How to Repair Aluminum RV Siding

rv, image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

Aluminum is a popular material used on the outside of motor homes and RVs, especially on older models. This is the same type of aluminum siding used on homes and it's privy to the same types of problems. Dents, dings and scrapes occur from normal wear and tear, such as traveling frequently. Before you repair aluminum RV siding, determine the problem.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Tin snips
Safety goggles
Waterproof caulk
Metal primer
Steel wool
Acrylic paint

Step 1

Determine what must be fixed. Some common problems include severe dents, scrapes and rust damage.

Step 2

Cut away any dented areas of the aluminum siding using tin snips, but only after covering your face and eyes with safety goggles. Place a thin layer of caulk onto the surface of the siding and then slide a new piece of aluminum siding into place.

Step 3

Coat scratched areas of the aluminum siding with metal primer. Metal primer works like regular primer by providing an even surface for paint and covering up any minor scratches. If you like, rub away the top layer of the siding with steel wool before using the primer.

Step 4

Scrape off rust or corroded areas of the aluminum siding with steel wool and then apply metal primer. Locate the problem areas on your motor home and gently rub off the rust or corrosion with a fine grade of steel wool, to give you a more even surface.

Step 5

Apply waterproof caulk to the outside of the aluminum siding and allow the caulk to dry overnight. Then cover the aluminum siding with acrylic paint. The caulk seals the aluminum siding and protects it from water damage, while the paint adds an additional layer of protection.

Tips & Warnings

Buy aluminum siding from home improvement stores, which sell pieces cut to your own dimensions or specifications. Some stores will even cut a piece to an exact size.

Article Written By Jennifer Eblin

Jennifer Eblin has been a full-time freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared on several websites, including Tool Box Tales and Zonder. Eblin received a master's degree in historic preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design.

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