Fiberglass Delamination

To my knowledge RV's have been made pretty much the same way for a long time --- as they age delam can be a problem - often associated with water intrusion.

Delamination hasn't been an issue for years. Although the process might be the same, there are newer glues and better overall equipment and materials.

I still read posts regarding delamination on some of the new RVs. Not as many as in the past but some folks are still having problems. I remember seeing one just a month or so agao on a 2014 model...don't remember which brand.

If water gets in, you're likely to have delamination. If water doesn't get in, your chances of having delamination are basically nil.

wing_zealot wrote:
If water gets in, you're likely to have delamination. If water doesn't get in, your chances of having delamination are basically nil.

That pretty much sums it up.

My friends brand new Cougar delamed. Bad batch of material.

wing_zealot wrote:
If water gets in, you're likely to have delamination. If water doesn't get in, your chances of having delamination are basically nil.

Delaminations can occur for several reasons, adhesives can be outdated(past their shelf life), the surfaces to be bonded may not be cleaned well(contaminated), dark colors absorbing sun can expand separating marginal bonds. If the pinch rolling process is used out of tolerance pieces to be bonded(low spots) produce less pressure and marginal bonds. Unless you talk to a Tech, Eng or visit each Mfg it is hard to find the information the OP is asking for.

If you have laminated walls, you have to be diligent about maintaining all the lap sealant. A thorough annual inspection and a little work where needed can prevent expensive delamination repairs. The Minnie is our first trailer with laminated walls, so I do wonder about the long term. On the plus side, we're able to keep it stored inside all year long, so the roof and sealant doesn't suffer from much UV and weather exposure.

On the flip side, with aluminum sided trailers, it seems that it's easier for water to leak into the wall space and not be noticed for some time. So, whether you have laminated walls or aluminum clad, all you can do is be very diligent with inspections and sealant repairs.

I think it boils down to upkeep of the roof and windows.
You have to keep everything dilagently sealed.

Gjac wrote:

wing_zealot wrote:
If water gets in, you're likely to have delamination. If water doesn't get in, your chances of having delamination are basically nil.

Delaminations can occur for several reasons, adhesives can be outdated(past their shelf life), the surfaces to be bonded may not be cleaned well(contaminated), dark colors absorbing sun can expand separating marginal bonds. If the pinch rolling process is used out of tolerance pieces to be bonded(low spots) produce less pressure and marginal bonds. Unless you talk to a Tech, Eng or visit each Mfg it is hard to find the information the OP is asking for.

I stand by what I said: "....basically nil"