Why Exterior Damage Can't Wait
A crack in fiberglass or a gap in aluminum siding isn't just cosmetic — it's an entry point for water. In the Pacific Northwest, every unsealed opening on your RV's exterior becomes a pathway for rain to reach the wood framing behind the skin. What starts as a small crack from a tree branch becomes a delamination bubble in a year and a structural framing repair in two. Fixing exterior damage promptly is one of the cheapest ways to prevent expensive water damage later.
Exterior Repairs We Perform
1 Fiberglass Crack & Hole Repair
We repair cracks, punctures, and impact damage in fiberglass sidewalls, front caps, and rear caps using fiberglass cloth, polyester or epoxy resin, and gelcoat finish. The repair restores structural integrity and seals the opening against water entry. For larger damage areas, we build up multiple layers of fiberglass mat to match the original wall thickness.
2 Gelcoat Restoration & Color Matching
Gelcoat is the smooth, colored outer finish on fiberglass RVs. We mix and apply gelcoat to match your RV's color, then sand, buff, and polish to blend the repair into the surrounding surface. On heavily oxidized or sun-faded panels, we also offer gelcoat restoration — wet sanding, compounding, and polishing to bring back the original gloss.
3 Aluminum Siding Repair & Replacement
Many travel trailers use corrugated or smooth aluminum exterior siding. We remove damaged siding sections, inspect the underlying structure for water damage, replace any rotted framing, install new aluminum panels, and seal all edges with appropriate sealant. We source siding that matches the profile and gauge of your existing panels.
4 Delamination Repair
Delamination — where the fiberglass skin separates from the underlying substrate — signals that water has dissolved the adhesive bond. We assess the extent of delamination, remove the affected skin section if necessary, replace rotted backer material and framing, re-bond the skin with structural adhesive, and seal all edges. Catching delamination early limits the extent of interior structural damage.
5 Trim, Molding & Decal Replacement
Exterior trim pieces, corner moldings, drip rails, and decorative decals all deteriorate with UV exposure and age. Missing or cracked trim allows water behind the panels. We replace damaged trim, install new drip rails, and can remove and replace faded or peeling exterior decals.
Frequently Asked Questions — RV Exterior Body Repair
Can cracked fiberglass on an RV be repaired or does the panel need replacement?
Most fiberglass cracks, holes, and impact damage can be repaired in place using fiberglass mat, resin, and gelcoat finish. Small cracks and punctures are straightforward same-visit repairs. Large structural cracks or areas where the underlying wood structure has been compromised may require panel section replacement. We assess the damage and recommend the most cost-effective approach.
What causes RV sidewall delamination?
Delamination occurs when the bond between the outer fiberglass skin and the inner lauan or plywood substrate fails, typically from water intrusion that dissolves the adhesive. The fiberglass skin develops visible bubbles or waves and feels spongy when pressed. Delamination almost always indicates underlying water damage that must be addressed before the skin can be re-bonded.
Can you repair dents in aluminum RV siding?
Yes. Minor dents in aluminum siding can often be worked out or pulled using specialized techniques. Larger dents, creases, or torn sections require panel replacement — we remove the damaged section, install new aluminum sheeting, and seal all edges. We match the profile and color as closely as possible to the existing siding.
How much does RV fiberglass repair cost?
Cost depends on the size and location of the damage. Small crack repairs and puncture patches may run a few hundred dollars. Larger repairs involving structural fiberglass layup, gelcoat color matching, and finish work cost more. We provide a detailed estimate after inspecting the damage — most repairs are significantly less expensive than full panel replacement.
Can you match the gelcoat color on my RV?
We mix gelcoat to match your RV's existing color as closely as possible. A perfect match on an older, sun-faded RV is difficult because the surrounding gelcoat has changed color over years of UV exposure. We can blend the repair area into the surrounding surface to minimize the transition. On newer RVs, color matching is typically very close.