Forum Discussion

RTQuig's avatar
RTQuig
Explorer
Nov 11, 2018

Aluminum Siding Repair

Today, while winterizing my travel trailer, I noticed a hole in the aluminum siding. It is one piece top to bottom. It appears to have been hit by something, could have been a stone from the lawn mower or possibly someone threw something at it, I don't know.
The break in the aluminum is approx. 1 1/2" to 2". I cut a piece of a rubber sealant tape that will keep the weather out for the winter.
Is there a way to repair this hole/slit. or is a factory repair? It is right where a side decal is. You can fit a razor blade in the hole, it is very small.
  • RTQuig's avatar
    RTQuig
    Explorer
    Nov 12, 2018
    They all sound like good suggestions. Epoxy would work, and the fiberglass would also I would think. I'll have to check out whether a reflector of something along those lines would work. I will also see if it is possible to get a replacement decal which would cover any patch.

    Thanks guys.
  • DougE's avatar
    DougE
    Explorer
    Nov 12, 2018
    Fiberglass repair kit. One layer of cloth with resin. Pretty much transparent.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Nov 12, 2018
    If it's in a suitable location, just put a reflector over it.
  • TakingThe5th's avatar
    TakingThe5th
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2018
    In the “Making lemonade out of lemons” department -
    Is it possible that the damaged area is a nice place to install a light, a speaker, a bracket for something or some other enhancement that you always wanted?
  • BobsYourUncle's avatar
    BobsYourUncle
    Nomad
    Nov 11, 2018
    Depending where the damage is, top to bottom of the rig, it can be a real chore to replace.
    Everything the siding touches has to be removed, windows, door, other stuff etc. The siding starts at the top and is installed from the top down, the last piece goes to the bottom and frequently has a 90 degree bend where it goes under to be stapled on.
    If it can be disguised with a sticker or the decal you mentioned, easier to do that.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Nov 11, 2018
    If you mean invisibly repair? I don't know of one. But you can use clear epoxy after lightly sanding the area right around the hole. If you are careful and apply a minimal amount the repair should be invisible from any distance. If the hole is in a solidly colored area you could apply a tiny amount of paint (maybe model paint in one of those small bottles).

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