Beautifying Your Car With A New Paint Job

Posted on: 4 August 2015

Do you have a crack in one of the side panels of your RV? Was it the result of an accident or some other kind of hard collision? Even tiny cracks in paneling can be dangerous because they can lead to an issue called delamination. Delamination is the separation of the exterior fiberglass panel from the interior foam structure. RV walls typically have a foam interior sandwiched by the interior and exterior walls. When a wall gets cracked, moisture can leak in and break down the adhesive bond between the panels and causing them to separate. That can weaken the wall and cause water damage. Here are three steps you can take to fix the problem and prevent further damage:  

Seal the crack. This is a good important first step, even if it's just a temporary measure. You want to prevent as much moisture as possible from entering the inside of your RV wall. Many RV supply stores sell delamination patching kits. You simply apply patching compound over the crack and then spread it so it's flush with the rest of the panel. Keep in mind that this likely won't be a permanent solution. It will keep moisture out and prevent additional damage, but it won't do anything to repair any damage that's already happened. You may need to see an RV collision repair specialist for more help.

Replace the damaged panel and adhesive. To fix the damage inside the panel and restore the bond between the panels, you'll likely need help from a professional. An RV collision repair shop can cut out the moist, damaged foam panel from inside the wall and replace it with a dry and sturdier alternative. They can then apply new adhesive to restore the structural integrity to the wall. 

This can be a costly and complicated procedure, as they may need to also cut out and replace interior or exterior walls to reach the middle layer of foam. However, if the damaged area is near a window or door, that could provide them with easier access. 

Replace the entire panel. If you delay fixing the problem, moisture will spread throughout the entire RV wall, causing swells in the panels, moisture in the cabin, and possibly a weakened side panel. If it goes on for too long, you may have no choice but to replace the entire side wall. That, however, can be very costly. If your RV is used or is inexpensive, replacing the wall may cost more than the RV is even worth. You may want to consider just buying a new one.

For more information, contact an RV collision repair specialist in your area (such as one from Chehalis Collision Center). They can help you address the issue and get back out on the road.