3

I previously asked this question Do I need to replace skirting in these places? . Please note the placing of the boards which are behind cabinets but also under the sink area. Note that the red lines in my pic are not correct, they should go further right up to the end of the sink

In my case of damp, water came through broken tiles behind the sink and down into exactly where most of the skirting boards are(indicated by the red line). However I have comes across this statement in someones reply to an article:

"..NONE of your correspondents seem to have noted one of the most important functions of the much maligned skirting board - that of concealing the necessary gap between wooden floorboards and masonry to prevent transmission of damp and to allow for expansion and contraction of the boards with temperature and humidity." https://www.theguardian.com/notesandqueries/query/0,,-2689,00.html

Can someone explain what this means? I'm wondering if the boards actually prevented my damp from going into the floor and spread as the comment would suggest? And this comment might explain why the skirting goes to the end of the sink my damp situation demonstrating how it works. Is this statement only relevant if you have floorbaords?skir

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
7

Skirting is purely aesthetic. It doesn't stop damp transmission itself, but just hides a gap where floorboards meet wall.

In the article you quoted, the important words are:

...concealing the necessary gap between wooden floorboards and masonry to prevent transmission of damp...

They are saying that if wooden floorboards are in contact with masonry walls which are damp, then moisture can wick into them (particularly from the end-grain). In fact, I think that this quote is ludicrous; if you have damp walls, you have a problem that skirting isn't going to help you with.

To answer your question simply, whether or not you have skirting will have absolutely no effect on managing damp, particularly on a concrete floor which is in contact with the wall.

Improve this answer
2
  • What gap are you referring to that prevents damp transmission? I cannot see any gap in my photo(in the skirting area) and how would it prevent damp transmitting from above? Please would you be able to clarify? Thanks.
    – James Wilson
    Commented Apr 29, 2020 at 11:17
  • 1
    See my edited answer - i hope that clarifies things. Essentially, it makes no difference, and the person you quoted is talking out of their derrière.
    – SiHa
    Commented Apr 29, 2020 at 11:46

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.