There is one thing that Arizona RV owners should always be prepared for – bad weather.
Suddenly, there is a hail storm and you are left to wonder if everything on your RV is okay after the storm.
The aluminum panels can show clear dents, but fiberglass behaves differently.
So does hail damage fiberglass RV panels?
Yes, it can.
It may chip the exterior, create cracks in the panels, cause roof components damage, loosen the seals and cause issues around the openings and trim of your RV.
Sometimes it can be easily noticed, while in some cases the damage becomes apparent only after the water starts getting in through it.
That is why the proper inspection is vital.
RV Renovators in Mesa, Arizona specializes in RV body repair, fiberglass repair, painting, collision repairs, roof and slide-outs repair, as well as insurance related services. Here are the things RV owners should know about hail damage to their RV.
How Does Hail Damage Fiberglass RV Panels?
Fiberglass RV walls are built to withstand road use and normal weather, however they are not impervious to the impact.
The degree of damage largely depends on:
- Size of the hailstones
- Wind speed
- Direction of the storm
- Age of the RV
- Condition of the fiberglass panels
- Type of the exterior finish
- Duration of the storm
The smaller the hailstones, the less visible the damage is.
The larger stones can leave chipped areas, cracks, fractures in the surface of the panel and cracks along its edges and around the accessories.
The main thing to remember is that fiberglass reacts differently to the impact compared to metal.
While it will not show a round dent, instead it might crack or chip.
Look for Cracks and Spiderweb-like Patterns
One of the first things to check is the cracks in the damaged area.
The impact can leave spiderweb-like cracks in the outer finish of the RV.
They may seem unimportant at first, however, they should not be overlooked, since cracked surface allows moisture into the RV through the area which should remain sealed.
Inspect the RV during the day, under bright sunlight.
Also, check from multiple angles since sometimes fine cracks are invisible when looking directly into the damaged area.
Check for Chips in the Finish
Another symptom of the hail damage to the fiberglass panels is chips in the gel coat.
They might expose the surface underneath the coating or leave some small rough spots.
Some areas where to pay extra attention are:
- Front cap
- Rear cap
- Upper sidewalls
- Round corners
- Roof edges
- Facing the storm
As a rule, the upper and front areas of the RV take the brunt of the impact due to their angle.
Hail Can Damage More Than Just the Sidewalls
Do not limit the inspection to the panels themselves.
The roof is exposed to most of the impact.
Inspect components such as:
- Roof vents
- Vent covers
- Skylights
- Air conditioner shrouds
- Solar panels
- Antennas
- Roof trim
- Sealant around the roof openings
Even though the surrounding fiberglass is intact, plastic components can crack during the storm.
The damaged vent covers can cause moisture intrusion into the RV during the next storm.
That is why the roof inspection is one of the key steps of hail damage check.
Inspect Windows, Trim, and Seals
Not only the panels, but also other surfaces where different materials meet are exposed to the impact.
Inspect the following areas for the damage:
- Windows
- Doors
- Compartment openings
- Roof edges
- Exterior trim
Check for the:
- Cracked sealant
- Loose trim
- Gaps around windows
- Broken molding
- Damaged corner pieces
- Separated seams
These areas are particularly important since the majority of water enters the RV not through the hole, but through some small opening.
Can Hail Cause RV Delamination?
The hail itself cannot cause the delamination.
However, hail can cause some circumstances which can later result in RV delamination.
For example, hail can chip the exterior finish or damage some sealant around the openings. Moisture can enter the RV behind the damaged fiberglass panel.
When the water reaches the inner layers of the walls, they begin separating from each other, causing bubbling and bulges of the damaged surface.
If you see this symptoms after the storm, better have your RV inspected.
The RV delamination becomes more complicated to fix if the water intrusion continues.
Do Not Ignore Even Cosmetically Appearing Damage
Some damages caused by the hail can look like cosmetic issues.
It may be true.
However, it is better to get some problematic areas inspected just to be sure.
Some cracks can reach deeper than they appear on the surface.
The damage near the roof openings or seams can affect the water resistance of the surface.
It is not about turning every chip into major repair.
It is about distinguishing cosmetic damage from damage which might cause problems in the future.
What Should Be Done Immediately After the Hail Storm
Once the storm passes and it is safe to go outside, start with the visual inspection.
