- probe extent of damage and trace out boundary
- cut out badly damaged areas
- dry out remaining wood framing
- apply mold-killing product
- saturate it with thinned epoxy resin
- if needed, replace or add additional wood framing
Full Answer
How to repair water damaged camper flooring?
(The alternative to repairing your water-damaged floor is to replace it. Once you have investigated and established how much work you need to do / the extent of the damage, you should get the tools to Cut out the damaged areas. If, for example, your camper’s flooring is made of wood and vinyl covering.
Can you repair a soft floor in an RV or camper?
Most often, it requires the old soft flooring to be removed, then a piece of new flooring put in its place. But the job can have some hidden surprises, and covering the old floor with thicker plywood may be the easiest answer. To learn more about repairing a soft floor in your camper or RV, just continue to read our article.
How do you fix a rotting floor in an RV?
This will require some tools including a circular saw and jigsaw, drill, tape measure, and replacement flooring/screws. At this point, you are only cutting out the plywood flooring. As you remove the plywood, you will see wood framing running along the bottom of the RV. If the framing is not rotting, you should be able to salvage it.
Can I replace the rotted wood flooring in my travel trailer?
Although there was no evidence of moisture, the plywood floor was completely rotted. To solve this problem Doug did some research on the popular RV forum, RV.net. The information he got there, as well as other sites, led him to determine that he could replace the rotted wood flooring in his travel trailer in six steps.
How do you repair a rotted floor in a camper?
How to Replace Rotted Wood Flooring in a Travel Trailer: 6 StepsDiscover the full extent of the damage. ... Remove the areas that are badly damaged. ... Dry out the wood framing. ... Apply a product that kills mold. ... Seal the wood with diluted epoxy resin. ... Add or replace the wood frame and flooring.
Can you repair a RV floor?
The RV floor repair replacement cost depends on the extent of the damage and whether you can complete the repair yourself or if you need to hire a professional. For a small replacement that doesn't require you to rip up most of the existing floor, you'll spend at least several hundred dollars.
How do I fix my trailer floor?
1:4030:51Repairing a rotten RV floor and LifeProofing the whole thing! (Part 1)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we're going to cut a patch panel. And just put some fresh plywood down there and then we'll putMoreAnd we're going to cut a patch panel. And just put some fresh plywood down there and then we'll put that lifeproof flooring on top of that.
How much does it cost to redo a camper floor?
If you want to replace your RV flooring, you could spend between $600 to $6,000 for the job. There are plenty of flooring options for you to consider. Some are cheaper, knocking the total project price down to less than $1k.
How do you fix a water damaged RV floor?
1:2711:09RV Floor Water Damage Repair | Part One - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's just staples hold it in for real because i got a staple a little that's a little nailer it's aMoreIt's just staples hold it in for real because i got a staple a little that's a little nailer it's a small i mean they're smaller. Okay all of them stayed in the wall.
What kind of plywood do you use for camper floors?
Recreational vehicle (RV) manufacturers use APA trademarked plywood and OSB (oriented strand board) structural panels in motor homes and mini-homes, in travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers and tent trailers, in vans, pickup campers and all kinds of special-order, custom-made and converted units.
Why do campers get soft spots in floor?
The leading cause of a soft spot on your RV floor is water damage. Perhaps it's rain leaking into the RV, but sometimes it's your sinks and showers. Runoff from doing dishes and showering can cause soft spots in front of sinks and showers.
How do you repair RV vinyl flooring?
0:572:04Linoleum and RV Vinyl Floor Repair | We Can Fix That! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMaybe a nail polish spill water damage heavy items getting dragged on it and scratching the floor orMoreMaybe a nail polish spill water damage heavy items getting dragged on it and scratching the floor or sharp objects dropped on it CCI can fix all types and colors of vinyl flooring.
What is the best flooring to put in a camper?
What Is the Best Type of Flooring for an RV? The best replacement flooring for RV is vinyl. It's a versatile material, and you can find vinyl tiles, sheets, and planks with simple installation systems. Vinyl is durable and water-resistant.
How do you repair RV vinyl flooring?
0:392:54RV Renovation// Water Damage Subfloor Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to take a circular saw set it to just the depth of the plywood. You don't want to go anyMoreYou want to take a circular saw set it to just the depth of the plywood. You don't want to go any deeper than that and just cut a hole in it because.RV Renovation// Water Damage Subfloor Repair - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › watchhttps://www.youtube.com › watchSearch for: How do you replace a camper subfloor?
How do you repair Styrofoam flooring in an RV?
It is 5/8" ply.Apr 19, 2013Plywood floor thickness? - Four Wheel Camper Discussionshttps://www.wanderthewest.com › forum › topic › 7364-p...https://www.wanderthewest.com › forum › topic › 7364-p...Search for: How thick is a camper floor?
How do you replace an RV subfloor?
