Repairing Water Damage To Your Camper Slide Out

Water damage to camper slide-outs is a common issue that can lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly. Slide-outs are prone to water damage due to their flat surfaces, which allow water to pool and seep through small leaks. Preventative maintenance and early repair are crucial to avoiding major issues. This includes regularly inspecting seals, cleaning and lubricating slide-out components, and addressing any signs of water damage or leakage. Repairs may involve fixing damaged seals, replacing rotten wood, and ensuring proper drainage to prevent water from entering the RV. While some repairs can be DIY projects, others may require professional assistance, especially for complicated or extensive damage.

Inspecting and repairing seals

Inspecting and repairing the seals on your camper slide out is an essential part of maintaining your RV and preventing water damage. Seals around slide-outs are notorious for leaks, as they can be cracked, not regularly maintained or replaced, and get dirty. Here are some detailed instructions on how to inspect and repair your slide-out seals:

Inspecting Seals:

• Check the seals regularly: It is recommended to check the seals at the beginning and end of the RV season (May-October) or every few months if you live in your RV full-time.
• Look for cracks, tears, and any other potential problems: Run your fingers along the seams and seals to check for moisture or soft spots.
• Keep the seals clean: Use a mild automotive soap and water to clean the seals gently. Wipe down the seals to remove dirt and grime, and then pat them dry. You can also use talcum powder in a sock to soak up any extra moisture.
• Avoid using seal protectants or coatings: These products expose your seals to chemicals, leading to reduced efficiency and eventual drying and cracking.

Repairing Seals:

• If you find any damage or leaks, head to your shop right away: Water damage can be extensive and costly to repair, so it is important to address any issues promptly.
• Consider using RV roof repair kits: These kits can be used to repair rips or holes in the slide-out cover.
• For seam repair, use roof caulking and sealant tapes: These products are easy to apply and effective in preventing leaks.
• If there is a leak in the slide-out cover, feel the surface underneath for soft, rotten areas: It may be necessary to pull back additional material for a better inspection.
• If the leak is around a window, remove the window and wall paneling to expose the frame: Repair the frame using the same dimensional lumber, leaving a space around the window as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Replace any damaged or rotten wood: Cut out the affected areas and replace them with new plywood or lumber of the same thickness. Ensure that all cuts are clean and square, and use wood glue and screws to secure the new pieces.
• Reinstall any removed lag bolts or screws: Make sure that all connections are tight and secure.

Remember, preventative maintenance and early repair are crucial to avoiding major water damage issues in your RV. By regularly inspecting and maintaining your slide-out seals, you can help prevent leaks and keep your RV in good condition.

Replacing damaged sections of the subfloor

Before beginning, remove any furniture from the slide-out and pull up the flooring (carpet, vinyl, etc.). This process begins on the subfloor. Remove any lag bolts and screws that may be holding in the water-damaged section of the subfloor. Only remove the screws/bolts from the area you will be replacing. You can find screws/bolts on the exterior edge as well as underneath the RV slide-out.

Set your circular saw blade to the depth of the subfloor. Then, mark a line with a straight edge around the damaged subflooring. Cut along it with the circular saw. For any areas that the circular saw blade can’t reach, use a multi-tool to cut out the wet areas. Ensure your line is square and your cut is clean. This is important because the new subfloor piece will need to butt up against the original floor without any gaps. Be careful not to cut any wires that run through the subfloor and into the walls.

With a pry bar or hammer, pry up the water-damaged section of the RV subfloor. Try to keep the black underbelly cover intact. Clean up any debris with a shop vac. Measure and cut a new piece of plywood that will fit in the place of the water-damaged section. The new wood should be the same thickness as the subfloor that you removed.

Then, with a Kreg Jig, drill pocket holes every 4″. If you have wires that run through the floor into the walls, be sure to notch out a small rectangle for them. Remember: Make sure the plywood extends underneath the wall studs and your cuts are clean and square.

Slide the new piece of plywood in and make sure the underbelly is pulled tight. Once the plywood is in, apply a generous amount of wood glue down the seam. Then use pocket screws to attach the new plywood to the original subfloor. Make sure the two pieces are flush. If you have trouble sliding the piece in place, use a block of wood and hammer it in. You also might need to pry up the edge of the wall for extra clearance.

Once the wood glue is dry, sand down the seam with 80-grit sandpaper to ensure a smooth transition between the two plywood pieces. If you have an angled edge on the front of your slide-out floor, rip down a 1x3 at 12.5º to make the edge square. Then, attach with wood glue and 3/4″ finish nails at a 45º angle.

From underneath the slide-out, add 2 1/2″ exterior screws into the new plywood and wall studs. Then reinstall any removed lag bolts. Finally, staple the underbelly back into place and use underbelly tape to repair any areas that you may have cut. Make sure the screws are countersunk so that there is no risk of the screw heads scratching your floor when the slide-out is retracted.

Removing and replacing wall panelling

Removing and replacing the wall panelling in your camper can be a daunting task, but it is a very doable DIY project. Here are the steps you can follow:

Before Removing the Panelling:

• Ensure you have the necessary tools and supplies, such as a wire detector, stud finder, multi-driver, small pry bar, hammer, blade knife, and safety gear like gloves and a mask.
• Shut off the power and water supplies to avoid any accidents.

Removing the Panelling:

• Remove any trim and wall-mounted items that may be attached to the panelling.
• Gently pry the panelling away in small sections at a time using a small pry bar. Be careful not to use too much force, as the panelling is thin and can break easily.
• Remove all nails or staples from the panelling.
• If your panelling has a plastic cap or seam tape, remove it carefully.

