Skirting boards (baseboards) sit where walls meet floors – exactly where moisture problems often show up first. By gently pressing along them with your hand now and then, you can feel if any sections are softer, spongier or slightly bulging compared to others.
Softness can indicate that moisture has been absorbed over time, possibly from a leak, rising damp or water pooling at the base of the wall. If left unchecked, this can lead to rot in wooden skirting, crumbling plaster or damaged flooring.
Catching it while the area is just a bit soft and discoloured means you can investigate and fix the source of moisture before it spreads.
It’s a low-effort test you can do in a few minutes, especially in bathrooms, kitchens and ground-floor rooms.
