Contents: Repairs to the Back wall of the Motorhome

    Having purchased our Wanderer and found the back panel which is connected to the base frame had a quarter of inch gap,  which could be moved in and out when pressed by hand.  It was necessary to have this attended to as soon as possible as a bike rack had been fitted to the back wall by the previous owner.

    On a visit to my local caravan repair workshop, I was told there was nothing wrong and it was quite common to see walls in this condition,  and as it hadn't moved in the life of the Motorhome why bother! 

    The conclusion was obvious, this job was not profitable enough for the workshop.  So I asked the foreman if I was to do the job myself, what would be the best method?  This information he freely gave.

    The back panel had come away from the Coach builders glue because the interior wall covering had not been removed from the plywood glueing area.  Immediately the glue set the back wall stressed and gave way.  This must have happened within hours during factory construction and should have been picked up by the installation team or the final inspection.  Having seen the glue in place I decided the Manufacturer had intended this wall to be securely fixed in place.

    Checking the Warranty given with the vehicle on purchase, I noticed the small print which informed;  Manufacturers faults are not covered. This information meant that I had to do this work myself as the local caravan repairers weren't keen to do the work.

    I have been most unlucky with glues used over the years.  Glued parts falling apart was a regularity in my workshop. So not being able to purchase recommended Silkaflex Cartridge Sealants, I carried out some tests with other glues before starting out on the Motorhome repair.  

    I was able to obtain some “GRIPFILL” from my local DIY store. A Laybond product from Cheshire.  This glue claims to stick and fill gaps.   I glued some plywood together with a gap similar to my own repair.  This was left for a week and inspected. It was very firm and did not collapse as others had done when I tried to force it apart.  It also had some give in the gap which I had been informed would be required in a Motorhome.

View of filled gap

View of filled gap

View of filled gap near side

    Feeling more confident I went under the van and cleaned out the wall covering which was all loose from the previous Manufacturers efforts. I then filled the whole gap from the off side to the near side.  This was a mistake as when I started the next day to clean out the wall covering in the gap from the inside, the “GRIPFILL” had set,  and I had to chip away the inside wall covering inch by inch with a half inch wood chisel.  I should have cleaned out the covering material from inside and underside in one go.  The only good thing about this experience  was the glue from the previous  day had set and had a rubbery feel and which took the movement of the Motorhome walls. This back wall panel also held firmly while I attacked the wall covering inside, which was encouraging.  The reason for all the work inside was due to the glue gun not piercing far enough into the joint to reach the top of the base plate inside the Motorhome,  while I carried out this work under the van.  This was no problem as the intention was to place a timber support across the inside wall to secure it to the base plate.  As had the Coachbuilder done to the underside.

    The timber supports were planed to match the wall and base, the wall leaned in at an angle,  the inside gap was then filled with “GRIPFILL”  and the timber secured with screws to the base plate.  Before securing,  I glued the two faces of the support timber which would face onto the back plate and the base plate.  

Note, when the glue has been placed on the part for gluing I noticed it glazed in places,  this stops contact with the part, Laybond suggest you  move the part roughly over the location of the final resting place to eliminate the glazing or use an old cutting blade to break up the glaze.

    I have been told that some glues can melt the polystyrene located inside the wall panels so care in the choice of glues is necessary.

    The work is now complete,  two tubes were used in this repair, only time will tell if the chosen glue is robust and suitable.  Recent checks are very promising.
[Mar2004]

    “GRIPFILL 1133” while obtained from my local DIY store can be obtained from SCREWFIX, 0500 414141 or on www.screwfix.com  in it's catalogue.

    Information on its uses and suitability can be obtained from the manufacturers  LAYBOND PRODUCTS Ltd, Riverside, Saltney, Chester CH4 8RS or on www.laybond.co.uk/general.htm

The repair is now 12 months old, 2003, and it still looks good with the glue retaining the back wall firmly. Two bikes are regularly fitted to the back wall bracket during our tours with the Motorhome.

