How to fix cracks along your staircase skirting and wall - Step by step

Cracks along your stairway skirting are ugly and annoying; here's a sure way of fixing it, and making it look like new.
The stairway skirting is often called the stair stringer, or stair string, either way, with movement in the stairs over time, this can lead to cracking in the join between the wall and the skirting.
With some expanding foam, and plaster repair, you can get it looking good again.
👉 Expanding foam: amzn.to/3ezkca1 (Amazon)
👉 Plaster repair: amzn.to/3eBZKFn (Amazon)
👉 Scraper: amzn.to/3cz2ZL0 (Amazon)
All tools used can be found at my Amazon Store: www.amazon.co....
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#cracks #homeimprovement #decorating

[@ichatwithcats]

Love his eye for detail. Wish I could find tradesmen like him

[@sophietattersall1875]

I was just about to caulk my stairs - I'm glad I watched this first!! Thank you for sharing! :-)

[@zukichik006]

Finally a video on this. I’ve been searching for something to explain how to clean mine up, thank you!

[@JBTV]

@@zukichik006 Fantastic! You're welcome 👌

[@miriamfenner7904]

Brilliant video. Looks like the house Im just about to buy. Cant wait to get started now after seeing this. Best advice ever!

[@JBTV]

Thank you 😁

[@puptron3030]

i used a stud finder and four inch screws. went straight through the skirting and into the studs. once the skirting was flush to the drywall i then use a small amount of caulk for finish.expanding foam seems like it might be useful for gaps between studs but i like the effectiveness of the four inch torx screw

[@lisasedgwick6395]

Been trying to fill the cracks in my staircase for years, cracks keep on appearing. Never even thought about expanding foam. Getting straight on it....... Mm again!! Thank you!

[@marcross3197]

I subscribed, watched a few of your videos think you deserve more viewers. Very informative, good quality, top work

[@JBTV]

Ah thanks man, appreciate that

[@annadouros1027]

Thanks Justin... I am loving your videos and all your advice... It’s made painting our house so much easier... Keep up the great work... Thanks Champ...xxx

[@JBTV]

Awesome! Thank you! Glad you're enjoying the videos

[@scoobydoo1093]

Love the clean finish! Uneven skirting boards are a pet hate of mine.

[@ruthless8411]

This is just what I need to fix my cracked stairways skirting boards 👍🏾

[@laurenbooth5936]

Used this idea on my staircase and it worked out perfect!! Thank you!!

[@JBTV]

Great! You're welcome

[@krayz7406]

Top man helped me out alot as I’ve got this issue old decorator must’ve used a whole lot of filla

[@JBTV]

@@krayz7406 Cool man

[@tater9085]

Thanks for the tutorial, I found it very helpful and at the time that I need to make the same repair.

[@louisetoonarmy]

Thank you, very useful. I have the same problem so I'm going to give this a try before going to a tradesman. 😊

[@jakenevens7173]

Super helpful, complete novice here and followed your vid to the tee to redo my staircase skirting, it’s turned out great - thank you Justin!

[@JBTV]

Fantastic! You're welcome

[@soniawestbrook4372]

You are so good at your job hundred percent 😊

[@toby-green]

Great video. Was literally weighing up whether to do this today. Added complication is 20 yrs of paint on the wood, some of which has also cracked and will come away with the sealant/caulk. Obviously don't want to sand everything back to the wood. How would you level the paint? I'm thinking sand cracked edges, prime with peel stop, then over with a fine filler, prime again and paint?

[@kingofthetrowel1725]

Finally a video that’s made me feel abit at ease , we have this exact same problem on our staircase and thought the Ouse was gunna fall downn 👍👍 nice one mate, new sub

[@Debconnelly-n7j]

It has obviously resolved the issue immediately after the repair, but how long will it last before the cracks reappear? As with most stairs, they move with the weight of people walking up and down.

