RV Leak Damage Repair
- 1). Disconnect all propane tanks. Disconnect the auxiliary battery. Turn off all RV appliances and lights. Disconnect the generator. If the RV is a motor home, do not start the engine. Set up work lights if necessary.
- 2). Determine the extent of the damage. Start where signs of damage are visible and remove the material around it with a scraper, chisel or screwdriver. Use a screwdriver to test for soft areas, indicating rotted wood. Removal of appliances or cabinetry may be required. Get assistance when removing heavy items.
- 3). Measure the damaged area with a tape measure. Cut out all wet and rotting wood with a chisel or reciprocating saw. Cut new wood to match the damaged piece. Replace damaged wood with a piece of new wood and screw it in place. Use exterior grade plywood for repairs to floors and exterior walls.
- 4). Prime the new wood with primer paint to seal it, unless this is a repair to a subfloor. Leave the wood unfinished on subfloor repairs.
- 5). Replace tiles, carpeting and wallpaper with matching material. If matching wallpaper cannot be located, paint over the wallpaper with sizing material and paint with regular interior house paint. New wallpaper may be added later.
- 6). Locate the source of the leak. Make repairs to the roof, siding or windows with rubber roofing material or caulk. Use caulk to seal all windows, skylights, doors and vents. Use putty to seal all siding seams.
- 7). Replace all cabinets and appliances that were removed earlier. Reconnect all systems that were previously disconnected.
Source...