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If there is a way to get in your Rv, water will find it. Water leaks on an Rv can cause uncut damage and can be highly costly to repair. When I worked at an Rv dealership I saw the damaging effects that water can cause to an Rv time and time again. I learned the lesson the hard way. I appraised a unit that was being traded in and didn't recognize the uncut water damage, which resulted in a thousand dollars worth of repairs. Hindsight is 20/20 and I fast learned how to inspect for, and recognize potential water damage on Rvs. My suggestion is that you inspect for potential water leaks twice a year at a minimum, once in the fall and again in the spring.

Every seam on your Rv and in any place the manufacturer cut a hole in your Rv has the potential to allow water in. To protect your venture and your wallet take the time to for real inspect all of these seams and sealants. Water damage on an Rv is similar to progressive damage to a tire. The exterior of the tire looks fine, but the internal damage over a long period of time causes the tire to fail without any warning. The exterior of your Rv looks fine but the internal damage caused by water over a long period of time can consequent in the entire roof, floor or wall rotting away without you knowing it. Here are a few things to look for while your inspections.

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Always keep safety on your mind when you are working on the roof of your Rv You can be seriously injured from a fall! A reader of mine recommend that you use 2 pieces of 1/2"
plywood, 2 foot by 4 foot, to move around on and spread your weight out over the
roof rafters.

* To stop a leak before it starts, wholly inspect all roof and body seams. Consult with your Rv dealer for sealants compatible with dissimilar types of roofing materials.

* Look for any discoloration and feel for any soft spots on the ceiling around roof vents, air conditioners, Tv antennas, plumbing vents, and any other openings that were cut in the roof.

* Look for any discoloration or wrinkles in the wallpaper, and feel for any soft spots on the walls around all windows, doors, vents, slide outs, or any other openings that were cut in the side walls.

* recognize the location of items like the water heater, furnace, exterior shower, potable water fill and city water inlet on the exterior of the Rv and then way those areas from the inside of the Rv and look for any indications of water damage around these openings.

* Open all overhead cabinets and look in the top projection where the walls meet the ceiling for any discoloration or feel for any soft spots. This would indicate a leak at the seam where the sidewall and the roof attach.

* Check in all exterior storehouse compartments for any indications of water leaks or water damage.

* Check for any soft spots on the roof itself especially around the roof seams at the front and rear of the Rv. wholly inspect all sealants on the roof around every opening.

* Some Class C motor homes are notorious for leaks in the cab over bed area. Look for any signs of discoloration and feel for soft spots. Reach under the mattress and feel for water.

* Look and feel on the exterior of the Rv for any signs of delaminating. Delaminating is caused by water getting between the exterior fiberglass and the sidewall. When this happens the exterior fiberglass separates from the sidewall of the Rv. You can stand at the front or rear of the Rv and look down the side for any noticeable ripples or what looks like a bubble. You can also press on the sidewalls. If you feel the exterior fiberglass move it is delaminating. Often times delaminating starts around where an chance that was made in the sidewall.

Don't just inspect your Rv for water damage; for real inspect your Rv for water damage. If you do this on a regular basis you can uncover and fix the source of any water damage before it has a chance to do a great deal of damage. I think I'll start checking our motor home more than twice a year.

Happy Camping,

Mark

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of Rv study 101

Rv Water Leaks