What should I do with this skirting?

[Wikaman1]

I've recently moved into an old Victorian house and noticed there are some large gaps between the skirting and the wall, wide and deep enough that I can see quite far down behind the skirting.

Does anyone have any advice on how best to fill these gaps?

Here's a couple of pictures:

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• Wikaman1
• 5 Aug 2021

69642684-76E8-4350-ACEA-247EDB68CF97

• Wikaman1
• 5 Aug 2021

 

[Swwils]

Investigate the cause and rule out anything troublesome.

Then:

 

[Wikaman1]

Thanks Swwils. There's no dampness in the wall, I think it might be down to some dodgy fitting of the skirting when the wooden floor was put in. It's an old 1870's property. I'll give the foam and filler technique a go.

 

[Tricky-Dicky]

Hi, the gap could be that the skirting board is not tall enough! The original skirting board would be far taller in a Victorian house. Plaster on a wall does not reach the floor for several reasons....

 

[Wikaman1]

Hi, the gap could be that the skirting board is not tall enough! The original skirting board would be far taller in a Victorian house. Plaster on a wall does not reach the floor for several reasons....

I think you might be right! The downstairs skirting is all higher at around 7" while the problem skirting upstairs is just less than 5". The question is should I replace the skirting or just use the foam and filler technique above?

 

[Tricky-Dicky]

Your choice sir

 

[sparkwright]

I would follow the video.