Go around the RV carefully and look for the damage on:
- Sidewalls
- Caps
- Windows
- Trim
- Roof edges
- Lights
- Mirrors
- Storage doors
Do not climb on the roof if you are not comfortable with it.
Especially if the roof is already wet or damaged.
If you see that some vents, skylights or other openings are damaged and may allow water intrusion, take care of this immediately to protect the RV from further damage.
Take Plenty of Pictures
In case of the hail storm, it is likely that you will be filing an insurance claim.
Document the damage before the repair is started.
Take wide shots of the entire RV.
Also take pictures of each damaged area.
It is better to include the following elements in your pictures:
- Cracks
- Chips
- Broken roof components
- Damaged trim
- Window damage
- Paint damage
- Fiberglass fractures
- Water entry point
Also, make the pictures of the RV identification information and notes about the location and date of the storm.
It will simplify the process of filing the claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Hail damage may be covered by your RV comprehensive insurance policy.
Depending on the coverage, contact your insurance company and find out what you should do in order to file the claim.
They may ask you for the photos, inspection by the insurance adjuster, or the estimate from an RV repair facility.
Do not assume that some small-looking damages will be below your deductible until you get the full cost of the repair.
The fiberglass repair, painting, roof components replacement, trim repair, and labor may be expensive.
RV Renovators provides free insurance estimates and works with many insurance companies as the preferred repair facility.
How is Fiberglass RV Hail Damage Repaired?
The repair procedure depends on the depth of the damage.
The minor surface damage can be repaired locally.
The more extensive damage can involve the rebuilding of some parts of the fiberglass surface.
The general repair procedure includes:
- Inspection of the full damaged area
- Removal of the loose and fractured material
- Restoration of the fiberglass structure
- Smoothing and preparation of the surface
- Priming of the surface as required
- Matching the existing paint or finish
- Blending of the repair area
The exact procedure depends on the RV model and the damage sustained by it.
That is why the inspection should be done first.
The Correct Paint Matching after RV Fiberglass Repair
Fiberglass repair is only the first step of RV exterior restoration.
The damaged area should match the surrounding finish.
However, it can be quite difficult on old RVs since sun exposure alters the colors of the RV paint.
Using the factory color code is the good place to start, however the paint on your RV might differ from the original one.
Professional paint matching and blending can help to get the finished area matching the rest of the coach.
This step is especially important when painting motorhomes with various colors.
When Does RV Panel Need More Extensive Repair?
Not all damaged areas can be repaired using local repair.
The more extensive procedures can be required when the fiberglass is suffering from:
- Deep cracks
- Large fractures
- Heavy impact damage
- Structural damage underneath the surface
- Moisture intrusion
- Delamination
- Extensive damage on a large area
The technician will be able to determine whether the repair requires more than fiberglass repair.
Do Not Forget About RV Roof
As we said before, the roof is an integral part of your RV and it requires thorough inspection after the storm.
The damaged roof vents, air conditioner covers or roof seams may not be visible to you from the ground.
However, this damage can become the source of water intrusion.
RV Renovators repairs roofs as well as the body and fiberglass panels of the RV.
In case the storm damaged multiple areas of the RV, it might be more efficient to have the entire RV inspected rather than repairing one issue after another.
Can You Drive an RV With Hail Damage?
This decision depends on the degree of the damage.
Some minor cosmetic damages do not affect the ability of the RV to travel.
Some damaged areas such as cracks in fiberglass, broken roof components, loose trim, damaged lights or potential water intrusion should be inspected and fixed before driving your RV.
If you are not sure about it, better get your RV inspected.
Fixing the problem in time can prevent you from having to perform major repair of the RV.
Get RV Fiberglass Hail Damage Inspected in Mesa
Not all hail damages to RV are as obvious as on metal panels.
However, it does not mean that you can overlook them.
Check your RV for cracks, chips, cracks, broken roof components, sealant damage, paint damage, and water intrusion.
Document your findings.
RV Renovators is a full service RV repair facility in Mesa, Arizona serving RV owners in Phoenix and the whole Southwest.
With more than 30 years of experience in Arizona, our team performs RV fiberglass repairs, body work, collision repairs, painting, delamination, roof and slide-outs repair and insurance related repairs.
We provide free insurance estimates and work on travel trailers, fifth wheels, campers and motorhomes.
If your RV has been through the hail storm, do not assume the damage after walking around the parking lot once.