If there is a way to get into your RV, the water will find it. Recreational vehicle water leaks can cause significant damage and can be extremely expensive to repair. When I was working at an RV dealership, I saw the damaging effects that water can have on an RV over and over again. I learned my lesson the hard way. I evaluated a unit that was being sold and failed to identify extensive water damage, resulting in $ 1,000 worth of repairs. The retrospective is 20/20 and I quickly learned how to inspect and identify potential water damage in RVs. My recommendation is that you inspect for water leaks at least twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring.
Every seam on your RV and anywhere the manufacturer makes a hole in your RV has the potential to let in water. To protect your investment and your wallet, take the time to REALLY inspect all of these joints and sealants. Water damage in an RV is similar to progressive tire damage. The exterior of the tire looks good, but internal damage over a long period of time causes the tire to fail without warning. The exterior of your RV looks nice, but internal damage caused by water over a long period of time can cause the entire ceiling, floor, or wall to rot without your knowing it. Here are some things to look for during your inspections.
Always keep safety in mind when working on the roof of your RV. You can be seriously injured from a fall! A reader of mine suggested that I use 2 1/2 “pieces
plywood, 2 feet by 4 feet, to move and distribute your weight over the
ceiling beams.
* To stop a leak before it starts, thoroughly inspect all roof and body joints. Check with your RV dealer about sealants compatible with different types of roofing materials.
* Look for any discoloration and feel for soft spots on the roof around roof vents, air conditioners, TV antennas, plumbing vents, and any other openings that have been cut in the roof.
* Look for any discoloration or wrinkles in the wallpaper and look for soft spots on the walls around all windows, doors, vents, sliding vents, or any other openings that have been cut in the side walls.
* Identify the location of items such as the water heater, oven, outside shower, drinking water fill, and city water inlet on the outside of the RV and then access those areas from inside the RV and search any signs of water damage around these openings.
* Open all upper cabinets and look in the top corner where the walls meet the ceiling for any discoloration or touch for soft spots. This would indicate a leak at the joint where the side wall and roof meet.
* Check all exterior storage compartments for signs of water leaks or water damage.
* Check for soft spots on the roof itself, especially around the roof joints at the front and rear of the RV. Thoroughly inspect all roof sealants around each opening.
* Some Class C motorhomes are known to leak in the cab over the bed area. Look for any signs of discoloration and look for soft spots. Look under the mattress and look for water.
* Look and feel on the outside of the RV for any signs of delamination. Delamination is caused by water ingress between the outer fiberglass and the side wall. When this happens, the exterior fiberglass separates from the RV’s side wall. You can stand in the front or rear of the RV and look to the side for noticeable ripples or what looks like a bubble. You can also press on the side walls. If you feel the outer fiberglass move, you are delaminating. Delamination often begins around an opening that was made in the side wall.
Don’t just inspect your RV for water damage; REALLY inspect your RV for water damage. By doing this regularly, you can locate and repair the source of any water damage before it has a chance to cause a large amount of damage. I think I will start checking our motorhome more than twice a year.
Happy Camping,
frames
Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk Owner of RV Education 101
