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New Build

No skirting behind kitchen units - causing cold?

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.45 PM

Hello I live in a new build from June 2021. I have noticed a few cold spots in the kitchen when walking around barefoot, particularly around the cupboards. After becoming frustrated I removed the plinths no see that there are no skirting boards installed. The plasterboard comes down the wall, stops around 1cm above the floor, and there is a clear gap where I guess the cool air is coming from. The kitchen units are all placed against external walls. From what I can tell the plasterboard is dab and dot on to block work. Should skirting boards be in place to cover the gaps and stop the air flow? You would have thought from an airtightness test, this would have been picked up? If the builder wants to retrospectively fill with expanding foam, is it an acceptable remedy? Would appreciate any advice.

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4 Answers

ADR Property Maintenance

Rating: 5 out of 5
Boston
the airflow will stop you getting dampness behind your cupboards, by all means seal everything up but don't then complain because you have damp through lack of ventilation
Answered1 March 2023
0

Anonymous user

You should have a bead of silicone on the bottom of your plinth or there is a plastic seal they sometimes provide. Try sealing the plinth, you could also invest in a plinth heater.
Answered1 March 2023
0

N.P MATTHEWMAN JOINERY&DEVELOPMENT

Rating: 5 out of 5
Mexborough
There is no need for skirting behind the wall units because there it is not seen n the plinth will stop any airflow coming through with a bead of silicone
Answered2 March 2023
0

true-carpentry company

Rating: 5 out of 5
Falmouth
No need for skirting but it should be air tight as you say. As its a new build dampness shouldnt be an issue. Im presuming that there is a gap under the plasterboard where they lifted up to the ceiling on installation. Foaming the gap/sealant is fine. Ventilation to units is not usually a thing on a new build. was just cut a bit short to easily install. Surprised there is that much cold bridging/draught though.
Answered7 March 2023
0