6:4914:44How to repair a rotted mobile home floor Single Wide Mobile ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou see this 1 by 8 runs down that side there so we don't have to do a bunch of framing over hereMoreYou see this 1 by 8 runs down that side there so we don't have to do a bunch of framing over here which is a good thing. All we need is to make sure that our plywood breaks.How to repair a rotted mobile home floor Single Wide Mobile ... - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › watchhttps://www.youtube.com › watchSearch for: How do you repair a rotten floor in a mobile home?
How do you fix soft spots on a trailer floor?
0:572:04Linoleum and RV Vinyl Floor Repair | We Can Fix That! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMaybe a nail polish spill water damage heavy items getting dragged on it and scratching the floor orMoreMaybe a nail polish spill water damage heavy items getting dragged on it and scratching the floor or sharp objects dropped on it CCI can fix all types and colors of vinyl flooring.
How long does it take to repair a RV?
According to the labels, the time it takes to work is roughly 1 to 2 hours, with a 24 hour cure time frame. That means you cannot use that section of your RV for up to one day after repairs.
How to ballpark costs for flooring?
The best thing to do to ballpark your costs is, one, get a price list of materials you will need and two, get an estimate from a professional. Keep in mind that costs change due to hidden issues that were discovered after the flooring was pulled up.
How far beyond the boundary do you need to cut a replacement piece of flooring?
After determining what kind of flooring you have, you need to find the size of the problem. Once that is done, you will need to cut a few inches beyond that boundary in order to add the replacement piece.
What is the most important part of an RV?
One of the most vital parts of an RV i s the flooring. When you have a solid floor underneath you, it is possible to live normally and without worry. However, those floors can get damaged, making RV or camper life a little unsettling. That is until you save the money up to have the floor repaired.
Why fix soft spots?
One reason it is vital you fix these soft spots as quickly as possible is for safety. You do not want yourself or your family to fall through the floor and hurt themselves. Then, you especially do not want a guest to do that either. They could sue or make an insurance claim that eventually raises your rates.
Can you replace soft flooring with plywood?
This ‘simple’ and ‘easy’ repair can be quite a job. Most often, it requires the old soft flooring to be removed, then a piece of new flooring put in its place. But the job can have some hidden surprises, and covering the old floor with thicker plywood may be the easiest answer.
Do RV insurance agents tell you everything?
There are many different types of RV insurance, so you need to read through the details to buy the right one. The insurance agent may not tell you everything, or they may fudge a little bit, so do not rely on them to give you the straight insurance coverage story.
What type of flooring is best for an RV?
It is durable, easy to clean, and water-resistant. Given the purpose of an RV, these are must-haves in a replacement flooring. Linoleum is traditionally a more affordable option and is relatively easy to install, but it may suffer water damage. The carpet can get stained but gives the RV a homier feeling. Hardwood flooring is an option, but it requires more maintenance and is heavy, which is not desirable for an RV.
How long does it take for wood to dry out before installing new flooring?
Dry out the wood framing. After you have cut out and removed all the damaged wood, you need to wait up to a week to allow the wood framing to dry out completely. You need to ensure this is totally dry before installing the new wood flooring or you risk more rotting and structural damage.
What to do if water damage to wood framing?
If the water badly damaged your wood framing and drying it out won’t cut it, you’ll need to add or replace the wood framing. This is an important step because the framing provides structural support. If you don’t need to replace it, you can also add some epoxy to prevent mold from growing.
What happens if you leak a floor?
If a leak went on for many months and your floor has turned to mush, you have major damage.
Can you cut off a finger in an RV?
An RV floor repair becomes a lot more expensive and involved if you cut off a finger. Be smart, careful, and cautious with your tools so you don’t get hurt. If in doubt… consider hiring a professional: Hiring a professional to do an RV floor repair will cost more, but this ensures the job is done right.
Can you repair a floor in an RV?
It’s every RV owner’s worst nightmare. Water damage. If you notice water pooling on the floor, here are the steps you can take to complete a thorough RV floor repair. If you don’t feel comfortable completing these tasks yourself, you can always have a professional repair your floor. But it will cost a lot more than a do-it-yourself job.
Can you replace rotted wood with plywood?
Once you have cut out all the rotted wood, allowed the wood framing to dry, and added more support or epoxy if needed, it is time to replace the flooring. You’ll want to use sturdy plywood the same width as your existing flooring to get a smooth finish.
What to do if you have a not so stable floor in your RV?
Unless you’ve got a really good deal on your hands, it’s likely going to be more work to fix the floor than it’s worth.
How much does it cost to replace RV flooring?
It all depends on the extent of your damage, the quality of your materials, and how much of the project you do yourself.
What type of flooring is best for an RV?
Replacing your RV’s flooring can be a great opportunity to upgrade to a different material. But which type of flooring is best?
What is the best way to seal rotted wood?
To create a strong, waterproof bond, epoxy resin is combined with a hardener. This allows the epoxy to seal the area against water and to strengthen the rotted wood. It also discourages mold from growing on the surface of the wood.
How to thin epoxy?
