Ron
Moderator Emeritus
Good plan. Almost any caulk except something containing silicone should be ok for a temporary repair.
Repairing body caulk
- Thread starter scottydl
- Start date
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OP
OP
scottydl
Site Team
I removed the screws along that right side of the panel, and the top and bottom corners. The outer layer of caulking pulled away quite easily and was pretty stretchy, but wouldn't really hold the "stretch" before breaking. Based on BT's previous description of products, that acted like silicone to me. I found a few cracks and other holes in the outer seal, so it seems like water may have gotten in their over time and maybe swollen the underneath supports. Otherwisey I can't really tell what's going on behind the panel (I don't know what to look for quite honestly), but the lower screws that are pulled outward (the images in my first post) wouldn't snug up... the underlying surface holes were too chewed and opened up already. For now I'm going to get some longer screws that will tighten better, and look for a latex product to seal it.
Anyone ever done a complete repair on this type of problem? Or HAD it done someplace? I'm not opposed to having a pro check it out eventually, if it won't cost me an arm and a leg.
Anyone ever done a complete repair on this type of problem? Or HAD it done someplace? I'm not opposed to having a pro check it out eventually, if it won't cost me an arm and a leg.
Gary RV_Wizard
Site Team
You could try a fatter screw (e.g. #10 or #12) - there may not be much room for a longer one.
You can also try inserting a short piece of hardwood dowel into the screw hole first. Find a diameter that is a snug fit (1/8th inch is a good bet) and drive it in with a hammer. Maybe even put some wood glue on it first. This serves to fill the hole and gives the screw something to bite into. It works if the wood is merely stripped from the previous screw pulling out, but if it is rotten it won't help for very long.
You can also try inserting a short piece of hardwood dowel into the screw hole first. Find a diameter that is a snug fit (1/8th inch is a good bet) and drive it in with a hammer. Maybe even put some wood glue on it first. This serves to fill the hole and gives the screw something to bite into. It works if the wood is merely stripped from the previous screw pulling out, but if it is rotten it won't help for very long.