[@evh22]

Mate really helped me tackle mine thanks for advice

[@001Neal100]

I tried this method only to have cracks return after a few months. The only solution that has lasted for me is to get some hefty screws and plugs and pull the stringer tight to the wall again. Counter sinking the screws into the stringer face so they can be filled over and sanded before painting. To cover the crack edge you can buy small profile quadrant or scotia beeding and then pin nail it tight to the top of the stringer edge but do not secure it to the wall at all allowing the movement of stringer and the wall independantly. Then carefully paint over without filling the smalll gap between the scotia and the wall. This works on straight stringers, but some of them have rounded profiles as you go up the staircase and there isn't anyway to curve a profiled quadrant that I know of.

[@clmitchell1166]

Thanks for these tips. I’ve used profile quadrant for similar issues on door frames so I was thinking the same for the stairs, but hadn’t thought about only attaching to the stringer to resolve the movement issue.

[@sunlightangel87]

Thank you! I'm hoping to find out how to repair the skirting itself. My cat peed in the corner of the stairs and caused the wall skirting to become damaged. I had that happen in my first house as well, and a handyman came and just carved out the swollen parts of the wall skirting and filled them back in with plaster and painted Killz over it. Since I have 3 other cats this will probably be a recurring issue so I'd better learn how to repair this myself. Which is why I am here watching stair repair videos today. I will definitely be using this method to repair the separation between the skirting and the wall. But I wonder if that plaster you used to fill the gap between the wall and the stair skirting can also be used to repair the cat urine damage to the wall skirting itself? Or is there a different sort of plaster I must use to repair this?

[@clairepezel6884]

This looks soooo good!!🎉

[@JBTV]

@@clairepezel6884 thanks 😊

[@moshimoshi533]

Thank you sir this is very helpful

[@JBTV]

🙏No problem

[@moshimoshi533]

​@@JBTV I started my stairs project finally and your video has helped me so much. They look so much better. Thank you again!

[@evh22]

This is a top job and really helpful. I have a mahoosive gap between my bannister where it meets the wall I'll use that foam but wonder what to finish the gap with eg wood filler or that plaster repair?

[@lmaway8545]

Plaster repair mate

[@djgizzy2k8]

Can I use all this equipment if my walls are concrete because mine isn’t plaster walls

[@johnwealthy6044]

Excellent video. Only problem I have is that the wall where you applied the plaster repair is wallpapered. IS there a filler available that can fill the larger gaps (3-5mm) that will not shrink prior to applying the final caulk?

[@JBTV]

Without seeing it John, I would say that it'll be fine to follow my method, just try and get the filler to finish really smooth before it dries.

[@Lu-nq1ym]

Hey awesome video. You used expansion foam. What was the reason as the sole purpose is to close the gap not expand it. I'm attempting to fix mine now and just need clarity. Thanks for the tips and video

[@LukeStratton94]

The foam expands but isn't strong enough to expand the gap further, therefore it will just fill the void to allow you to fill it.

[@desr421]

Thank you brother great video

[@gazcrx]

the foam straw. heat and squash it to make it flat helps so its a slit

[@daveyboy8802]

Another great video 👍🏻

[@SoulTribe]

Can you do the foam and plastering with knockdown texture wall next to cracked staircase

[@JBTV]

Not sure what this means...

[@andykg73]

great video, just one thing, whats to stop the plaster repair cracking again due to movement on the staircase?

[@JBTV]

It's inevitable, any crack you fill will eventually reappear in time, houses move, cracks will always appear, and always come back.

[@AbdulSalam-xe4md]

Will this not just crack again? Filler (wood or wall) against plaster will crack every summer. That’s why we have silicone which is flexible.