Replacing the Panelling:

• Inspect the area for any damage or issues, such as water damage or mould, and address them accordingly.
• Cut the new wall panelling to size, ensuring it fits securely between the wall studs.
• Attach the new panelling to the studs using staples or small finish nails.
• If you are reusing the old panelling, be careful when removing it to keep the edges in good condition.
• Ensure the edges of the new panelling butt up against the edges of the track in the middle of the stud.
• Press the plastic cap back into the track or apply new seam tape if necessary.
• If you are using thicker panelling or upgrading to wainscoting or shiplap, you may need to add additional studs for support.

Final Steps:

• Reinstall any fixtures, cabinets, or furniture that were removed.
• If desired, paint the new panelling to match the rest of the interior.

Additional Considerations:

• Water damage can spread far and fast, so be prepared to deal with any issues you find behind the panelling, such as mould or damaged insulation.
• Be cautious when cutting or prying to avoid damaging any electrical or plumbing systems that may be behind the panelling.
• If you are cutting the panelling, it is generally best to remove full panels rather than cutting between joints, as it will be easier to secure the new joint.

Repairing window frame water damage

Water damage to your camper can be a nightmare, but it's important to act quickly to prevent further issues down the line. Here are the steps you can take to repair window frame water damage:

Step 1: Find the Source of the Leak

Before you begin any repairs, you need to identify and fix the source of the leak. Check the seals around your windows, as these are common places for leaks to occur. The seal around the windows can dry out or break loose from movement, allowing water to enter. Inspect the rubber seal that surrounds the slide-out, as water can make its way to the molding inside if it passes this seal. In addition, check the roof and walls for any signs of damage or leaks, as water can enter through tiny cracks and seams.

Step 2: Assess the Damage

Once you've found the leak, assess the extent of the water damage. Look for signs of water damage on the surface, such as stains, discolouration, or soft spots. Remember that water damage can creep and go unnoticed, so strip everything back to find every inch of damage to prevent future problems.

Step 3: Repair the Window Frame

To repair the window frame, start by removing the window and wall panelling to fully expose the frame. Repair the frame using the same dimensional lumber, making sure to leave a space around the window as specified by the manufacturer. If the framing inside the wall is also damaged, you may need to replace small sections. Join the new framing using L brackets or large staples.

Step 4: Replace the Window and Wall Panelling

After repairing the frame, you can reinstall the window. Next, replace any damaged wall panelling. This process can be tricky, as RV slide-out wall panelling can be difficult to remove without damaging it. Gently pry the panelling away in small sections at a time using a small pry bar. Remove all trim and wall-mounted items first, and be careful not to apply too much force. Pull out any nails that remain in the panelling before installing new panelling.

Step 5: Prevent Future Leaks

To prevent future leaks and water damage, regular maintenance is key. Keep your seals clean and free of dirt and grime. Use a mild automotive soap and water to clean your seals, and pat them dry. Check your seals regularly for any cracks, tears, or other potential problems. Additionally, consider getting a slide-out awning to protect the flat roof from debris and nature's elements.

Locating and fixing the source of the leak

Locating the source of a leak in your camper slide out can be a challenging task. Here are some steps to help you identify and fix the issue:

Inspection and Identification:

• Visual Inspection: Start by inspecting the seals, gaskets, and caulking around the slide-out for any visible damage, such as cracks, gaps, or broken seals. Pay close attention to the areas where the slide-out wall meets the floor, as this is a common entry point for water.
• Check for Water Stains and Odors: Look for water stains, mould, or musty odours in or around the slide-out. These can be indicators of potential leaks.
• Inspect the Slide-Out Roof and Walls: Since slide-outs are not contained within the main structure of the RV, water can pool on the flat roof and seep through tiny leaks. Inspect the roof and walls for any signs of water damage or debris that could retain moisture.
• Window Seals: Windows are another common source of leaks. Check the caulk and seals around the windows for any damage or deterioration.
• Slide-Out Mechanism: Ensure that the slide-out mechanism is properly installed and aligned. Improper installation can lead to leaks.
• Weep Holes: If your slide-out has weep holes, check if they are blocked. These holes are used to lock and unlock the slide-outs, and if blocked, they can result in leaks.
• RV Gutters and Roof: Inspect the RV roof and gutters for any blockages caused by dirt, debris, leaves, or other materials. This can lead to water backup and potential leaks through the slide-outs.

Fixing the Leak:

• Replace Seals and Apply Sealant: If you identify damaged seals, gaskets, or caulking, replace them and apply a coat of sealant to the slide-out. This will help create a watertight barrier.
• Conditioner: Use a conditioner on the seals every 60 days to prevent cracking and maintain their flexibility.
• Fix Level of Your RV: Ensure that your RV is level. An unlevel RV can cause stress on the frame and slide-outs, leading to ineffective seals.
• Clean and Maintain: Regularly clean and maintain the slide-out area, keeping it free of debris. This includes the roof, walls, and seals.
• Slide Topper Awning: Consider installing a slide topper awning to provide added protection to the roof of your slide-out.
• Seek Professional Help: If the damage is extensive or you are unsure about the repairs, don't hesitate to consult a professional. They can provide guidance and ensure that the repairs are done correctly.

Remember, water leaks can cause significant damage to your camper, so it's important to locate and fix the source of the leak as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions