Dreaded Rot

[Colville]

I joined Motorhomefun and subscribed recently as the amount of information for a newbie was invaluable. Our MH is a Hobby 650 as soon as we saw her it was love at first sight we were so excited, we asked questions and got answers we wanted to hear and parted with our money.

To cut a long story short we knew we needed to do some work on it as being a 20 year old vehicle a bit of TLC was required (deep breath). Shock horror massive floor rot from both wheel arches and shower leak .

Just a few pics...........

This is just the right side of the vehicle, I'm currently removing the shower and Thetford toilet and vanity unit to gain access to the left side by removing the double floor by cutting the upper level as the floor is spongy below.

Below the double floor of the shower and toilet I pulled down the vinyl cover underneath the vehicle as it was deteriorated and spongy back to the middle of the wheel arch.

So, I have a project on my hands , so far I have been reading about some of the of the projects carried out and aim to have ago and welcome any suggestions.

I intend to replace part of the floor with Dura Ply by Garnica (www.garnica.one/en) an alternative to Marine Ply which has been treated and is used in situations where moisture is common, its also lighter than normal ply.

Any advice welcome.........................Thanks

 

[Jake vE]

Everyone likes a project right?!

You seem to have everything in hand but the only thing I'd say is make sure you are happy you have addressed the causes of the damp before you start putting it back together. There's plenty of good people on here who will no doubt help along the way where required. I've not had the pleasure of damp repairs but will be following with interest!

 

[Stealaway]

An alternative to the original ply sounds good. Make sure you discover the source of leak first.

 

[RustyRuss]

I strongly recommend that you get some "wet rot wood hardener" by Ronseal. It's excellent as a repair treatment for wood that's been wet/damp. It's also brilliant as a preventative measure for any future leaks on to your wooden structures. I used to use it all the time on the holes I cut in new kitchen worktops for new sinks, hobs, taps etc. I took out an old worktop recently that I'd installed 15 years ago and the holes for the sink, hob and tap were like new whilst the rest of the worktop looked really second hand. The tenant had used the top to cut her veggies and bread and meat on and not bothered with a chopping board, lazy so and so!! Check out Screwfix product number 63540

Cheers!

Russ

 

[Colville]

Thank you all for your wise words and encouragement, I'll update you with my progress.

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[DJL220]

I had similar issues on my MH, I have detailed my findings and workings in my Dampness Project - Floor Now thread.
Your pictures look similar to what we all face if a leak is not identified and fixed. Good luck with your project

 

[Cheshirecat57]

I strongly recommend that you get some "wet rot wood hardener" by Ronseal.

Russ

Hi Russ
What does that do ?? ( asking for a friend)

 

[RustyRuss]

It’s the consistency of water, it has a solvent in it and when you paint it onto anything made of wood the wood absorbs it like a sponge. When the solvent dries off the remaining liquid sets like a super strong plastic and the wood goes back to it’s original strength and is now TOTALLY waterproof. As Ronseal say, “It does what it says on the tin” it’s WET ROT WOOD HARDENER. Enough said.

Cheers!

Russ

 

[Colville]

Hi Funsters,

The weather stopped play, high winds and rain so I had to halt proceedings and cover her up.

Restarted last Sunday and managed to strip out most of the affected areas of damp.

I'll make a start on treating and replacing the wall boards that seem to have rising damp in some areas.