[@0_-EL]

What do you mean silicone please? I have repaired once but cracked again 😢

[@AbdulSalam-xe4md]

@@0_-EL Wood naturally expands and contracts with moisture much more so that heat. Plaster expands more with heat than moisture. These two are opposites. Therefore if you join them together you need something flexible to take up the slack caused by the difference in contraction. Silicone, Caulk or hybrid polymer should be used depending on if you want to paint it. For example, if you look at wooden trims around windows they are usually finished off with silicone. Filler is not very flexible and will certainly crack.

[@XENONEZZ2]

Very clear...and very useful !!... Thank you...👍👍

[@missyharris3991]

Do you know when you start your jobs could you show us what tools you use what brands are good to use please

[@JBTV]

Yes of course, I will from now on 😁

[@snodge6770]

I had to do my stairs 4 years ago coz the same th the same thing happened, just starting to crack now. And I've dine other peoples stairs too since. People think caulk and silicone are the answer to everything. 😡😡😡😡😡😡😡, out of interest how do you handle silicone?? Great video 👍👍👍

[@GeorgePainter-v3h]

Nice job

[@mikewilliams7519]

Just the advice I needed thank you!

[@agentandy3394]

Thanks for the guide JB. The problem you fixed here was filling the bottom of the dry lined wall where the plaster had been added after the stairs. My issue is the other way round. My builders plastered first then added the stairs next to it, but the plaster work is not very flat (at all!) So I've got to extend from the wooden stringer capping (top of the stair skirting) to the wall. I have these two questions: 1 Would you recommend the same method of filling with expanding foam first? 2 Also wondered how you would recommend finishing off the cap of the stringer - should I use flexible filler? I'm guessing that it shouldn't sag too much as it will be supported by the foam.

[@gracequinn2316]

Just started on my skirting. I do however have the same banister as the one in this video and it's very very heavily glossed. Any recommendations to fix it?

[@lukewebb9692]

Excellent video.

[@jameswheatley93]

How long should you expect it to last before cracking again?

[@JBTV]

A year or 2 😂

[@agent_pires]

Bang on job!

[@JBTV]

YES!!! 👌🏼

[@danielbp2942]

Really helpful. A little long but very useful 8/10

[@JoeBoo532]

What undercoat primer are you using?

[@marshacooper8356]

Thanks for this video, I am just about to tackle my stairs and the cavernous cracks that the build company bodged up! I am curious if it will just crack again as people use the stairs? Is it better to used a flexible sealant like CT-1?

[@JBTV]

It could do yes, so the CT-1 may be a good choice 👍

[@0_-EL]

Hi do I need to put pva before plastering?

[@mrg2384]

More control with a foam gun, after you used it just leave it under pressure, then when required to use again just give the metal nozzle a lighy sand with Ali oxide 80,or toupret fibrcryl in the tube, then easy fill over top boom job done.

[@AAjpj]

Great job 👏

[@Napoleon-Blownapart]

You've been watching our friends over on Painting & Decorating 🤣 The Soudal foam is nicer to work with than the No Nonsense, only a few quid more.

[@T2000]

THE master in Painting & Decorating ....lol really good channel .

[@JBTV]

Oh yes haha 👍

[@matt04t46]

great video….how long did you leave the foam to set for? thanks

[@JBTV]

Thanks! A couple of hours is fine

[@matt04t46]

thanks for the reply….just done the filling section, feels like a need to add another layer on mine though. assume that is okay? really good step by step guide and so helpful. keep up the good work. cheers. new subscriber now as well.

[@jakearthur8679]

How long did it take you do the stairs?

[@karenw9366]

Looks great!!

[@taramiller70]

I have line on my cellin what causing it how can I stop it is it dangerous or not from tara

[@maysinfield7009]

Thank you

[@jackiecolley9928]

I just took carpet off stair skirting and have an almost 2cm gap between skirt and wall. Will this method work with a gap that big? I was thinking about putting quarter round on top to cover it

[@JBTV]

Go for the quadrant if you like that kind of thing. Otherwise, foam fill it, and then plaster/fill over the top 👍

[@dannythomson3853]

Can you do a video on cooking grease on walls?

