In article ,
doozer wrote:
And exactly the same can apply to nailing down a floorboard where the
joist has been notched for cable runs too.


Having said that though you can buy skirting that is designed to carry
cables. It's pretty ugly stuff and I wouldn't want it in my home but
you might like it.



I wasn't implying that nailing through a network cable was a life
threatening problem but that running cable behind a skirting isn't a
good idea in general because it's not necessarily expected.

Expected by a pro and a first time DIYer ain't the same thing. ;-)

All the electricity cables (bar one) in our place run through holes in
the joist at least 50mm from the top so there is little danger of
hitting them with nails or screws.

Yes, they should do, but in older houses where the joists were already
notched for cables, many will use them again rather than further weaken
the joists by drilling holes. And then there are things like pipes.

I don't know about you but I don't just bang nails into the floor
because I expect cables and pipes to be under the floor running every
which way so I check first. I don't expect them to be hiding behind
skirting (but on the occasions where I have nailed old skirting I have
checked).

But you're being sensible. Plenty of people do just bang in nails to try
and cure a creaking floorboard without checking first. I'd say if a
skirting had developed a gap, most would simply fill it, as they'd guess
hammering in nails isn't necessarily going to fix it as it's more likely
the wedges or battens to the wall have failed. But then that's just my
view. ;-)

--
*Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

Dave Plowman London SW
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