The first thing that you will have to do is combine the hardener and the epoxy resin. After this is completed, you can start stirring in the thinning agent. For his repair, Doug thinned the epoxy by 50% using the xylene.
How many steps does it take to replace rotted wood in a travel trailer?
The information he got there, as well as other sites, led him to determine that he could replace the rotted wood flooring in his travel trailer in six steps.
What type of adhesive did Doug use to cover the subfloor?
Doug used vinyl pieces with self adhesive to cover the sub-floor. He also added it to the storage compartment. After the epoxy cured and the wood dried, he reinstalled the dinette and added reclaimed carpet to the area.
What to do if your floor is rotting?
If the beams of the floor have been damaged or become rotten, they may also need to be removed and replaced. If there are any rust spots on the floor base or wood beams, paint over them with quality, water-resistant paint to prevent further damage.
Why do RVs get water damage?
RV's and camper trailers can sustain a lot of water damage due to their constant exposure outdoors. Camper trailers and RVs are especially susceptible to water damage because they are so exposed to wind and rain. The wooden parts of these vehicles can become damp and damaged through years of use and lack of maintenance.
What happens if you water damage a tile?
If there is water damage it is likely that the dampness will have loosened the adhesive. You may need to use a scraper to dig underneath the tile and pry it upwards. Discard of all water-damaged material.
Can you replace flooring in an RV?
Replace the flooring. Ceramic tile is not recommended because it will add extra weight and unlikely withstand the flexing of the RV during transport. Use stick-on tile or carpet to recover and a carpet bar if necessary to hide the separation line between the new flooring and the old.
Can you put ceramic tile on a RV?
Ceramic til e is not recommended because it will add extra weight and unlikely withstand the flexing of the RV during transport. Use stick-on tile or carpet to recover and a carpet bar if necessary to hide the separation line between the new flooring and the old.
Can you cut particle board around a RV?
If there is only a small area of water damage, you can simply cut a rectangular hole in the particle board around the damaged area. If the rotten area is wider and spans the width of the RV, it may be necessary to cut up against the wall. Be careful not to let the saw reach the metal siding of the RV.
Can you replace rotten wood underneath furniture?
For an ideal fix, it's important to replace rotten wood underneath furniture so that the pieces won't sag down and cause more damage. After all the structures are out of the way you can begin removing the tile or vinyl flooring. If there is water damage it is likely that the dampness will have loosened the adhesive.
How to tell if a camper floor is rotting?
It is usually not very easy to tell if your camper’s floor is rotting or water-damaged if you bought a used camper or if the water damage happened while you were away. The easiest way to tell if your RV’s floor is rotting is to step on it.
What happens if you remove flooring from an RV?
After removing the badly damaged parts of your RV flooring, you are supposed to let the exposed wood frame of the RV to dry out. If you do not do this, the rot could spread in the wood frame and “infect” the new flooring and you will be forced to repair the new flooring sooner rather than later.
How to mix epoxy resin?
To mix these three, you should first combine the standard epoxy resin with the hardener. Once you have done this you should stir the mixture with a thinner such as xylene. The thinner will make your epoxy solution easier to apply with a spray and it can make a small epoxy resin to go a long way.
What is the best way to seal subfloor wood?
Once everything is nice and dry, you are supposed to use epoxy to seal the subfloor wood and make it waterproof. Professionals frequently use epoxy resin combined with a hardener to seal the subfloor surfaces and strengthen the remaining but exposed parts of the floor. This is what you are also supposed to do.
How to get rid of mold on wood floors?
And the best way to apply it is to use a sprayer. And when you get a sprayer, make sure you spray all the exposed parts of the flooring and the wood frame. Letting your wood frame and the floor to dry out will kill most of the mold, the spraying of Antifreeze or Borax solution is just meant to eliminate lingering mold.
What happens when you buy a used RV?
Or when the floor of their new or newish RV gets damaged. Water damage is probably the most common type of RV floor damage. When people buy used RVs with damaged floors or new RVs and something happens that damages their floors, they often repair the floors on their own. This is because it is usually quite expensive to repair an RV floor ...
What to do after epoxy dries?
After the epoxy you add on the wood dries up, you should stick self-adhesive vinyl tiles/ pieces to complete the job.
Can you use floor leveling compound on sticks and bricks?
Depending on what you’ll use for replacement floor coverings, those nasty cracks need to be filled up. The floor-leveling compound sold at lumberyards works OK for sticks-and-bricks homes, but it’s a plaster-based substance that easily cracks with motion. Bounce your RV down the highway a few times and if your floor-leveling compound breaks up, you’ll have it ruining your new flooring. We were stumped for a while.
Can you use dimensional lumber to replace plywood?
You’ll need to create a new base of support for your replacement plywood. In some cases, you may be able to use suitably sized dimensional lumber to create new floor joists, but there will be areas where you can’t run and attach them to the existing joist system. Since you can’t have the new (and remaining good) plywood hanging in midair, a system of cleats to form that support is called for.
