How to Fix a Soft Floor in an RV using Epoxy Injection
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 มิ.ย. 2023
- In this step-by-step how-to video, Equip RV Repair will guide you through the process of fixing a soft floor in your RV using epoxy injection. A soft or spongy floor in an RV can be a common issue that can be caused by water damage, rot, or a compressed foam layer. Instead of replacing the entire floor, epoxy injection offers a cost-effective and efficient solution. Our expert technician will demonstrate the materials needed, the preparation process, and the proper application of epoxy to reinforce and restore the structural integrity of your RV's floor. By following this video guide, you'll be able to tackle the problem and enjoy a solid, stable floor in your RV once again.
Serving Central Alberta, Canada. If you want a quote to repair you RV’s floor send us an email
equiprvrepair@gmail.com
Material List
-West System Epoxy & Hardener (slow)
- 3 automotive syringes
-palm sander & paper
-1/2 inch drill
-knife
-Lino Adhesive
-container for epoxy mixing
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You might have just saved our RV. Thank you!
You bet! If you have any questions feel free to reach out.
I was looking at a Timberwolf, which I really liked but it had many manufacturering defects. So bad that the dealership could not have missed them, yet they didn’t bother repairing them. When the dealer asked what I thought about the unit I told them I was surprised at all the defects and that they hadn’t been repaired. He literally said “if you find them , we can talk about repairing them” ?!? I said so it’s my responsibility? “YES”. I walked.
Glad you stuck to your guns and didn’t get caught up in the emotion of buying!! I would not rely on the dealerships PDI (pre delivery inspection). I would recommend getting a 3rd party to inspect on your behalf or if you are confident to do a thorough inspection yourself.
This worked like a charm, floor is very solid where I did the epoxy injection. just a word of advice, if you are planning to order just a gallon, better buy 2 gallons and a good orbital sander...
Awesome!! Glad it worked out!!
Thanks!
My question is about diagnosing the softness in the floor. The wood layer below the vinyl is in great shape. How do I determine if this is only an issue due to saying foam or if there is water damage in the bottom wood layer when I can't get to it from below?
I would drill a test hole in the soft area under the vinyl. Slowly drill through the top layer and if you see foam coming out of the hole it’s due to foam compression. What type of RV do you have?
Question, does the epoxy cause damage to the foam under the top panel ? I need to do this but was worried it will cause damage to the middle foam layer.
Awesome video!
Glad you enjoyed it
great knowledge and tips and a video
Glad you enjoyed it
I had the same problem in my camper only they used Wafer board . When it gets wet just once it swells and deteriorates back to saw dust. Why in the world would a company( Coachman Clipper) use a product so unreliable . But I was able to do as you did and rip back the sheet vinil and replace part of the rotted board . Now I have found another soft spot in front of the refrigerator. Lucky me.
The never ending story….
Thanks
Welcome
Hey here an idea why don’t there quit building crap for rvs, everyone sick of going back and fixing there cheap mistakes
Agree
Is there any other way to fix soft spots I have a 2020 travel and it’s got a couple soft spots I don’t want to remove the vinyl flooring
Awesome video. Looks like you're answering comments so ill ask: If we dont have a laminated floor but heavy non water sag, could you drill threw the floor into the foam, epoxy, then put home depot laminated flooring ontop?would you change anything? Thanks!
As long as there is a firm layer under the foam. Otherwise the epoxy would just drain to the ground or under belly. You may be able to cut out the bad spot and replace the plywood using 2x2 or 2x4 as a floor joist.. hopefully that makes sense.
I noticed the product you used was a varathane product, not the West System, can you please clarify, thanks
I used Verathane because I didn’t have time and could grab it off the shelf at Home Depot. I’ve since used West Systems because it is cheaper and comes with measuring pumps! Depending on how wide spread your issue is you could easily use a gallon (4 litres) of epoxy.
@@equiprvrepair thanks for the clarification, we are about to start with our repair, so wanted to make sure.
Have fun! If you have any questions feel free to email me at equiprvrepair@gmail.com
Hello, thanks for the video. How does the glue hold up in hot climates? I want to remove my carpet and replace with vinyl and wondering how it would hold up in Texas heat.
