As much as RVs provide joy, fun, and excitement through the ability to drive out of one’s home and onto the open road, they come with something that requires one’s time and effort. Another typical problem RV owners have is damage on the outer surface of the vehicle, particularly the fiberglass one. In this article, you will learn the step-by-step processes of how to repair RV fiberglass exterior damage, from enrolling the damage to carrying out the repair work. Fiberglass repairs are within reach of an average person who is comfortable using tools and has some patience, let alone those who are into RV maintenance.
Causes Of Fiberglass Damages
Fiberglass is extensively used to build RVs because it is sturdy and light. Nonetheless, with any material given enough time and weather, even the best-looking surface will sooner than later develop cracks, scratches, or even holes. Some of the most prevalent causes of fiberglass damage are:
- Damage from hail or flying debris on the road
- Exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds or heavy rain
- Minor collisions during parking or difficult maneuvers
- Improper cleaning methods that can harm the surface
The damage may be very small when it occurs for the first time, but if not attended to progressively over time, it will escalate into serious stages, affecting the rigidity of the RV.
Essential Supplies for Repairing Fiberglass
Make sure you have these requisite tools with you before starting your fiberglass repair project.
- Fiberglass repair kit (usually purchased from RV repair shops).
- Sandpaper (80 to 220 grit) – Start with 80 grit for heavy sanding or removing damaged material, and use finer grits like 120 to 220 grit for smoothing and finishing the surface.
- Flexible Putty Knife (2 to 4 inches) – A flexible, stainless steel putty knife is ideal for applying and smoothing filler or fiberglass resin in tight areas.
- Masking Tape (1 to 2 inches wide), Paint Brushes, and Foam Rollers – Use high-quality masking tape to protect surrounding areas, along with paint brushes for detailed work and foam rollers for smooth, even paint application on larger surfaces.
- Automotive or Marine-Grade Primers and Fiberglass Paint – Select a primer specifically designed for fiberglass surfaces, such as an automotive or marine-grade primer, followed by durable, UV-resistant fiberglass paint for the final coat.
- Safety Goggles and Nitrile Gloves – Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from dust and fumes, and use nitrile gloves to protect your hands from chemicals during the repair process.
Collecting these tools will guarantee that you are poised to execute the work effectively without much delay.
Step-by-Step Guide: Procedure for Repairing Damaged RV Fiberglass Exterior
Evaluate the Damage
Before commencing with the actual repair, an in-depth evaluation of the area should be done. Look for pits of cracks, holes, or soft areas. Damage to the sculpted fiberglass may appear superficial but may also go deeper with time, especially with moisture exposure. Always check other areas for possible extensions.
Clean and Prepare the Area
The area requiring repair should be thoroughly cleaned using a mild detergent and a soft brush. Suppose mud or dust remains on the surface. In that case, it can interfere with the bonding of repair materials, such as fiberglass resin, or reduce the effectiveness of tools like putty knives during application. After cleaning, ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding with the repair.
Sand the Damaged Area
Using 80 to 220 grit sandpaper, sand on and around the damaged area to rough it up for better adhesion. Do not overdo it while sanding, especially if the cracks or scratches are minor. Other loose fragments of fiberglass that tend to restore the damage may also be removed during the sanding process.
Apply Fiberglass Repair Material
In most of the fiberglass repair kits, you will find a resin together with a hardener that needs to be combined. Every such kit has specific instructions on how to ensure proper bonding to avoid creating weak spots that could eventually lead to failure. Get a putty knife place the mixture over the damaged part and smooth it out, ensuring all the cracks and holes are filled. In case of deep punctures, it may take a few applications or layering of the material.
Allow Time for Curing
Fiberglass repairs range in time from twenty-four hours to forty-eight hours since they were carried out. Patience should be exercised at this stage since impatience is one of the enemies of repair in this period. It is pertinent to note that this area must be kept clean and dry at all times.
Sand and Smooth the Area
After the fiberglass is solid and dried, sand the area that was repaired. Start with the finer sandpaper to get rid of any bulges and soak up smoother paper to finish. This will make your RV not that different from the original exterior condition it was in.
Prime and Paint
Apply a fiberglass primer followed by the final sanding. With the use of paint and a roller, cover the area that was repaired after the primer has dried. Be sure to select an appropriate shade that blends with the rest of the exterior features of your recreation vehicle. Two applications of paint may be necessary for some of the projects.
Final Touches: Wall Repairs
If the wall repairs of your RV are included in the list, make sure that the surface is sanded and smoothed first with 80 to 220-grit sandpaper before any repainting is done. This ensures that any vinyl or acrylic sheeting you apply over your RV walls will stick properly and look neat.
Titan Spray-On Roof Lining: Extra Protection
We can also conclude this discussion with great information by doing external repairs. However, in such instances, clients will be wondering what future damage limitation solutions there are. One great option is Titan Spray-On Roof Lining, which provides a strong coat over the original one and ensures that torrents and hail can’t cause any more damage to the house. With this enhancement, you can rest easy when traveling, knowing your RV roof is protected from harsh weather.
