Leak in the roof

[facory]

During our recent camping trip water apparently entered through the roof seam where it joins the front panel. Apparently it got in through the lap sealant at that point on the roof. Now I think that the water has gotten inside the front wall. Now that I have the trailer back home I have a dehumidifier and fan running inside trying to dry it out.

My fear is that the moisture inside the wall will eventually cause the wall to rot. Is there anything else I can do to draw the moisture out of the wall to prevent this?

The trailer has a fiberglass exterior.

* This post was edited 05/28/18 03:46pm by facory *

[LVJJJ]

check ALL openings in the front wall. Driving thru driving rain will even force water up under places like the bottom of the front window, the bottom of the clearance lites, etc. Some prior owner idiot screwed a level on the front of my "new" '05 Trail Cruiser, so took it off and filled the screw holes.

[facory]

Good thought about the clearance lights. Will check them.

[SoundGuy]

facory wrote:
During our recent camping trip water apparently entered through the roof seam where it joins the front panel.

Perhaps, but another common source for water leakage is via the clearance lights, especially on the front wall of a trailer. Check 'em religiously. 😉

[DownTheAvenue]

A one time leak, quickly abated is no issue. Repair the source of the water intrusion and get on with enjoying your RV. If you have brought the humidity down to 35% with Tropical Storm Alberto overhead, you have nothing to worry about.

[Jim]

facory wrote:
The trailer is in Georgia and the entire roof is covered with a tarp. No additional water is getting in. The dehumidifier has removed close to two gallons of water and the humidity is down to 35%. Fan running around the clock. Not sure how to remove the wall panel on the inside. Any info for doing that would be appreciated.

If it's not obvious how to take the wall down, and you're pressed for time, drill holes near the bottom of the wall and poke your fingers in there feeling for moisture.

As far as how to take your wall down? Hmm. We could help more if you have a picture or several?

[facory]

The trailer is in Georgia and the entire roof is covered with a tarp. No additional water is getting in. The dehumidifier has removed close to two gallons of water and the humidity is down to 35%. Fan running around the clock. Not sure how to remove the wall panel on the inside. Any info for doing that would be appreciated.

[gbopp]

Definitely run a dehumidifier. Remove trim or drill holes (where you can hide them) to allow air to circulate.
And use Eternabond on the leaking area.

[Jim]

The camper is in Georgia? Right now with all the rain and such?

I'd get a blue tap up on the area where you think it's leaking using gallon plastic jugs filled with water hold it in place along with any ropes and bungees you can scrounge up. Meanwhile, try electric heaters to evaporate the moisture, and perhaps rent a large dehumidifier. Than when it's better weather, expose that leak area to the hot sun you guys get in Georgia. Give the wet area several days to dry while blowing air on it with fans.

Once that's all done, then decide whether to remove a wall panel to look behind it or determine if it's dry enough without pulling a wallboard. Than put Eternabond 4" tape over that roof seam and never worry about it again.

Roof sealing...