I would use regular Lino glue… in this video I was pressed for time and used the 3M Quick dry glue. The regular glue will give you more set up time!!!
This is what I think is going on with our 2021 Keystone Outback. Can you tell me what kind of epoxy you used. Thank you so much for sharing this video.
West Systems on Amazon works well! They have quick hardener and slow. If your new with epoxy I would go the slow route. It will give you more time before hardening!!
Same with our 2021 Keystone Outback. Imagine that.
hey! i have watched your video at least a dozen times. i am trying to do the same thing but i am unable to find the exact West systems epoxy kit, they have multiple kits and different numbers and ratings i guess for the "slow" ones on amazon and their site. before i do this, could you tell me exactly which west systems epoxy to use? i would greatly appreciate it if you could respond, i know you may not because the video is decently old, however i can hope.
Thanks!
Hi John
You want to use the 105 Resin and 206 slow hardener. The slow will give you more working time and takes 10 hours to cure depending on your temps and humidity. It should be available on Amazon.
Thanks for the demo! How deeply did you drill?
Roughly 3/4” deep. Do a test hole to make sure it’s a laminated floor system. When you get through the first layer slowly drill the foam layer and you should feel the 2nd layer and stop! Hope this makes sense!
I have sandwiched styrofoam between what looks like cheap wall paneling on either side. It should work right?
@@michaelstokes5882 - I used the dowel/epoxy method. I think it helped. I wasn’t as impressed with the results as I’d hoped to be, but it was improved and I was able to sell the trailer with a clear conscience.
We put tongue and groove flooring in our RV can I want to epoxy over the top of it. What do you recommend??
Great idea! I would go to West Systems website and find the proper epoxy specifically for that!
Does the temperature have any effect? & if i am going to put down carpet is it ok to leave the vinyl floor in place?
Yes, temperature will effect curing time. Generally the curing times are based on room temp. 22c/72f If you plan to cover it, should be good to go! You just want to confirm that you have a laminated floor system before you start drilling holes. I would do a test hole in the cupboard under the sink.
Oops, I forgot to ask. I have seen a video of someone using that spray foam insulation. Any thoughts regard using that?
I wouldn’t recommend that. Because you can’t control the foam expansion as well.
Do you know what type of floor is on a 2007 Springdale Summerland?
I don’t know that particular model. You might be able to see the type of flooring by looking under the sink follow the plumbing through the floor. If you see a foam layer under a thin plywood layer you likely have a laminated floor. Hope this helps! Or you could drill a test hole in a closet or under the sink where no can see it!
If I am not mistaken, you put back the original linoleum that you have cut at the beginning.
That’s right. Most all rv floors are not glued down. The walls and cupboards hold it down.
What does this do to the insulating value? Any decrease?
Good Question. I guess it would depend on how thick the epoxy was applied. In this case 1 inch depth x 1/2 inch hole. I think it would be an incremental loss in R value. If you notice a colder floor you could try adding more insulation in the under belly. On this particular floor it also had fibreglass insulation under the laminated floor. I don’t think the owner would notice any change in R Value!!! That’s my guess anyway!!!
How deep did you drill the 1/2 “ holes?
Roughly 1 inch. You want to make sure you don’t go through the bottom layer! You should go through the foam slowly and you will feel the bottom layer.
Been looking for a solution to fix my sagging floors (not water rot, just the styrofoam is compressed) and this is a lot better then taking the whole floor out and putting in bracing. Only thing is with my floors, they have sagged down between 1/4” to 3/8”. Do you think the epoxy will lift that back up enough to make them level again? TIA
Can’t promise perfect level floors. But it would definitely firm them up!! It may take a few more rounds of epoxy. The floor in the video took 2 rounds of epoxy. The first round the holes were spaced 6 inches apart. The second round I drilled holes 3 inches apart in the worse areas and added more epoxy!!
You could also spread epoxy on top after injecting. The epoxy could be used to level out the worse areas!
How much does this cost if a repair guy does it.
What kind of glue did you use? I’m starting a project like this right now actually lol
I used 3M quick adhesive. If you have time go with lino glue
How did it turn out??
How far down do you drill the holes ?
