Rot Doctor

[Miscellaneous Q&A Index]

Subject: Steps in a Motor Home

Date: July 20, 2014

I recently discovered the first step in my motor home is soft suggesting long term water/dampness damage. The wooden step is still functional though easily detectable as being soft when stepped on. Removing the entire entry step system is both costly and time consuming not to mention expensive. The step walls seem to be okay but may also be effected by moisture damage rendering them soft.

My thought was to apply some type of rotted wood stabilizer, petrified to restore the wood to its original strength before applying firmer glass to the step surface. Surface below the stepping area is currently covered by a water resistant membrane that I have waterproofed - this does not take care of current damage. I believe its only a matter of time before the entire step assembly will have to be replaced if I can’t stabilize the effected surfaces.

The step is approximately 10 to 12 inches wide, 1 inch deep, and about 2 feet in length (no more). The vertical surfaces are 12 to 18 inches on the left and right of the step area. The rear riser is approximately 12 inches in height.

So what product would you recommend to repair the effected areas and in what quantities.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. Having never undertaken this type repair in the past I must seek input from the professionals.

Alan M.

Alan,

The first part of the procedure would be to remove the waterproof membrane and allow the wood to dry to at least the lightly damp phase. Next, the surface should be peppered with little holes, the kind you might make with an ice pick. Then you would apply out CPES* (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer), allowing the wood to absorb all the product that it will. Wait for 24 hours (or longer) and then make the application again. After about 4-5 days the floor should be hard and firm. Finally, apply a coat of our Layup & Laminating Resin* to the surface. This will fully cure in 48 hours and you are finished with that phase of the repair. If your final covering of the step involves the use of fiberglass, then you must use the woven cloth (not matting) and our L&L Resin*.

This pdf link should give you a graphic view of the repair process: http://www.rotdoctor.com/epoxy/appguide.pdf.

For product, you would need our smallest unit of the CPES*, our item #101. For the L&L Resin*, our smallest unit would probably also suffice, our item #310. If, however, you thought you might use this process on other parts of the step assembly, I would increase the sizes of both product by one size each.

We would appreciate your business, and feel free to come back if you have additional questions. If you wish to order you can do so via phone 206 364 2155 or our secure on-line shopping cart. We do not charge extra for shipping Hazmat products by ground, and we do not charge “handling” charges. We have warehouses on both coasts so shipping time is four days or less via UPS Ground to almost any point in the US.

Doc

* These products are unavailable, we are selling comparable products that will perform these same tasks. Feel free to contact us if you need assistance with which products to use.

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Alan got back to us in December about his results. They are also listed on our Customer Comments page.

December 8, 2014

I used your product and was impressed! Unfortunately buy the time I started my repairs much of the wood needing restoration was do decayed it was not salvageable. However once that wood was removed the remaining wood was treated and restored to near original condition. I say near since on of the support edges was completely destroyed and beyond repair. However your product gave me a firm base with the remaining wood to allow me to rebuild the under step and subsequently the vertical bracing. The new step is far stronger than the original and I would endorse your product to anyone in need of restoring rotted wood.

Your product saved me nearly $2,000 in factory or dealership repair costs. I would happily recommend your product to anyone in need of restoring rotted wood. AND it was easy to use and apply. It was and did everything your said it would and more.

Thank you
Alan M.
Huntsville, Al

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