Help with crazy expansion gap on laminate

[steves plastering]

Hi All,

I had laminate fitted 2 years ago and beading / trim (whatever its called) was used instead of lifting skirting (i regret it now) to save time and money.

Anyway the guy that lid the flooring was a tad daft and not too clever with the stuff, basically he has left an oversized expansion gap and then fitted the beading really badly which has now all come away / been snapped by kids etc.

I lifted all the beading and pushed in a semi flexible wood filler all around the edge to hide the gap, this worked a treat although it isn't flexible enough and with time has cracked in places with floor movement.

I am looking for a filler which is paintable and flexible (like silicone sealant) as i want to paint the skirting once its done and paint on silicone doesn't go as far as i can tell.

Any ideas for what i should use.

Much appreciated

(I know i could replace the skirting with an oversized timber to bridge the gap but im looking to save cash here)

Steve

[big-all]

what size is the gap!!!
is it uneven !!!
what colour is the floooring!!!
are you replacing the edging!!

[Only-Me]

Decorators filler/caulk can be painted

[steves plastering]

hi, thanks i'll try the caulk.

Gap is uneven and about 3/4 inch in places, flooring is a dark wood effect and looked ok against the wood filler but as i say it cracked.

Is caulk flexible like silicone?

[peter c]

It's fairly flexible, but given the gap it has to fill it may crack in time. However it is worth a try.

Peter C

[big-all]

before you do anything make sure the gap is equalized both sides!!!!

you may find the floor has moved and is touching the opposite wall

if you can equalize at around 10mm
quadrant will look better than filling the gap with any filler including painters mate that will drop over time as it dries out