At Coach Specialists of Texas, we see a lot of RVs. More commonly, we see a lot of RVS with delamination, paint, and gel coat problems. A lot of our customers don’t always know when to bring their coach in for RV delamination repair because they can’t always spot it. Today, we’re going to make that easier on you to get you back out on the road with a fresh-looking RV!
RV Delamination Explained
Many of our customers are seasoned RV veterans, but for any newcomers out there, it’s best you know what delamination is first. In years past, RV manufactures built up coaches with aluminum siding. Now, however, the industry standard has switched to fiberglass siding. Fiberglass siding is a more durable, lightweight material that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg for manufacturers to install or produce. It also makes the end results more affordable for consumers.
RVs are built somewhat similar to homes. You have an interior wall, exterior wall, and a form of insulation in the middle – in this case, that insolation commonly being Styrofoam. The fiberglass on the outside of the RV is very durable and flexible, which makes it great for extreme Texas weather. However, there are always factors out of our control that can cause materials to deteriorate. But, while fiberglass is durable, that insulation behind it isn’t. If your RV is hit hard enough on the outside, it can cause severe, permanent damage to the Styrofoam and wood inside the walls of your coach.
This collision and damage can cause air pockets. The air pockets can cause failure in the bonding agents, which later causes separation. If the air pockets aren’t taken care of immediately, their size will grow larger and larger with regular use. In addition to collision damage, RV delamination can also be caused by water damage seeping in through crack in the roof or windows.
Identifying RV Delamination
Knowing how to spot RV delamination can be beneficial to RV owners and those buying a new coach. Fixing RV delamination can get pretty costly. But here are some steps you can take to inspect your own RV or any RV before purchase to make sure there is no RV delamination:
Perform a Walk-Around– Take your time walking around you RV during a time of day with direct sunlight. You will want to check all the sides, the roof, and areas around the air conditioning vents and windows for cracks or tears. This will show not only possible delamination, but also water damage.
Look for Bubbles –You should also be looking for bubbles, ripples, or creases. If you notice any and they feel spongy, there is a strong chance the RV has delamination. Use a plastic instrument to tap on the bubbles. If you hear a hollow sound, then there is definitely delamination.
What to Do with RV Delamination
If you notice you have RV delamination, bring your trailer into Coach Specialists for an inspection! We will take a look at your coach and determine if this is truly delamination damage and what caused it. There are always DIY delamination kits you can purchase, however, proceed caution. Fixing something like delamination can be extremely difficult, especially for RV newcomers.
If the damage is on the roof, it will require you to climb on top of your RV which can be dangerous. Our facility is fitted with special rigs, allowing us to climb a top the tallest trailers. There are also fumes in sealants and special tool helpful to the process that aren’t always safe or available.
There are ways to keep RV delamination from occurring though. The best way to prevent this type of damage is to routine service your RV. This means taking it in for proper inspections and having it resealed every so often. Continue safe driving habits and park your RV where it isn’t always in direct contact with harsh climate or environments. This is the best way to make sure the exterior stays in great shape. If you think your RV has delamination issues, let us know! We’d love to take a look at your coach. All we do is RV repair. Our trained technicians are waiting to take on the project.