Why Do I Have Baseboard Discoloration? | BARRIER Waterproofing Systems Middle TN

If you have been wondering what has been causing some baseboard discoloration in your home, it is important to know that there are several possible causes. These include problems like water leaks and mold. As your local waterproofing experts, we will explain some of the most prevalent causes and some main points about how to repair them. 

The good news is that water intrusion in your home is fixable! When water penetrates your foundation, the repairs can begin to grow in size and cost, but always remember: the longer foundation damage accumulates, the more serious the problem becomes! 

Mold

If you suspect mold, the first step to take is to treat the problem as quickly as possible. It’s important to treat this problem before it gets any worse, so you can prevent the mold from returning.

Baseboard discoloration may be the result of mold growth. It usually appears in newly built houses, and is often caused by excessive moisture in the air. To get rid of this problem, you should clean the area with soapy water. Then, use a bleach solution to clean away any stray mold spores.

To determine the extent of the infestation, test the area with a cotton swab. If it’s light in color immediately after cleaning, but turns dark a few days later, it’s a sign of aggressive mold growth. If it persists, you should call a professional to handle the problem. Industry equipment and experience allow for cleaning up mold growth safely and effectively eliminating it completely from your indoor living areas. 

Water damage

Water damage is a silent intruder that can be hard to detect. First of all, check for any signs of discoloration or peeling paint. These are common signs of water damage, but they are even harder to spot on unpainted wood. If you spot discoloration or peeling paint on your baseboards soon enough, you may be able to restore them without having to replace them.

In some cases, water damage can reach the wall behind the baseboards, causing more extensive damage. Once the walls are warped, replacing the baseboards may be necessary. This is why identifying the source of the water leak is critical. Once the leak is identified, you should stop the water source. This will also help save money during the repair process.

Leaks

Baseboard discoloration is one of the first signs of a water leak. It can happen behind the wall or even from a broken pipe in the basement. Regardless of the source of the leak, you must catch it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Luckily, there are some tips to help you spot the damage and save your baseboards.

The first thing you need to do is look for areas where the baseboard does not touch the wall. Water damaged baseboards will not hold their original shape, just like how most wood reacts when being affected by water. If you find these areas, you can salvage the baseboard by fixing the leak and the underlying drywall. However, if you cannot find the leak, you can call a professional for help with locating the leak without causing damage to your home.

Swelling

Water damage can leave discoloration and stains on your baseboard. It can also damage your walls and cause them to warp and displace. The best way to fix this problem is to repair the source of the leak. First, determine if the discoloration is coming from a water leak. If it is not, more considerations need to be made about the condition of the indoor living environment.

Perhaps the usual humidity level is too high, or the room in which the baseboards are located is generating too much humidity (like a bathroom). Either way, the source of water that is affecting the wood can be corrected. Our team of professionals can help identify the source and recommend the most effective solution for preventing further damage.

Ghosting

The best way to prevent ghosting from occurring in your home is to ensure adequate ventilation. Most cases of ghosting are caused by lack of ceiling insulation, but it can also occur in homes with good ventilation. Properly running exhaust fans in your home can help minimize the chance of ghosting. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t understand the importance of running exhaust fans in their home. Luckily, a simple solution is to install a programmable timer switch on your ceiling fan.

Once you have eliminated the cause of the ghosting, you can apply a new coat of paint. You’ll need one coat of primer, followed by two to three coats of your choice. If the ghosting is due to mold, it is also a good idea to consult a professional. Besides replacing the paint, you may need to take down the drywall to remove the ghosting.

Air Conditioning

When you’ve got carpet that’s starting to discolor around the baseboard edges, you may be wondering what’s causing the problem. The answer is probably your HVAC system. Your system pulls air into the room at a much higher speed than it can leave, and as a result, it accumulates visible dirt and debris. This dirt and debris can come from pets, kids’ toys, and stale air in other parts of the home. You should regularly clean your baseboards and drapes, and make sure you change your filters in your HVAC system and in your range hood, which should be cleaned weekly.

Another possible cause is the amount of humidity in your home. High humidity can encourage mold growth, especially if you have a humidifier or aquarium in the room. You should try to keep the room’s humidity level lower, especially during the hot summer months. Using a dehumidifier can also help prevent the growth of mold.

Who You Gonna Call?

To learn more about the causes of water damage to baseboards in your home, give BARRIER a call at (615) 257-1060  |  (931) 536-1168. Schedule a FREE evaluation with our team of professionals and we can help identify the source of the problem as well as the best course of action for getting it back on track.