New Build: Skirting Board Sealant

[CSutton]

Hi everyone!
I live in a new build property. A while back our radiator started leaking and the water blew two of our skirting boards. It was a faulty connector into the radiator and all was resolved. We asked the builder to replace the skirting which they did but the guy who did it quite frankly made an awful job in a number of ways. Looking back now I should have insisted on it being redone but alas I didn't.

I've now sanded, glossed and completed the skirting, however I'm a little confused on which sealant to use. I'm an experienced DIY person however I wondered if anyone could advise me of the type of sealant I should get to reseal between the skirting and the chipboard floorboards? The sealant on the original skirting was rubber type/strecthy and came up quite easily but doesn't seem shiny enough to be silicone!? I've also read silicone doesn't bond with wood either.

Anyone out there whos know which stuff they use as I would like to restore back to the original installation.

The floor will be completed with carpet.

Many thanks!

Cheers,
Chris

 

[Burnerman]

Probably decorators caulk, Chris.....it doesn't fully set for ages and doesn't sand - but spreads nicely with a finger or sponge.
John

 

[Beefpotnoodle]

Are you after caulk?

 

[Beefpotnoodle]

Beaten to it!!!

 

[CSutton]

Thanks guys - would this be used for quite a large bead? It's a Convex bead of about 10-15mm. Is caulk elastic when dry? This is dull to look at and quite stretchy. the old stuff also came off the floorboards really easily...

 

[Beefpotnoodle]

I haven't used caulk that thick before and haven't found it to be really stretchy, but then I have only occasionally used it(and then it was on top between the wall and skirting). Its only around £2 a stick do give it a try

 

[Burnerman]

That's too much for any mastic bead really - decorators caulk is elastic to some degree though.
Consider using quarter round or scotia timber beading for this one.
John

 

[CSutton]

Hi - I've just checked and the gap is 10mm or under.

 

[CSutton]

Untitled

• CSutton
• 28 Jan 2015
• 1

Untitled

• CSutton
• 28 Jan 2015
• 1

Here is the original and added mastic when the guy did the botched job!

 

[RogerBoyle]

It sounds like the Skirting boards have been fitted by the carpenter to allow for carpet to be fitted underneath them.

So I would leave well enough alone

 

[CSutton]

It's not Roger - it's a new house so they are sealed off for energy efficiency tests.

 

[Burnerman]

I'd go for the quarter round beading there. If any gaps remain, then it's out with the caulk.
John

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Yes new houses are sealed everywhere, any old construction grade Mastic sealant suitable for 10mm gaps will do eg http://www.sealantsonline.co.uk/ProductGrp/000200610002

 

[RogerBoyle]

That'll teach to read the post properly LOL