RV Delamination Repair in Washington

Delamination is when an RV’s fiberglass sidewall separates from the structure behind it, leaving the wall wavy, bubbled, or soft. Poulsbo RV repairs delaminated sidewalls and addresses the moisture that causes them on travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes across Washington.

Signs of RV Delamination

Delamination is mostly visible in how the sidewall looks and feels:

• Wavy, rippled, or bubbled fiberglass when you look down the wall in sunlight
• Soft or spongy areas when you press on the exterior wall
• Visible separation or bulging, often near windows, seams, or the roofline
• A hollow sound when you tap the affected area
• Bubbling that’s growing over time
• Interior soft spots or staining behind the delaminated area

Why RV Sidewalls Delaminate

An RV sidewall is a bonded sandwich of fiberglass, foam or wood backing, framing, and interior panel. Delamination happens when water gets behind the fiberglass and breaks down the adhesive bond holding the layers together. The water typically enters through failed seals around windows, the roofline, seams, and exterior fixtures, which is a constant risk in the rainy Washington climate. Once the bond fails, the fiberglass separates and bubbles. Heat and UV can accelerate it, but moisture is almost always the root cause. windows and doors, worn slide seals, and aging exterior caulk. Because RV walls and floors are layered, water wicks through the framing and rots it from within while the surfaces still look fine. The rot spreads as long as the moisture source remains, which is why fixing the leak is as important as replacing the wood.

Our Delamination Repair Services

• Inspection to map the extent of separation and find the moisture source
• Moisture source repair and resealing
• Re-bonding of separated fiberglass panels
• Replacement of rotted backing and framing where present
• Sidewall section repair or replacement
• Repair of related water and rot damage
• Final sealing to prevent recurrence

Our Delamination Repair Process

1. We inspect the sidewall and map the full area of separation
2. We trace and confirm the moisture source feeding the delamination
3. We provide a written estimate for the repair and the source fix
4. We address any rotted backing, then re-bond or replace the panel
5. We reseal the entry point so water can’t get behind the wall again
6. We confirm the wall is sound and sealed

Why Delamination Should Be Addressed Early

Delamination spreads as more water gets behind the fiberglass and breaks down more adhesive, so a small bubble today becomes a larger separation over the next few wet seasons. It also usually signals water and rot damage behind the wall that’s growing at the same time. Catching it early means a smaller bonded repair; letting it go can mean replacing whole sidewall sections and the framing behind them.

How to Prevent Delamination

• Reseal windows, seams, and roofline edges every year
• Fix any leak promptly before it reaches the wall bond
• Inspect the sidewalls in raking sunlight for early waviness
• Keep the RV covered or sheltered to limit water exposure
• Address soft spots and bubbling as soon as they appear
• Keep exterior fixtures and their seals in good condition

What causes RV delamination?

Water getting behind the fiberglass and breaking down the adhesive that bonds the wall layers. The water usually enters through failed seals around windows, seams, and the roofline.

Can delamination be repaired, or do I need a new wall?

Smaller areas can often be re-bonded. Widespread separation, or delamination with rotted backing behind it, may require replacing a section of the sidewall. We assess and tell you which.

Will the delamination keep spreading?

Yes, as long as water keeps getting behind the wall. That’s why we always fix the moisture source as part of the repair, not just the fiberglass.

Is there usually damage behind the delamination?

Often, yes. Where water has been sitting long enough to break the bond, it has frequently also damaged the backing and framing, which we check and repair..

How do I catch delamination early?

Look down the sidewall in low, raking sunlight; early delamination shows as faint waviness before it bubbles. Press for soft spots near windows and seams.

Ready to Schedule Your Service?

Schedule your appointment at one of our locations.

Everett

12218 Highway 99 S
Everett, WA 98204
1-888-960-9629

Sumner

2006 136th Ave. E.
Sumner, WA 98390
888-960-8691

Mt. Vernon

510 Eleanor Lane
Mt. Vernon, WA 98273
866-706-1274

Kent

23031 Military RD. S.
Kent, WA 98032
1-888-960-0627

RV Collision

Kent
Everett
Mt. Vernon

Why Choose Poulsbo RV?

With convenient service centers, expert service RV technicians, and a knowledgeable support staff, you’re never alone on the road when you’re part of the Poulsbo RV family.

We serve RV owners throughout the Puget Sound region and beyond — including Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellevue, Kent, Olympia, Sumner, and Mount Vernon.