TL;DR: After RV water damage, restore your RV by locating and repairing leaks, cleaning out dirt, removing damaged parts like floors and walls, replacing seals on windows, removing mold with bleach solution, airing out thoroughly, and replacing damaged areas with quality parts. Regular inspections help prevent water damage in the future.
RV Water Damage is one of the most common damages your RV could face. Many RVs are not properly and fully sealed, which can lead to leaks. The good news is that RV water damage can be repaired, and with proper maintenance, you can prevent it from ever happening again. Here are some helpful tips on how to restore your RV after water damage.
Locate and Repair the Source of RV Water Damage
There might be differences between the extent and resulting damage of water between one that happens in your home and what happens in your RV. A complete RV renovation is not always necessary. However, the first step to resolving both will always remain the same. You need to locate and repair the source of water.
Here are some points to focus on during your inspection:
Check if there are any leaks, especially along the walls, roofing, and toilet area.
See if there are any soft spots, especially along with roof vents or where areas of the roof have been cut off in order to install AC units, TV antennas, and plumbing.
Any discoloration and wrinkles on your wallpaper especially around windows, doors, and other openings is a tell-tale sign that seals are dislodged and are not properly keeping water and humidity out.
Don’t forget to check the cabinets and compartments as well.
Finally, don’t just do these inspections if you suspect that there’s water damage already. Do so regularly, especially during the rainy season, or you have met exceptionally muddy roads during your travels.
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Speaking of mud, there’s bound to some dirt and grime that comes with it. Don’t wait for it to completely dry if you want to minimize staining as much as possible. You can also take this opportunity to assess the damage as you’re going through each of the areas of your RV since it will allow you to determine between simple staining from actual discoloration.
Remove Damaged Parts
Once you have identified the damaged areas, the next thing is to remove them. This will potentially stop the damage from spreading and even allow you to salvage other parts that haven’t been reached yet. One has to understand that water damage encourages mold growth, and it does spread. It can even severely affect the indoor air quality of your RV and make passengers sick—something that we want to avoid.
Floor
RV floors are typically made of plywood. This material is exceptionally vulnerable to water damage. You’ll find that older models are even more so since they’re not made with the extra layer of protection that newer models are designed with.
It’s not that elegant, but the best way to check for rotting is to get down on your hands and knees and push towards your flooring. Be on the lookout for flexing or softer, mushier parts. You can even use a screwdriver to push through the exposed wooden elements of your floor to see if any part is deteriorating as well. There’s no way to salvage rotting wood. The only way to restore rotting floors is to replace them completely.
Walls
As we have mentioned above, you should be on the lookout for water staining, discoloration, and wrinkling wallpaper. Stripping off your wall covering will also help reveal any damage that’s happening underneath.
Windows
What's nice about windows is that you don’t usually need to replace them. Most of the time, you only need to replace its seals.
That is unless you’re dealing with a broken window or an issue other than water damage. If that’s the case, then you would really need to replace it. Fortunately, it’s actually very easy to do. Here’s a quick guide:
Make sure that you have the proper dimensions of your window opening (and not your old window).
Align the foam tape seals under the window instead of on top of it.
Spray your foam seal with water before installation. It will help to strengthen its water resistance.
Install your window from the outside. Push it flat, then screw securely to the inside frame.
Mild to slightly severe cases can still be remedied with a cleaning formula made from four parts of water and one part of bleach. Mix it thoroughly, pour into a spray bottle, spray directly to the problem area and let it soak for a while before scrubbing off.Really severe cases, however, might require the assistance of a mold remediation company. Should you choose to handle the removal and cleaning job on your own, though, just remember to wear the proper personal protective gear such as a face mask and a pair of gloves.
Air Out Until Thoroughly Dry
Once you’re done cleaning, rinse off the bleach solution with soap and water and allow your RV to air out until it’s completely dry. You can also invest in getting an air blower. It’s a piece of equipment that provides additional ventilation through the use of pressure. It is helpful in drying out interiors and even drying out the excessive moisture that can cause water damage.
Replace All Damaged Areas
Finally, the only thing that you need to do now is to replace the damaged parts that you have removed earlier with new ones. Try to invest in quality parts as much as you can. While they might cost more, they will also last you longer and prevent the extent of water damage that you’ve just experienced from happening again.
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Water Damage
How can I tell if my RV has water damage?
Common signs of RV water damage include soft spots in the floor or roof, water stains, discoloration, wrinkled wallpaper, and leaks around windows, doors, roof vents, plumbing, and other openings. Be sure to check cabinets and storage compartments as well, since water damage can sometimes develop in less visible areas.
Can an RV be repaired after water damage?
Yes, many cases of RV water damage can be repaired. Start by finding and fixing the source of the leak, then remove materials that are too damaged to save. Depending on the extent of the damage, restoration may involve replacing rotted flooring, repairing walls, replacing window seals, addressing mold, and thoroughly drying the RV before installing replacement materials.
How can I prevent water damage in my RV?
Regular inspections are one of the best ways to prevent serious RV water damage. Check your RV's roof, walls, windows, doors, vents, plumbing areas, seals, cabinets, and compartments for leaks or signs of moisture. Catching faulty seals or small leaks early can help prevent them from turning into more expensive repairs.
Restoring RV Water Damage
There are various ways to prevent your RV from water damage. Constantly expecting your vehicle for leaks and faulty seals regularly, for instance, can already save you a great deal of inconvenience.
If water damage does happen, though, then know that there are ways in order to restore your RV to its former glory. Inspect for damaged parts to identify the source of the issue. Remove severely damaged parts. Clean off the moldy residue. And of course, replace the damaged parts with new ones. We wish you safe travels!
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