Forum Discussion

Biggyniner's avatar
Biggyniner
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014

How to prevent delamination

Hey all,

Since I will be getting a fiberglass sided trailer in the near future I was curious about delamination and how to prevent it.

1.)Is it primarily caused from moisture getting into the wall and separating the material, or are there other causes?

2.)What are some best practices to prevent this from occurring?

Chris
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Aug 13, 2014
    There no difference in regards to vacuum vs pinch bonding when it comes to potential delam. They both accomplish the same thing and neither is more prone to it. Further, BOTH will delam if water gets inside. The big issue is keeping either from leaking by doing maint.

    Also, I live in one of the dampest regions in the country and swear by my cover. It keeps the TT clean and dry and certainly does not "trap moisture" under it at all. That's because covers are designed to breath.
    Not that it would make much difference though, before installing the cover I place a thick plastic tarp over the entire roof and down the sides about 2'.
    Not only does the TT stay dry but after installing these covers I found that my Dry-Z-Airs only filled up once during the winter season rather than the three times they used to.
  • FrankShore's avatar
    FrankShore
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2014
    Biggyniner wrote:
    FrankShore wrote:
    Don't buy a vacuum bonded trailer!


    So aluminum sided then?

    No, there are plenty of laminated trailers that don't vacuum bond.
  • ed6713's avatar
    ed6713
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2014
    Delamination is caused primarily by water leaks. They mostly start around a window.
    Twice a year do a very careful inspection of all caulking around windows, roof seams, ect.. Replace as necessary and you should be OK.
  • Biggyniner's avatar
    Biggyniner
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2014
    FrankShore wrote:
    Don't buy a vacuum bonded trailer!


    So aluminum sided then?
  • Biggyniner's avatar
    Biggyniner
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2014
    jtludwig wrote:
    downtheroad wrote:
    Biggyniner wrote:
    Hey all,

    Since I will be getting a fiberglass sided trailer in the near future I was curious about delamination and how to prevent it.

    Is it primarily caused from moisture getting into the wall and separating the material, or are there other causes?

    [COLOR=]Water intrusion (leaks) are the most common cause. It can also be caused by faulty glue from the factory during the laminating process.

    2.)What are some best practices to prevent this from occurring?

    Regularly inspect and reseal ALL seams and openings (windows, running lights, vents, etc.)

    Chris


    I've also heard concerns about RV covers used to protect the trailer from the elements (weather, etc) causing heat buildup and contributing to delamination. I still can't decide if I should use a cover or not, even in the winter?


    Hmm interesting point... I am thinking about investing in one of those car port versions, that should prevent moisture being trapped. maybe if you do use a regular cover, purchase a dry-z-air and keep in the trailer when stored...
  • jtludwig's avatar
    jtludwig
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2014
    downtheroad wrote:
    Biggyniner wrote:
    Hey all,

    Since I will be getting a fiberglass sided trailer in the near future I was curious about delamination and how to prevent it.

    Is it primarily caused from moisture getting into the wall and separating the material, or are there other causes?

    [COLOR=]Water intrusion (leaks) are the most common cause. It can also be caused by faulty glue from the factory during the laminating process.

    2.)What are some best practices to prevent this from occurring?

    Regularly inspect and reseal ALL seams and openings (windows, running lights, vents, etc.)

    Chris


    I've also heard concerns about RV covers used to protect the trailer from the elements (weather, etc) causing heat buildup and contributing to delamination. I still can't decide if I should use a cover or not, even in the winter?
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2014
    Biggyniner wrote:
    Hey all,

    Since I will be getting a fiberglass sided trailer in the near future I was curious about delamination and how to prevent it.

    Is it primarily caused from moisture getting into the wall and separating the material, or are there other causes?

    [COLOR=]Water intrusion (leaks) are the most common cause. It can also be caused by faulty glue from the factory during the laminating process.

    2.)What are some best practices to prevent this from occurring?

    Regularly inspect and reseal ALL seams and openings (windows, running lights, vents, etc.)

    Chris

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