[@gazcrx]

oscillating multi tool works quick

[@jb3funk]

Hey mate, u reckon the filler would just do as I don't wanna use the foam 😉

[@JBTV]

If you can pack it in far enough yes, mine was a bottomless pit, so I had to pre fill it with something!

[@christhake]

Question. When I walk on my stairs my stringer moves as I walk. Which makes me think the gap will open up again. How do I stop the stringer moving up and down with peoples weight walking on the stairs? Or will foam secure the stringer?

[@JBTV]

I would try fixing the stringer to the wall...??

[@JLSfootEKB]

Can I advise anyone doing even a small amount of sanding to wear a mask that stuff gets into your lungs even small amounts can do a bit of damage, there's plastics and chemicals in those polymer fillers so wear a mask and ventilate the room you're working in

[@firewood127]

what is the best season or temperature to complete this project? Is it best when it is above freezing outside? @justin bailey

[@mariad4183]

Great info! Tyfs!

[@1teky]

What if the skirt is loose?

[@jimwantsaliens]

Great video Justin. Can you use expanding foam if the skirting board backs onto the airing cupboard?

[@JBTV]

I don't see why not...

[@tashathoms3229]

Hi I have a question. I live in an upstairs flat and there is small room over the stairs landing. Over two years I’ve been here I noticed a crack moving diagonally over the stairs landing, almost like a triangle of the wall over the stairs. It was getting longer but lately I’ve noticed it’s grown about 1/2 millimetre wider. I’ve asked various workers for the landlord maintenance about it but they say it’s absolutely fine. But I have a small toddler and I’m worried it’s a safety issue as they recent had plans to knock the house down and build a flat block behind our and neighbours house. Could it be a sinking foundation outer wall?

[@josh6559]

Just plaster cracking mate no big deal

[@AmbientJoe]

I'm confused as to why you'd use expanding foam over caulk?

[@JBTV]

I wouldn't! The expanding foam is to fill the bottomless cavity only, not to give me a smooth finish.

[@ytrbro1041]

I would have went with joint compound it also fills large gaps if the gap is very large which is was not in this case, do multiple coats of the joint compound, meaning dont try to pack large gaps in one coat!!!!

[@barrywilson9263]

great video Justin!! Curious - if you were to end up caulking this as an additional step after the plaster repair, what kind would you use?

[@JBTV]

Thanks Barry, I would use a premium flexible caulk, I've found the evostik quite good, also the geocel 👍

[@barrywilson9263]

@@JBTV Nice one - thanks so much!

[@thomasreed49]

Justin you’re a decorators decorator.

[@townshipbs2335]

can i do it without the foam?

[@chrisskinner6912]

Hi Justin, I've watched your video a couple of times now and am attempting to re-do my own staircase skirting. However the woodwork has really thick gloss paint on it that has come off in some rather large chunks in parts, exposing the bare wood underneath in some cases. How would you go about making this right? Should I use some filler on the top edge of the wood as well, to make a flat surface, and then make up the right angle by filling the wall? Many thanks!

[@JBTV]

Hi Chris, I know what you mean, I would use some ronseal 2 part wood filler to even out the rough surface.

[@jessyemay5378]

Mines exactly like this but a lot of it has dried up and is coming off in long strips 😢😂

[@JBTV]

😬

[@antb3334]

Isomat flex filler

[@antb3334]

This will just re crack in no time. Those powered fillers have zero flexibility

[@rstraynor]

For future mate it's a stringer not a skirting.

[@AaVictor]

Why is Mark Zuckerberg here? 😂

[@Sevencoins7]

Mine is even worse

[@kingfergie7717]

Tried this and didn't work at all. Foam didn't fill hole. Crap!!

[@andyanderson4604]

Why is that perfect...you wasted 20 on spray foam and time which is money

[@terencef97]

Guarantee that crack came back, I have solution