When it comes to ensuring a well-insulated and energy-efficient home, every detail counts. Often overlooked but crucial, the joint between skirtings and a hard floor can be a significant source of energy loss and potential entry points for dust, pests, and draughts.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of sealing these joints, shedding light on why this seemingly small task can lead to substantial improvements in comfort and energy savings.
Additionally, we will delve into the types of sealants best suited for this purpose, as well as provide a step-by-step guide on how to properly execute the sealing process for a clean, draught-proof finish.
By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of why and how to seal the gaps between your skirtings and floor, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency and comfort of your living space.
The Benefits Of Sealing Between The Skirting Boards And Floor
Sealing the gap between skirting boards and the floor can offer several important benefits:
Improved Energy Efficiency
By preventing air leaks, sealing this gap helps to maintain a more consistent indoor temperature. This means your heating and cooling systems won't have to work as hard, leading to potential energy savings.
Reduced Draughts
Sealing eliminates the entry points for cold air drafts, making your living spaces more comfortable and reducing the need to overheat or overcool them.
Enhanced Insulation
It provides an additional layer of insulation, contributing to better overall thermal performance and reducing the load on your heating and cooling systems.
Pest Prevention
Sealing gaps can act as a barrier against insects, rodents, and other pests that might find their way into your home through these openings.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
By preventing dust, dirt, and allergens from entering your living spaces, sealing can help maintain cleaner air and a healthier living environment, particularly important for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Aesthetic Appeal
A properly sealed joint between skirting boards and the floor provides a clean, finished look to your interior, enhancing the overall appearance of your living space.
Protection Against Moisture
Sealing can help prevent moisture from seeping into gaps, which can lead to damage over time, especially in areas prone to humidity or moisture build-up.
Long-Term Cost Savings
While the initial effort of sealing may seem small, the cumulative energy savings and potential reduction in maintenance costs over time can lead to significant financial benefits.
Noise Reduction
Sealing the gaps can help reduce the transmission of sound between rooms, contributing to a quieter and more peaceful living environment.
Preservation of Flooring Materials
Sealing can protect the edges and undersides of flooring materials from moisture, preventing potential warping or damage.
In summary, sealing the gap between skirting boards and the floor offers a range of benefits that collectively contribute to a more comfortable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing living space. It's a relatively simple yet effective step toward enhancing the overall quality of your home environment.
What Sealant To Use To Seal Between The Skirting And Floor?
In the pursuit of an enduring, effective, and visually pleasing finish, the selection of an appropriate silicone sealant for sealing the interface between skirting boards and the floor is paramount.
For optimal results, it is highly recommended to employ a low modulus, neutral-curing silicone sealant.
A low modulus sealant, known for its exceptional flexibility, proves indispensable in accommodating the natural movements and shifts that occur within a living space. This characteristic is particularly crucial in environments where temperature and humidity fluctuations are common.
By allowing for expansion and contraction without compromising the seal's integrity, a low modulus sealant ensures long-term durability.
Additionally, the neutral-curing formulation signifies that the sealant does not emit corrosive by-products during the curing process, making it compatible with a wide range of materials including wood, ceramic tile, natural stone, vinyl, and laminate.
This versatility in substrate compatibility guarantees a secure and reliable bond, effectively sealing gaps and joints while enhancing the overall insulation and aesthetic appeal of the space.
In choosing a low modulus, neutral-curing silicone sealant, you're investing in a solution that offers enduring performance and adaptability, ensuring a seamless and long-lasting finish between skirting boards and the floor.
How To Seal Between The Skirting And Floor?
Now you understand the the importance of sealing your skirting boards and you know what sealant to use, let's take a look at how to effectively seal between the skirting boards and flooring.
Tools and Materials Needed:
Sealant Gun:
A sealant gun, also known as a caulking gun, is an essential tool for applying silicone sealant. It allows for controlled and precise dispensing of the sealant.
Low Modulus, Neutral Cure Silicone:
For a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish between skirting boards and the floor, it's crucial to opt for a low modulus, neutral-curing silicone sealant. This highly flexible option accommodates natural movements, ensuring a secure and enduring seal while being compatible with various substrates like wood, ceramic tile, natural stone, vinyl, and laminate.
Stanley Knife or Blade:
A sharp knife or blade is necessary for cutting the nozzle of the silicone tube to the desired size. This determines the thickness of the bead of sealant.
Silicone Smoothing Tool:
This tool is used to shape and smooth the sealant after it has been applied. It helps create a clean and professional finish.
Foam Backing Rod/ Strips:
If your gaps between the floor and skirting are over 6-8mm wide, a backing rod should be stuffed into the joint along the bottom of the skirting board. This will stop the sealant from sagging or being overly compressed, ensuring a more effective and long-lasting seal.
Moreover, employing a backing rod proves cost-effective by preventing excess silicone from seeping towards the rear of the skirting board. This ensures a more efficient use of the sealant.
Spray Bottle of Washing-up Liquid and Water:
This mixture acts as a lubricant for smoothing the silicone sealant, preventing it from sticking to the tool or smearing along any surfaces.
Kitchen Towel or Clean/Dry Cloth:
These are used for preparing the joints and for cleaning up any spills or smudges during the application process.
Bottle of Methylated Spirit:
Methylated spirit, also known as denatured alcohol, is used for cleaning and preparing the surfaces before applying the silicone sealant.
Having these tools ready and understanding their functions will greatly facilitate the silicone application process, leading to a more successful and professional-looking finish.
Step 1) Prepare The Area
If the floor perimeter has existing sealant already around the edge, this will need to be completely removed first before applying the new silicone.
See the following article for details on how to remove existing silicone sealant: How To Completely Remove Old Silicone Sealant - The Pro 4 Step Method
If its a newly installed floor or skirting, add a small amount of methylated spirit to a cloth or piece of kitchen roll, and give the joints you are sealing a wipe. Ensure the joint's are completely dirt, grit and dust free and completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Why use methylated spirit?
The methylated spirit is not only a great cleaning and degreasing solution. But the residue evaporates almost immediately. This will ensure the joints are completely dry before applying the new silicone.
2) Load The Silicone Gun
Load the silicone sealant cartridge into the gun and cut the nozzle at a 45-degree angle. The size of the opening will determine the thickness of the bead. Start with a small opening and enlarge it if needed.
3) Apply The Silicone Sealant
With the gun at a 45-degree angle, gently squeeze the trigger and move it steadily around the perimeter of the floor. Apply a continuous bead of sealant, ensuring full coverage. Use a consistent speed to maintain an even line.
4) Smooth The Sealant
After applying the sealant, spray the bead with the soapy water, this stops the sealant from smearing or sticking to stuff it shouldn't when tooling. Then use a silicone tool to smooth and shape the bead.
This ensures an even, professional-looking finish.
DO NOT lick your finger and smooth the sealant. The bacteria in your mouth can transfer to the sealant and cause premature mould growth. Also, it's disgusting!
5) Allow Sealant To Cure
Generally, it's recommended to let the silicone dry for at least 24 to 48 hours after applying the sealant.
During this period, the sealant undergoes a process of drying and curing. This ensures that it forms a strong, watertight barrier against any movement, dirt, debris or spillages. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the specific drying and curing times for the sealant you're using, as different products may have varying requirements.
Additionally, it's advisable to avoid the areas you have sealed during this curing period to prevent any potential disruptions or damage to the freshly applied sealant.
Related Article: How Long Does Bathroom Silicone Take To Dry (this also applies to any kind of internal sealant)
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