Proper epoxy/glue for delamination repair

[ebg338]

Hello,

I have a '92 Winnebago Adventurer that has some delamination under the side window. I'm planning on repairing it by clamping and gluing or epoxying the area. My problem is I'm unsure what the best adhesive is to use that won't dissolve the foam core. I've seen people mention Gorilla Glue and West System 105 epoxy resin but after searching I haven't seen info from someone who's actually used it successfully. Recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to everyone for an excellent forum.

Bill

[paz]

I'm not sure what the correct adhesive is, but I would not recommend Gorilla glue. Gorilla glue doesn't contain solvents that would dissolve the foam, but it is a urethane adhesive that reacts with moisture in the air to cure. During the cure process, the Gorilla glue will turn a lighter color because it will actually begin to foam. The foaming causes the glue to swell, which makes a nice, strong joint if the joint is clamped tightly. If the joint is not perfectly clamped (highly unlikely in a large, flat area of a wall), the swelling of the glue will leave the exterior fiberglass skin bulged and uneven.

I tried a similar repair under the rubber roof of our old travel trailer where a radio antenna was mounted. I removed the antenna and shot a similar glue (different brand name) under the loose rubber of the roof (about 8" diameter) and put a board with a heavy weight on top. After the glue cured, I was left with a bulge in the roof; but at least the rubber was sealed again, and no one could see the bulge from te ground.

Epoxy may work, especially if it's low viscosity that you could get to flow into the joint and cover most of the delaminated area. Epoxy usually doesn't contain solvents that would cause the foam to dissolve.

[ebg338]

Thanks very much for the response Paz. I've removed Gorilla Glue from the list.

Bill

[TXiceman]

The problem with trying the fix mentioned on the delamination is that you need something that works as a filler as well. The Luan board behind the filon is rotted and that is why you have the delamination. So it needs to fill the void from the rotted wood.

Ken