Crown Molding Repair Wichita, KS: What to Know

While these days we associate crown molding with elegance and decadence, initially this type of trim was used in home construction for a practical reason. At the time, it was used to cover the gaps between the space between a wall and the ceiling. Nowadays, crown molding is an addition many homeowners choose to elevate their interiors. And when yours has seen better days, Wichita crown molding repair is a sure way to fix the problem.

Crown moldings still make the space between your ceiling and wall look aesthetically pleasing, but they do so much more besides. This variety of trim goes beyond making a room look tidy and orderly. For example, they also draw the eye upwards, making a space feel larger, and add a touch of elegance to your Wichita home. However, the delightful aesthetic of trim is lost when it's damaged. To maintain your home’s appearance and the integrity of your trim, it’s important to stay on-top of crown molding repairs.

That's where our Wichita handyman experts come in. To help you keep up with crown molding repairs in Wichita, KS, we've created this informative blog. In it you'll discover answers to frequently asked questions, common crown molding repairs, and learn when to put your faith in the repair experts at Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area.

Why Choose Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area?

When your decorative molding needs repairs, trust the experts at Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area to get the job done right the first time. Each of our technicians is highly trained and has years of experience completing a wide range of home improvement tasks—including Wichita crown molding repair.

Our crown molding repair services are the gold standard in our industry. No matter the material or type of damage, our qualified technicians and carpenters have the skills to make your finer features look as glorious as they did when they were first installed. Additionally, we prioritize our clients’ needs and consistently deliver outstanding customer service. From arriving on-time to your scheduled appointment to keeping our work area tidy and leaving your home as clean as we found it, we truly care about creating a positive experience for Wichita homeowners.

When you hire the team at Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area, you can rest assured that your Wichita crown molding repair is in good hands. We’ll carefully and efficiently repair any damage, or install new pieces if required. Our goal is to ensure your crown molding is free of any gaps, chips, or dents, so you can enjoy your space in the long-term.

Wichita Crown Molding Repairs: FAQ

Whether you need to repair a section of damaged trim or want to install crown molding throughout your Wichita home, naturally you'll have a few questions. Our experts put their heads together and have created the following answers to commonly asked questions about crown molding repair in Wichita. If you don't see the answer you need below, you're always welcome to give our friendly office staff a call. We love chatting with our customers!

Does Crown Molding Increase Property Value in Wichita?

Absolutely. This stylistic choice is considered a luxury addition, so with the right design and proper installation it's entirely possible that your property value could increase by installing trim. It also helps to convince prospective buyers in Wichita to put in an offer, because it's a main selling point that realtors can mention while showing your home.

How Does Trim Get Damaged in Wichita?

If you've noticed your trim is damaged, then you may be wondering how that damage happened. Sometimes, causes of damage are fairly benign, like moving around furniture that resulted in a chip or dent. However, there are some issues that indicate a larger structural problem that needs to be dealt with immediately.

Why is My Crown Molding Cracked?

Cracking is a serious issue. Generally, large cracks are the symptom of a greater problem. They were likely caused by a shift in your Wichita home's foundation. Foundations can sink into the ground or heave upward, depending on the level of erosion affecting it. This can put a strain on inflexible materials such as trim. If it's made of plaster, then it's particularly vulnerable to cracking because of shifting foundations. Plaster does not have a lot of flexibility, so when strained it cracks easily. If you notice cracks in your trim, then call the repair experts at Mr. Handyman of Wichita right away.

What Are Other Causes of Damage in Wichita?

Along with shifting foundations causing unsightly cracks, there are a number of other problems that could be impacting your trim. Water damage is often a problem. Usually, crown molding is not exposed to a lot of moisture—unlike window trim or baseboards. However, if your roof has sprung a leak or a pipe burst behind your drywall, then your trim could also be affected. Moisture damage can also be caused by excess humidity or poor ventilation—such as in a poorly ventilated bathroom.

Another cause for alarm is insect damage. Insects have a pesky habit of being able to reach anywhere in your walls—and this includes infesting hard-to-reach areas. In particular, carpenter ants and termites can cause significant damage to wood trim. Insect damage could look like a maze or a series of channels carved into your wood surfaces. Also keep an eye out for increased insect activity, as sometimes this damage can be hidden from sight.

Finally, fluctuating temperatures can also cause significant damage to your trim. While different materials react differently to hot and cold temperatures, a common issue is that fluctuating temperatures cause different materials to expand and contract. This can in turn put a lot of stress and wear on the materials. Rapid expansion and contraction can loosen your trim from the wall. It can also make paint peel, cause hairline cracks and increase already present gaps.

What is the Difference Between Trim and Crown Molding?