I did it by feel. Roughly 1” - 1.5 “. When you drill through the first layer and slowly through the foam you will feel the resistance of the 2nd layer!! I would do a Test hole in the cupboard under the sink to confirm that you have a laminated floor system!! Thanks for watching!!
Can you use that on a rotten slide floor?
I’m not sure how well that would work. I guess it would depend on how badly the floor is rotted. If this is something you want to try before considering a slide floor replacement. It is a very big job to pull the slide out and replace the floor. Sorry I don’t have a great answer.
I've seen dowels used with the epoxy. Are they necessary? Thanks!
I think some other videos used the dowel to stop or slow the epoxy from pushing up out of the holes. I decided to just sand the excess smooth.
After the first application of epoxy you may still find some weak or soft spots hit it again with more epoxy. I thought my video showed it but I had to go back and drill more holes 3” apart in the worse area and inject more epoxy!
@@equiprvrepairInteresting method. Had it completely delaminated? I wonder if a person could plunge cut the top ply area out of a bad spot, trowel in epoxy as necessary and glue the plunge cut piece back in.
That might work! I like the idea of the epoxy reaching over and under the foam. Also, if you completely removed the top layer it might be a lot more work to get it flush again.
It only was delaminating in the high traffic kitchen area!
How deep do you drill the 1/2 inch holes?
The thickness of the top layer. Slowly drill your test hole and if it’s a laminated floor you will see bits of foam coming out of the hole.
Roughly 1/4 to 1/2 inch
I am concerned about the exothermic reaction of epoxy igniting the styrofoam anyone have any issues with this
I used a slow hardener for this project and the floor was solid after! I can’t confirm how exactly the foam reacted. Maybe I should do a video testing the epoxy directly on the foam.
I am 74 years old and am about to tackle your method. How long from start to finish should I expect to take?
3-5 hours. Stop and starts for dry time.
What are the materials you used
- West System Epoxy & Hardener (slow)
- 3 automotive syringes
-palm sander & paper
-1/2 inch drill
-knife
-Lino Adhesive
-container for epoxy mixing
Has anyone else actually used this method?? Sounds great but just wondering if anyone has a success story?
can you list the epoxy materials used?
I used Verathane Epoxy Deep Pour from Home Depot. This epoxy has a very slow cure time. If you want a quicker cure time West Systems has great reviews and has hardeners with varying cure times!
@equiprvrepair can't find the verathane at home depot, what about this wise bond 1 gal. Clear Bar and Table Top Wood and Concrete 1:1 Ratio Counter Top Epoxy Kit
Our soft floor is in hallway outside of the restroom
Before trying this method I would peel back your floor and rule out a water leak and also make sure it is a laminated floor system!!
where are you?
Sylvan Lake, Alberta. I’m mobile I may be able to come to you.
I'm in West Kelowna, BC
Kelowna is a beautiful spot. But a little far for me😂😂. Sorry
Yeah I kinda thought so! too bad because I need this done up by the stairs!..something like 3'x3'! Let me know if you ever come this way!
you sure doing a great job!
Where do buy epoxy
Amazon is the easiest. Paint stores. Hardware stores have limited selection
Why don't you use linoleum glue that is spread with a trowel that floor installers use in homes. On the other side, you are lucky the original floor was not glued.
That would work! I wanted a quick solution.
That floor wont be even using this method.
The main point is to strengthen the weak floor without having to rip everything out.
Rv's are pretty looking junk you pay a fortune for pretty looking Features, just like boats ,custom vans all junk .Its troubling watching and RV go down the road this huge trailer with tiny tires not only does it look horrible but you know it ain't safe its just a matter of time before something happens. Tractor trailer tires are correct 22 or 24 ...not 13 to 15 inch Morons .
We all want a shelter that can tow behind a 1/2 ton truck with all the bells and whistles. Some are made better than others but it’s setting our expectations in order. It’s a moving house that shakes and rattles down highways and gravel roads. We take them on mountains and park them by the beach. Overall they do what we demand of them.
Is there any other way to fix soft spots I have a 2020 travel and it’s got a couple soft spots I don’t want to remove the vinyl flooring
Can you get to it from below?
Is there any other way to fix soft spots I have a 2020 travel and it’s got a couple soft spots I don’t want to remove the vinyl flooring
Unfortunately, I don’t know any other way.