How to Repair RV Water Damage
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Water damage is a common occurrence in older RV vehicles. Water can seep into several areas that can lead to extensive damage to the interior of the RV, the appliances, or electrical components. For these reasons, it is essential to repair water leaks when they appear to prevent further RV water damage.
How to Check for Water Damage in Your RV
Knowing the areas that are susceptible to water leaking in an RV is crucial to prevent the damage it can cause. Here are some tips on how to check for water damage in areas around an RV.
Check All of the Seals
Checking the seals around various parts of the RV is vital to controlling possible water leaks. This refers to seals for doors, hatches, and other areas that come into contact with the natural elements.
Open the Cabinets and Closets for Smell of Mold
Open all cabinets and closets in an RV to check for smells that indicate mold or mildew. These substances become present due to constant exposure to water. Therefore, smelling mold or mildew in RV cabinets and closets indicates a water leak.
Look for Any Discoloration in the Walls, Wood Cabinets, and Ceiling
Exposure to water can cause discoloration or stains on areas of the RV’s walls, cabinets, and ceilings. Seeing these stains in and around the RV is a strong indicator of water leaks. If the RV starts to show these signs, inspect these areas immediately to find the affected area.
Check the Outer Walls
The outer walls of the RV can sustain significant damage that can result in potential openings that let water in. These causes can range from simple deterioration of the exterior to possible damage caused by flying debris or collision. Therefore, it is imperative to repair RV water damage walls.
Move the Carpets and Check the Underside if They Are Not Glued Down
Water leaking can reach the carpets of an RV. The damage may be hard to detect if the vehicle sits for an extended period when this occurs. Check the underside of the carpet, if possible, for potential water damage that indicates a leak.
Check Doors and Windows for Rusted Areas
Water leaks from doors and windows frequently happen when exposed to rain or snow. Check for rust in these areas to determine if water is leaking through and causing damage to the RV.
Examine the Roof and Ceiling
Much like the outer walls, checking the roof and ceiling of the RV is crucial to identifying water leaks. Finding these areas can prevent damage.
How to Repair Water Damage in RV
When water damage occurs, it is essential to repair the area before the issue becomes worse. Here are common tips to restore and repair floor, ceiling, and RV roof water damage.
Clean Out Dirt
Clean dirt and mud as quickly as possible to prevent discoloration to the floors of the RV.
Remove Damaged Parts
If there is water damage in the RV, remove the impacted areas immediately to protect the remaining components. Mold can spread, so ensure you perform a thorough inspection and eliminate all potential items with mold.
Floor
Check the stability of the floor for potential damage. Soft or mushy flooring is a sign of water damage and requires complete floor replacement.
Walls
Discoloration and stains are an indicator that an RV requires wall stripping and replacement.
Windows
When windows begin to leak water, a simple fix is to re-seal the area. This will prevent water from leaking in.
Remove Any Mold Growth
Mold growth is dangerous to the health of anyone exposed to it. Therefore, removing any mold growth in an RV is crucial by cleaning the area with a cleaner containing bleach.
Air Out Until Thoroughly Dry
After thoroughly cleaning the RV, make sure to air out the vehicle. This will prevent overexposure to moisture, which can lead to more mold.
Replace All Damaged Areas
If an area in the RV sustains damage, it is vital to replace them with quality products as soon as possible to prevent mold from spreading.
Conclusion
Contact Kirkland RV Sales at (425) 318-7613 today for more information on repairing RV water damage!
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