Decayed ply inner lining below floor level

[Harnser]

I have noticed that my 2007 Elddis Autoquest 115 has some decay to the inner ply lining to the skirt panels below floor level. Is this something I should be concerned about, and if so is it very difficult to replace? I am skilled in woodwork etc.

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

Pictures at all?

 

[Harnser]

Thanks for replying, here is photo of worst area, offside rear quarter. Section to far right is rear
bumper, white marks are where area has been pressure washed.

 

[irnbru]

Looks like it needs replaced . Do you have a damp meter? Have you checked all your van recently or have you just acquired it?

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

Trouble is with any veneer is that as soon as it starts to lift with water ingress...there is no stopping it! You have a choice of either cutting and replacing or patching or replace the section in its entirety. I would not say its terminal...just tired. A bit of work and it can be sorted quite easily. What is the other side like? As bad or not?

Kev

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[rosalan]

De-lamination can hold damp which in turn can open the area to longer lasting bacterial damage and rot. Personally I would want to remove any suspect material.

 

[Harnser]

Looks like it needs replaced . Do you have a damp meter? Have you checked all your van recently or have you just acquired it?

I have had the van for 15 months, not checked for damp inside, but does not smell or feel damp. This is outside below floor level.

 

[Harnser]

Trouble is with any veneer is that as soon as it starts to lift with water ingress...there is no stopping it! You have a choice of either cutting and replacing or patching or replace the section in its entirety. I would not say its terminal...just tired. A bit of work and it can be sorted quite easily. What is the other side like? As bad or not?

Kev

Thanks Kev. There is a smaller amount the other side, but not as bad. Do you know if the ply can be replaced without removing the skirt panel? Is the ply bonded to the aluminium panel? I assume this area is not part of the main side wall.

 

[irnbru]

If I were you I would be buying a damp meter and checking ALL your van, that way you will get a better idea of exactly what you've got to deal with.

 

[Dirtyhands]

The skirt moulding would have to be removed to repair that, the ply will be attached to the framework at the bottom of the wall. It may or may not be bonded to the skirt.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Just smiffy]

Rotten wood will need replacing and wood should not be pressure washed...?

 

[HandyAndy]

If you're skilled in woodwork, crack on.
Those stressing about damp need to realise this is OUTSIDE in the elements and clearly in a splash zone of the wheels judging by the dirt there. Of course it's going to be taking a beating. It doesn't mean the interior of the van is damp.
Having said that I worry about who has undersealed the thing.. probably the worst thing that could have been done.

 

[Harnser]

If you're skilled in woodwork, crack on.
Those stressing about damp need to realise this is OUTSIDE in the elements and clearly in a splash zone of the wheels judging by the dirt there. Of course it's going to be taking a beating. It doesn't mean the interior of the van is damp.
Having said that I worry about who has undersealed the thing.. probably the worst thing that could have been done.

Oh! Why would underseal be bad, surely its keeping moisture out>

 

[irnbru]

If you're skilled in woodwork, crack on.
Those stressing about damp need to realise this is OUTSIDE in the elements and clearly in a splash zone of the wheels judging by the dirt there. Of course it's going to be taking a beating. It doesn't mean the interior of the van is damp.
Having said that I worry about who has undersealed the thing.. probably the worst thing that could have been done.

Whether the OP does or doesn't have damp does not mean owners should not be damp checking them regularly, whether doing it themselves or getting it done for them.

 

[HandyAndy]

Oh! Why would underseal be bad, surely its keeping moisture out>

because generally it doesn't, what it does do is trap and hide the moisture behind the black layer of goop until Mr MOT man pokes a hole in it and you go

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

You need to dry it out before the under seal is sprayed or painted on. That’s just common sense. The drier it is the better obviously. Don’t be put off. We have ours done yearly. Washed off then the under seal is reapplied.

Whether the OP does or doesn't have damp does not mean owners should not be damp checking them regularly, whether doing it themselves or getting it done for them.