The two terms are often used interchangeably. However, the key difference is that trim is the umbrella term for all kinds of, well, trim. This could include:

• Door frames

• Window frames

• Crown molding

• Baseboard trim

• Baseboard molding

Meanwhile, molding historically refers to a broad classification of millwork—any type of wood product that is made in a mill. Today it can be made out of a variety of materials, including metal, PVC, engineered wood and more.

Crown molding specifically refers to trim that connects walls to the ceiling. Generally, most people use “trim” and “molding” interchangeably.

What Are Signs That I Need Wichita Crown Molding Repair?

Like anything else in your Wichita home, it's possible for trim to need repairs from time to time. While some issues like cracking are quite obvious, there are other signs that are not always as easy to catch. For instance, keep your eyes peeled for the following red flags:

• Flaking or peeling paint

• Grimy build-up that won't wipe away easily

• Gouges or cracks

• Stains, especially brown stains indicating water damage

• Sagging or dangling pieces

• Missing sections

• Maze-like grooves indicating insect damage

• Mushy or wet areas

Common Repairs

No matter how well you take care of your home, accidents do happen. Sometimes moving furniture around can dent your crown molding, or water damage might stain it. Also, sometimes it might need a little extra TLC if it was not installed correctly the first time. It's quite tricky to install because all the angels need to be cut carefully, otherwise you can wind up with gaps.

The good news is, in the hands of a trusted professional, most Wichita crown molding repairs are quite easy to complete. That said, if your trim is beyond repair, then it might be time for a Wichita crown molding installation service instead. Some of the common types of crown molding repairs our team can complete include:

Replace a Section

If your trim has rotted, sustained water damage, is cracked, or its dents and flaws are too numerous to be worthwhile to repair, it’s a wiser choice to replace the damaged section. Our experienced carpenters can easily complete crown molding replacement services. Additionally, we can also build and install decorative trim if you want to add crown molding to your Wichita home.

Refinishing

If your crown molding is made out of wood, it can be refinished to repair scratches and shallow dents. The process is relatively simple. First, the existing pieces are sanded down to remove the current stain and to smooth out any lightly damaged areas. Sanding will also enable your fresh stain to soak into the wood. Then, the sanded areas are cleaned and left to dry. Once completely dry, stains in any color can be applied. If only a section is being completed, then it's best to pick a stain that matches your existing trim. Finally, once the stain has set, your Wichita handyman will cover the repaired area with a layer of varnish to seal in the color.

Fill Holes with Drywall Mud or Wood Putty

Nail holes, dents, and gaps between sections of crown molding are very common. One of the easiest ways to repair these problems is through filling the damaged areas with drywall mud or wood putty. This will smooth out pock-marked textures and hide a variety of issues. If your trim is painted, your handyman will use drywall mud, as it can be easily painted over. If it's made out of wood, then wood putty is the typical choice of filler.

Repair Gaps with Caulk

Often, installing crown molding can leave gaps between the wall and the ceiling. One solution to fix these gaps is to use a latex caulk. A bead of caulk can also seal gaps, and is often used around window trim and in the bathroom to prevent moisture penetration. Latex caulk can also be used to smooth over unsightly gaps in your crown molding.

Paint Over Your Trim

While staining wood is an effective interior trim repair, paint can be useful for hiding even more damage, such as small gaps and dents. As an added benefit, it can also be used over other types of materials, whereas stain is limited to wood. Painting can also be a refreshing way to change the look of your space. It’s most common to use a glossy or semi-gloss finish for this type of painting. However, an eggshell or flat finish is better at hiding imperfections than a glossy finish.

Book a Wichita Crown Molding Repair Service Today!

Are you ready to hire the Wichita crown molding repair experts at Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area? Whether you want to install crown molding or need help with other related projects, like trim repair or ceiling repair, our team of experts is more than happy to help.

We're highly experienced, and are the experts when it comes to a wide range of popular services for home improvements. In fact, we've helped numerous homeowners in the Wichita area with their repair, installation and replacement needs—including in Park City and Bel Aire. Our team isn't only known for our dedication to providing high-quality workmanship, but also for our dedication to customer service. Customer satisfaction is always one of our top priorities, which is why we go above and beyond for our clients every day. We're in the business of building long-term relationships with all our customers.

We want to be the Wichita handyman team you can count on for both large and small repairs, renovations and installations. No matter what you need from a local handyman, our team can help. When you choose Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area for handyman service, you get access to a wide range of carpentry services and other specialized services to meet your needs.

Call our courteous and professional staff us today to get started today. We look forward to making your acquaintance and helping you with your Wichita crown molding repair or installation needs!