Why Do My Skirting Boards Feel Soft but Not Rotten?

If your skirting boards in Runcorn feel soft, spongy, or slightly swollen, but don’t show obvious signs of rot, this often causes confusion. Many homeowners fear timber decay, but in many cases the issue is early moisture absorption rather than fungal rot.

Skirting boards sit at the junction between walls, floors, and internal air — making them highly sensitive to moisture. When humidity or condensation affects this area, timber can soften long before any structural decay develops.

At Weather Wise Solutions — a family-run damp and timber specialist — this is a very common issue we diagnose in Cheshire homes.

🪵 Why Skirting Boards Can Feel Soft

1️⃣ Early Moisture Absorption

Timber is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the surrounding air. When relative humidity is consistently high, skirting boards can take on moisture and soften without rotting.

At this stage, the timber often:

Feels soft to touch
Appears slightly swollen
Still retains its shape and fixings

2️⃣ Condensation at Low Level

Condensation doesn’t only occur on windows. Cooler wall bases and floor junctions can attract moisture — especially overnight — which is then absorbed by skirting boards.

This condensation often dries during the day, leaving no visible damp staining.

3️⃣ Bridging Plaster

Where plaster finishes extend down to the floor, moisture can transfer from masonry into the skirting. This is known as bridging, and it’s a common cause of low-level timber moisture without true rising damp.

4️⃣ Subfloor Moisture & Poor Airflow

In homes with suspended timber floors, high humidity beneath the floor can rise and affect skirting boards from behind. Blocked air bricks or poor subfloor ventilation often contribute to this issue.

5️⃣ Paint and Sealants Trapping Moisture

Modern paints and sealants can prevent timber from drying effectively. Moisture becomes trapped within the skirting, keeping it soft even when the room feels dry.

🔍 How We Diagnose Soft Skirting Boards in Runcorn

Rather than assuming rot, we assess why moisture is present, including:

Moisture testing of skirting boards and adjacent walls
Assessment of condensation risk at low level
Inspection for plaster bridging
Subfloor ventilation checks
External inspection to rule out penetrating damp
Timber condition assessment to confirm whether decay is present

This ensures early-stage moisture issues aren’t misdiagnosed as timber failure.

🛠️ How the Problem Is Properly Resolved

Depending on findings, solutions may include:

✔ Managing Humidity & Condensation

Reducing moisture levels so timber can dry naturally.

✔ Improving Subfloor Ventilation

Lowering humidity beneath floors to protect skirting boards.

✔ Removing Bridging

Ensuring plaster and finishes don’t transfer moisture into timber.

✔ Correct Timber Protection

Only recommending timber treatments if decay is actually present.

Where materials or systems are required, we work with trusted suppliers including:
🔗 PAM Ties – https://www.pamties.co.uk/
🔗 Wykamol Group – https://wykamol.com/

All advice aligns with guidance from:
🔗 Federation of Damp – https://federationofdamp.co.uk/
🔗 Damp Proofing Association – https://www.dampproofingassociation.co.uk/

For independent reassurance, you can also view our profiles on:
🔗 TrustATrader – https://www.trustatrader.com/traders/weather-wise-solutions-limited-damp-surveyor-newcastle-under-lyme
🔗 Checkatrade – https://www.checkatrade.com/trades/weatherwisesolutionslimited