to dry completely. If you are happy with the way that it looks, you should paint it the same color as the wall. This will cause the caulking to disappear along with the gap.
2. How To Fix The Gap Between Wall And Baseboard (Nails)
You may need more of something that was used at first if a gap continues to appear between the wall and the baseboard.
Sometimes, the baseboard may not be adequately tightened to the wall. You can fix this issue by using additional nails and nailing through the baseboard at an angle into the wall behind it. Doing so will pull the baseboard tight and limit the gap.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on October 17, 2022.
Even after using nails in this way, you are likely to have a small gap between the wall and the baseboard. Even that tiny gap can look bad in comparison to having the gap gone altogether.
After using nails, run a tiny bead of caulking above the baseboard to hide the gap completely. If necessary, paint the caulking and surrounding areas the same color as the wall.
3. How To Fix The Gap Between Wall And Baseboard (Shoe Molding)
Some types of baseboards are going to just have a gap and no matter what you do, it will continue to reappear. If the baseboard is large, you may want to consider adding something to it.
Shoe molding or another type of decorative molding can be used as a finishing touch to fill larger gaps between the wall and baseboard. This is not going to be necessary on all types of baseboards, as it should be at least as wide as the shoe molding for the installation to work well.
After you install the trim or shoe molding, you still might have to use caulking to hide any gaps that exist. Be sure to paint the shoe molding the same color as the baseboard but paint the caulking the same color as the walls.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on October 17, 2022.
The best way to fill a gap between the wall and baseboard is to use a bead of caulking. This will even fill a large gap and make it disappear. You can use a backer rod if you have a larger gap if the caulking isn’t staying in place.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 17, 2022.