Cracks on top of skirting board

[DIYBeth33]

I finally had my new carpet laid today. But after looking closely in one particular room, i've noticed that there is some cracking on the top of the skirting

I will try to attach a pic to illustrate this!

It is so frustrating to see the skirting looking a mess on day 1!

Anyone know what i can do about it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Crystalclear]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyl...ving-scratches-from-leaded-light-windows.html

 

[Crystalclear]

Short/medium time Remedy? Flexible filler.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/unibond-flexible-decorating-filler-white-310ml/69005

Let us know how it went.

IF you have to remove the bad SBs? Then slap this sticky stuff on, and dust sheets where you walk.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsen...=Search-_-SearchRec-_-Area1&_requestid=311837

 

[DIYBeth33]

Short/medium time Remedy? Flexible filler.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/unibond-flexible-decorating-filler-white-310ml/69005

Let us know how it went.

IF you have to remove the bad SBs? Then slap this sticky stuff on, and dust sheets where you walk.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsen...=Search-_-SearchRec-_-Area1&_requestid=311837

Thanks for the replies!

I did caulk round before undercoating. The skirting is attached to an internal dividing wall (not a solid one), the wall itself is pretty ropey- cracks/dents/chips/bad filler patches .
It was fine yest, so i'm wondering if the force of the carpet layers whacking the new carpet down has done this? Esp as the wall is not particularly solid- i could prob put my arm thru it with a bit of force! :/

Am so gutted this has happened!

 

[Crystalclear]

Oh my!!! Did they have one of those large things, they use to knee the carpet, and get it taut?

 

[misterhelpful]

You've probably hit the nail on the head with the cracking being caused by the carpet fitters. That said, it probably isn't their fault - to get a well fitted carpet it has to be stretched and fitted over the edges of the grippers with a stair tool. This pushes the carpet down in between the skirting and the gripper. If the skirting isn't fixed solidly enough, even the slightest pressure can cause a crack at the weakest point - in this case, it's where you have caulked.
I wouldn't be too alarmed because the carpet may now be holding the skirting a lot firmer (unless the wall really is as flimsy as you suggest) which will allow you to re-caulk the crack and then carefully touch up the paint. Apply a very small amount of caulk and smooth it into the crack with a firm damp sponge, which also helps to wipe away any excess, then allow to dry and touch up the paint.

It's a pity that happened because it looks like you've done a pretty good job of cutting in along the skirting.

 

[joe-90]

Press your skirting to see if it flexes.

 

[DIYBeth33]

Oh my!!! Did they have one of those large things, they use to knee the carpet, and get it taut?

I think so. There was so much banging going on that I was scared to look!

 

[DIYBeth33]

You've probably hit the nail on the head with the cracking being caused by the carpet fitters. That said, it probably isn't their fault - to get a well fitted carpet it has to be stretched and fitted over the edges of the grippers with a stair tool. This pushes the carpet down in between the skirting and the gripper. If the skirting isn't fixed solidly enough, even the slightest pressure can cause a crack at the weakest point - in this case, it's where you have caulked.
I wouldn't be too alarmed because the carpet may now be holding the skirting a lot firmer (unless the wall really is as flimsy as you suggest) which will allow you to re-caulk the crack and then carefully touch up the paint. Apply a very small amount of caulk and smooth it into the crack with a firm damp sponge, which also helps to wipe away any excess, then allow to dry and touch up the paint.

It's a pity that happened because it looks like you've done a pretty good job of cutting in along the skirting.

To be fair, the carpet fitters have done a fab job, really taken care not to scuff and scrape my woodwork. Thanks for the info, I'll have to get the dust sheets out for a few touch ups, need to finish off a few window sills too, so will have the paint out anyway.

I did attempt to paint the skirtings etc using tape for straight edges, but found it much easier, and neater, to do it freehand! It actually turned out well..... Unfortunately I don't seem to have a steady hand when painting the edges of door frames! But that's another story! Lol