I recently noticed some staining on the floor trim, and it seems to have slightly swollen. This appears to be making the trim push away from the wall further down from the corner. I'm worried it might be due to moisture getting in from outside. When I checked the exterior, I saw moisture running down from the roof where there's about a 1/2" gap between the gutters and the wall. There's also a garage on the other side of that wall. Any advice on how to inspect this and resolve the issue? Should I reach out to a contractor, and if so, is it better to go for a general contractor or a restoration specialist? Here's a link to some photos for reference. Thanks for your help!
2 Answers
Have you cleaned your gutters recently? Sometimes, debris can build up and cause water to overflow, leading to moisture issues. It might help to ensure your gutters are clear to avoid more damage.
What about the height of the mulch outside? If it’s too high compared to the baseboard water damage, it could be causing moisture to seep in. Checking that might give you more clues about whether that's a factor in your situation.
It’s tough to pinpoint exactly, but I’d guess the mulch is about 3 inches lower than the floor based on the front door step-up.
I actually inspect them every year and checked again just to be sure. They’re clear since there aren’t any trees nearby.