What to use to fill a gap between the floor and the baseboards???

Question

I have a large (up to an inch) gap between my floors and the baseboards. In the previous winters, I have rolled up linens and stuck it along the edges, but I had carpeting then. I tore the carpeting out and exposed this LARGE gap.
This needs to be a semi-permanent fix until I can fix the floors and put new molding /baseboards down (which will be a few years before I can accomplish that).
Aside form using expanding foam, any other suggestions?

ADDED (DON)
I am not interested in using molding right now - I have 3 different kinds right now, I am not taking the small rounded molding that is the bottom base of these, off to replace it...I am looking for a filler of some sort....

Answer 1

You could use the long strips of insulation they use to wrap pipes in the winter. This will fill the gap and insulate against the air coming in through the gap. Just lay the strip down and push it in with a screw driver.

Answer 2

First of all with no offense to you or others who answer; I'd have to go with BERT initially.

I want to assume you have bare floors now? AND that the cove base molding is still ON the walls? Did you pull "Tack Strip"?

BERT truly has given you the best; most direct answer in a resolution.

Certainly you can Caulk before re-attaching; though I think the issue is far more serious. If; when you had carpeting; you still had to seal the area; then you should be addressing that; before considering foam or anything else; such as the towels.

Without knowing at all; the construction of the house; IE: Block/ Wood Frame/ Etc.; or the reason for any access/intrusion; by the exterior environment; "band aides" aren't the better answer.

Again; and with all due respect "A Few years"??? In that time frame; however you define "a few"; what is the "Raw" floor like? More importantly though; is addressing the issue of WHY you need to use any substance as "Filler". In those few years, if it was my house; I'd be sealing the house; in the appropriate manner; if I was unable to replace the flooring.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

No need to caulk. Probably need to check with a hardware store like Lowes or Home Depot. Find some 1/4 inch strips. That's what finishes and hides the gap that you see from the wood to the baseboard. They probably ripped it up to install the carpet (in order to get the edges to tuck underneath the baseboard) Plus you do not have to rip up the baseboards. As for the buckling and or sliding question: No its not supposed to slide or buckle. There are 3 main ways to install wood floors. 1) Glue down - a method in which industrial strength wood glue is used to secure the wood to the floor. 2) floating floor - this type sets the wood planks on a foam pad underneath; the planks are individually glued to each other instead of the foundation of the house. 3) using wood nails/screw - pretty much self explanatory, this method is out dated usually found in houses with wood flooring over 20-30 years old.. Sources: Carpet installer for about 2 yrs install carpet, vinyl, wood floors, etc.

Answer 4

First, fill the open space with a piece of wood cut to the correct height needed do fill the gap. This piece must also be the same depth as the baseboards. Nail this piece to the wall with finish nails and tap them under the surface of the new piece with a nail punch, be sure to hit the studs (look for where the nails are in the original baseboards). The seam between the two pieces and the nail holes (if painted) can then be sealed with dap or any other waterproof sealer found at any home improvement store, once the filler is dry, you can paint the baseboard, and if done right, it will appear to be one piece.

Answer 5

I ran into this problem yesterday and the lady and myself decided to just put down quarter round molding and then fill the small extra with some caulk but that was only about a 2 foot place in the baseboard........
what I would do if I were you would be to go to your local lumber yard or lowes (just make sure it is one with a lot of stock) and just look around at all the moldings they make because there is a lot they sell,and just pick out one that you like and would work there....
It might not be designed to go on baseboard but you can find something that will work and really not look all that bad...........

Answer 6

Get some inexpensive wood trim and lay it flat on the floor instead of upright. Use a hot glue gun to keep it in place but only spot the glue enough to hold it down. If you try to use too much it will set up before you can lay the trim down. When you want to remove it for the repair you want to do later all you need is a hair dryer to lift it again.

Answer 7

Sorry--I misunderstood the question. I saw a program once that used different diameter rope--natural material type, to stuff into hardwood floors and stain--looked fine in the old house floors. I would look for something like that perhaps and push it into the opening--it will probably look like molding anyway.

Answer 8

if it's a wood floor, have small strips of wood cut the size of the gap and install like the rest of the floor. you may have to undercut the molding or use some kind of calk. you really did not give enough information for me to know exactly how to help you!

try:

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/

Answer 9

I would just remove the baseboards and re-nail them closer to the floor. Then touch up the paint if needed above the baseboard.

Bert

Answer 10

Black foam weather stripping that you can get for windows and doors and stuff. Get it over sized and it will squeeze in the gap easily and stay but its not glue in so when its time to redo the woodwork it wont be hard to deal with.