When Your RV’s Exterior Takes a Hit: Expert Solutions for Delamination and Impact Damage in Durham County
Your recreational vehicle represents freedom, adventure, and home on the road—but what happens when its exterior siding begins to show signs of serious damage? Delamination weakens the structure of your vehicle, invites water damage, and can lead to stubborn growths of mold, while impact damage from road debris, hail, or accidents can compromise both appearance and structural integrity. Understanding these common RV exterior issues and knowing where to find professional repair services is crucial for maintaining your investment and ensuring safe travels.
Understanding RV Delamination: More Than a Cosmetic Issue
In the case of RVs, lamination refers to the construction of the siding. There are usually a few layers including a fiberglass exterior, plywood, styrofoam, insulation, and the interior RV wall. When these layers separate, the result is delamination—a serious problem that often appears as a large bubbling effect. Big areas of the exterior wall may have a noticeable bulge that compresses like a big blister when pushed.
The primary cause of delamination is water intrusion. Water intrusion causes the plywood in RV walls to come unglued and causes delamination. This typically occurs when cracks or seams in the exterior that let water in. If you’re diligent and frequently apply a lap sealant to these areas, you’ll vastly improve your chances of avoiding delamination.
Early detection is critical. You can identify delamination visually if it gets bad enough. Another way to test is by tapping the siding and listening to see if it sounds hollow. If any part of the siding feels spongy, that’s a dead giveaway. Unfortunately, when the problem becomes obvious, repair is usually expensive and often impossible to fix.
Impact Damage: Common Causes and Consequences
RV exterior siding faces constant threats on the road. Road Debris: Rocks and gravel kicked up by tires can hit the RV, causing chips and dents. Branches and Obstacles: Navigating through narrow roads or campsites with low-hanging branches can result in scratches. Accidents: Minor collisions or bumps with other vehicles, fences, or posts can dent the exterior. Weather: Hailstorms can cause multiple dents on metal and fiberglass surfaces.
While some impact damage may seem minor, dents not only affect the appearance of your RV but can also weaken the structure in the affected area if left untreated. Even small scratches require attention, as they can expose the underlying material, leading to rust or further deterioration over time.
Professional Repair Solutions
For minor delamination issues, delamination repair kits cost about $80-150 and come with a high-strength bonding agent. This can be used to reseal the fiberglass to the underlying layers of the RV. The new bonding material is marine-grade, so it will hold up well if it’s exposed to water. However, severe cases require professional intervention.
To fix RV delamination, once it gets really bad, requires stripping the sides and basically rebuilding the exterior walls. In most cases, this is a cost-prohibitive total loss. This is why professional assessment and early intervention are so important.
For impact damage repair, the approach depends on the material and severity. For small dents, you may be able to pop it out using a dent puller tool. Large dents may require professional attention. Fiberglass repairs typically involve cleaning the area and using a fiberglass repair kit. These kits typically include a resin compound that you can apply over the crack, followed by a hardener. Sand the area smooth once the resin has cured, and apply a matching paint to restore the appearance.
Why Choose Professional RV Repair Services
While DIY repairs might seem appealing, severe RV delamination is difficult to fix, especially if water damage has set in. If the plywood has begun to rot, the only way to repair it is to completely strip down the walls and replace them with a fresh structure. This should only be done by professionals because amateur solutions are likely to do more harm than good.
Professional repair services offer several advantages: they have specialized tools and experience, can accurately assess the extent of damage, and provide warranties on their work. For complex repairs involving structural damage or extensive delamination, professional expertise is essential to ensure both safety and proper restoration.
Stream RV: Your Trusted Partner in Durham County
When facing exterior siding issues, Durham County RV owners have access to exceptional professional services. Stream RV, located in Creedmoor, serves the greater Durham area with comprehensive repair solutions. As Durham County’s most trusted RV repair professionals, we’ll perform a thorough evaluation of the vehicle to accurately diagnose the problem, and we’ll use the highest quality tools and materials, combined with proven techniques and strategies, to get your vehicle back up and running.
What sets Stream RV apart is their commitment to customer service and quality workmanship. Trusted, integrity, and respect are the bedrock of our company, and we’re proud to say that these values are translated into the services we provide our customers. Their experienced technicians understand the complexities of both delamination and impact damage repair, ensuring that your RV receives the expert care it deserves.
Located conveniently for Durham County residents, Stream RV is only 25 minutes from the ‘Triangle’ formed by Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Catch a flight to the Raleigh-Durham International airport (RDU) and you can be at our place in under 30 minutes. This accessibility makes it easy for RV owners throughout the region to access professional repair services.
Prevention: Your Best Defense
The most effective approach to exterior siding problems is prevention. The best way to fix RV delamination is to prevent it from ever occurring in the first place. If it does happen, you definitely want to catch it early and prevent it from getting any worse. Regular inspections and maintenance, including regularly inspect and reseal seams, windows, and doors to prevent water leaks and repair any scratches, cracks, or damage to the fiberglass exterior promptly.
Whether you’re dealing with the early signs of delamination or significant impact damage, don’t wait to seek professional help. The longer these issues remain unaddressed, the more expensive and complex repairs become. For expert rv repair in durham county, NC, Stream RV provides the knowledge, experience, and commitment to quality that keeps your home on wheels road-ready and looking its best.
Your RV represents significant investment and countless memories on the road. When exterior siding problems arise, trust the professionals who understand both the technical complexities of repair and the emotional value of your recreational vehicle. With proper care and expert repair services, you can continue enjoying the freedom and adventure that RV ownership provides for years to come.