Mobile home
paneling tends to de-laminate and buckle when damaged by water leaks. This type of paneling is generally a thin wood veneer glued to a backing product. This repair requires addressing the source of the water leak, then repairing the damage. This article will explain repair the leak and then proceed to the paneling replacement, as well as suggest alternatives if a satisfactory matching paneling cannot be obtained from the mobile home supply, RV dealer, or home supply store. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove the window's hex head screws. A drill driver with the right size hex head bit makes this procedure easier and faster. Have someone available to assist when window is removed, they can be tricky to handle from a ladder. Lay the window on a flat surface, face down and scrape off the putty type sealant, removing completely. Clean any residue with paint thinner, alcohol, or any similar product that does not leave a film or oily substance on the aluminum. Apply new putty, this can be purchased from mobile home suppliers, RV dealers, or auto parts stores. Press the putty firmly in place overlapping at the corners. Remove the paper backing. Reinstall the window. Be careful not to over-torque the screws, they will strip.
2. Measure and determine how many replacement sheets of paneling will be required. Paneling comes in 4- by 8-foot sheets. Check with mobile home dealers, RV dealers, and home supply stores for matching replacement paneling. Check that the new paneling is the same thickness as the paneling you are replacing.
3. Remove the window trim and the strips covering the seams. This can be a little tedious, the old strips and trim may be brittle. Take your time, to avoid more expense and effort locating replacements.
4. Remove the paneling starting at the bottom of the window to avoid damage to the adjacent paneling. Paneling may be attached with nails or glue, usually a combination of both. Scrape off any remaining glue, and pull nails if any. Avoid damaging the underlying wall, or studs. Sand off any remaining glue.
5. Cut the replacement paneling, using a fine-toothed saw blade specifically for paneling. Dry-fit the paneling and trim off as necessary. Apply glue to the back of the paneling following package directions--liquid nails work well for this application. If there is no underlying wall , the glue will be applied to the studs instead of the back of the paneling.
6. Press the paneling in place, making sure it is firmly attached. Use paneling nails along the seams and in the grooves of the paneling. Allow to dry per the directions on the glue package.
7. Reinstall the window trim and the seam strips.
Tags: home supply, mobile home, back paneling, from mobile, from mobile home
