RV delamination is a problem that can affect all sizes of vehicles, but is most common in coaches. We received a question from a Club member who was experiencing delamination on the sidewall of his Coachmen Class C. He wondered what could be do to fix this issue and how he should go about preventing it from happening again. So in this lesson, RV expert Dave Solberg explains the ins and outs of RV delamination.
If you’ve ever had trouble with delamination on your rig, you probably know that it’s not an inexpensive issue. Patch repairs on delaminated areas can be fairly pricey, so Dave recommends upfront that you take proper precaution to avoid having to navigate this situation. First and foremost, delamination is caused by moisture that seeps between a vehicle’s wall layers, which leads to bubbling and corrosion. Dave talks about the difference between cosmetic RV delamination and the kind that warrants patch repair. However, once you understand the basics of correct sealing protocol, you shouldn’t have any trouble steering clear of delamination!
I’ve read that older Alfa See Ya Class A’s had that issue. I am considering buying one, anything I should know or just good maintenance and looking for leaks?
Hi William. This is a common issue on a lot of RV’s. It doesn’t always mean water damage though. The best thing to do is to look for water damage and check the exterior well for any openings in the sealant. Also check inside as well. Typically if there is a bad leak there will be damage inside as well. There really isn’t anything specific to look for for individual RV’s, you want to check the same things on all RV’s and that would be the maintenance, seals, damage and repairs.
Dan
RV Repair Club
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The title was
“How to fix RV Delamination”
I still don’t know how to fix my delamination.
What kind of adhesive do you use?
How is it squirted in?
How is pressure applied?
What is recommended to fill the hole you drilled?
How far from the hole will the adhesive spread?
Does the adhesive expand?
If it is just a small area bubbling out you could try to fix it by drilling a hole the size of the nozzle of the adhesive you want to use. Don’t drill bigger, you want only the size of the nozzle so when applying it will stay in the area that needs it instead of coming out. You can try something like PL400 as long as it is dry inside. If it is still kind of damp you might want to try gorilla glue. Most adhesives won’t expand much but the gorilla glue will and holds up better in damp areas. To apply pressure depends on the location of the repair but most of the time if you get a piece of plywood and cut it just larger than the damage and then attach a 2×4 a foot long to the top middle to act as a wedge you can then lay the board against the wall and using a larger 2×4 put in between the ground and the wedge on the plywood it will now be applying pressure to hold the area down. You can add bricks on top of the wedge to add more weight too. Once it is dry you can then fill any holes with automotive body filler (bondo) and then sand it down and paint to match. This repair doesn’t always work and if it doesn’t it might need a fiberglass repair and this is done by cutting out the damaged area, installing fiberglass panels into the openings and then repairing the seams with a fiberglass resign. This is extensive but would be the only way to repair a fully damaged area.
Sincerely,
Dan
RV Repair Club Technical Expert
Where can I buy the fiberglass panels? I live in Atlanta.
LAMINATE REPLACEMENT
This video told me nothing about “How to fix RV Delamination” many be how to prevent it. Poor title ! I joined to get better at fixing (DYI) my older RV. Waste of my time.
Dear Bruce,
I’m sorry to hear that the video hasn’t helped as we would’ve hoped. Would you let us know your Year, Make, Model, and issue with your RV and we’ll forward your question onto our Experts?
Sincerely,
Jessica
RV Repair Club Video Membership
Dave:
If this was caused by window seal. would re caulking around the outside of the window fix the problem?
Hello Tim,
To do a proper reseal, you would need to remove the window and reapply butyl tape around the frame of the window and reinstall. Caulking around the window typically does not last.
Thanks,
David
RV Repair Club Video Membership
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