Do Your Baseboards Have A Purpose?

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Working in the water damage industry, our technicians see everything. They also are the ones that remove everything when it gets affected by water. Taking off baseboards is always a tedious task if we are trying to save them, but depending on the material it is made from, salvaging it may not be possible. Baseboards are usually thought to be installed purely for aesthetic purposes, but you may be surprised to find out that they actually serve many purposes; 

• Baseboards help prevent the walls from getting damaged by moisture. Leaks, spills, and wouldn’t you know it, even mopping can cause the drywall to get wet if it isn’t properly protected. Dry wall is extremely porous and soaks up moisture quickly. Which adds to the drying time if you are affected by a water loss.  

• Baseboards also protect against physical damage, being a much stronger material than your dry wall.  

• With the correct installation, your walls should have slight spacing in some areas to allow for contraction during the changing temperature and moisture content. Baseboards help hide those gaps.  

You see baseboards everywhere and know you know what their purpose is! If your home or business experiences a water loss give SERVPRO of Northeast Wichita a call. We want to be your trusted, local, and always there company when you need us (316) 684-6700.