What's Behind Your RV Walls And Why Should You Care?
Motorhome ownership comes with plenty of benefits, but these houses-on-wheels also require extra attention and care. Unfortunately, many RVs ultimately suffer from water damage, especially when stored in locations exposed to the elements. Whether you're buying an older RV or preparing to maintain a new one for the long haul, it pays to recognize some signs of damage.
Like a house, water damage to an RV's body can quickly become an expensive and time-consuming process to repair. However, spotting water damage can be challenging since it's often hidden behind both interior and exterior walls. This guide will help you understand what's behind your RV's walls so that you can repair issues before they become critical.
How Do RV Walls Work?
RV wall construction methods vary substantially depending on the age and quality of the vehicle. At the lower end of the price scale, many RVs include framed and insulated walls. These walls are similar to typical residential construction since they use wood framing filled with fiberglass insulation. Interior and exterior walls may use different materials, but most manufacturers rely on plywood and metal.
On the other hand, more expensive RVs can use more sophisticated body designs, including laminated panels. Laminated panels use styrofoam insulation sandwiched between interior and exterior walls. You may also hear people refer to this design as "vacuum-bonded," which refers to the method used to seal the inner and outer walls to the insulation.
While you may find some other designs from specialized manufacturers, many common RVs fit into one of these two categories.
Why Should You Worry About Water Damage?
You may have noticed that the above descriptions don't include any form of water protection. Many residential homes include exterior plywood skins with vapor barriers to protect the insulation and interior walls from water damage. On the other hand, the outer skin of an RV body attaches directly to the underlying insulation and framing.
Instead, RVs rely on adequate sealing around the exterior body panels to keep water from entering the vehicle. These seals can wear out or fail, at which point there's no longer any protection against moisture. Driving rains can enter through small gaps, causing damage to the insulation or ruining the interior walls.
What Can You Do?
Checking and maintaining your seals is the best way to avoid water damage, but it's also crucial to repair any that occurs as soon as possible. If you notice soft spots, mold, stains, odors, or other indications of water damage on the body of your RV, you should consult with an RV body repair shop as soon as you can.