LAYBOND GRIPFILL
Notes on the use of GRIPFILL

High Performance, Multi-Purpose, Gap-Filling Adhesive

Description Uses 
Preparation 
Application 
Safe Handling Precautions 
Cleaning Of Tools 
Cleaning Of Surface 
Containers 
Storage Life 
Storage Conditions 

SPECIFICATION SUMMARY

Description 

LAYBOND GRIPFILL(tm) is a solvent-borne, filled rubber resin, developed to bond virtually any rigid materials together, regardless of the evenness of the surfaces.

Uses 

LAYBOND GRIPFILL(tm) is a high strength, one part, gap-filling adhesive specially formulated to bond a large variety of materials, such as plywood, blockwood, chipboard, hardboard, laminated plastics, uPVC (excluding foamed PVC), rigid insulation materials (excluding expanded polystyrene), metal sheeting (including aluminium, steel, galvanised iron, tin plate and non-ferrous metals) to themselves or to brick, stone and breeze block, sand/cement screeds, concrete, plaster, plasterboard and insulation boards. If further details of a particular application are required, please contact our Technical Department at the address below.

 

LAYBOND GRIPFILL(tm) is suitable for bonding aluminium and uPVC stair nosings, carpet edging strips, carpet grippers, building boards, timber battens, etc. to stairs, floor boards and walls.

 

LAYBOND GRIPFILL(tm) can also be used successfully for bonding wall signs, window frames, sink units, fitted furniture (including light fittings) to a variety of surfaces; in the building of home extensions, caravans and cars.

Where LAYBOND GRIPFILL(tm) is used externally, it must be protected from driving rain, ponding water or permanently wet situations.

Preparation 

Surfaces to be bonded must be clean, structurally sound, dry and free from dust and loose material. Porous surfaces, such as plaster and fibre cement board, should first be primed with LAYBOND ISOBOND (diluted 1:6 with clean water) and allowed to dry thoroughly before LAYBOND GRIPFILL(tm) is applied. Building panels should be cut to shape beforehand.

Application 

Fix the cartridge into the extruder. 

Cut the nozzle to the desired width and angle and push a nail through the nozzle to break the seal at the base.

a) Stair Nosings, Window Frames, etc. 

Apply a continuous bead (usually 6mm in diameter) to the surface being bonded. Position on the substrate, if possible by sliding into place and apply pressure overall. If the object is to be applied to a vertical surface, temporary mechanical support (eg. panel pins, masonry nails, etc) may be required. Allow to dry overnight prior to any further operation eg. fixing boards to battens, etc.

b) Wall Panels 

For most work, LAYBOND GRIPFILL(tm) should be applied as a bead approximately 6mm diameter to the rear of the panel. Extrude a continuous bead around the panel approximately 25mm from the edge. Additional beads should then be applied across the panel at 600mm centres (450mm for heavy panels).

Immediately present the panel to the wall slightly above its required position and applying pressure slide it into place in order to break any surface skin. Press firmly to ensure maximum overall contact, using a soft mallet if necessary. Continue as above with further panels making sure they are flush with each other. Any adjustment must be made within 5 minutes of placing.

Alternatively, LAYBOND GRIPFILL(tm) may be applied in the form of blobs approximately 10-12mm in diameter at 300mm centres, in rows either 450mm or 600mm across the board (depending upon the weight as above). The blob application is not recommended when bonding plastic materials.

c) Impervious Materials 

Where two impervious materials are to be bonded, apply LAYBOND GRIPFILL(tm) as above, press firmly together and break the bond by pulling away immediately ensuring good transfer has occurred. Wait for approximately 10 minutes and re-bond the two materials.

Safe Handling Precautions 

Flammability: 

Keep away from sources of ignition including pilot lights and sparks (see Note). Take precautionary measures against static discharge. Ensure thorough ventilation.

DO NOT SMOKE. 

Note: Electric motors, light/power switches and steel tools may generate sparks sufficient to ignite the product or its vapour, resulting in explosion and/or fire.

Skin Contact: Contains solvents which cause de-fatting of the skin and, in extreme circumstances, dermatitis. Avoid contact by careful working and use of barrier cream on hands, arms and other exposed areas, or gloves. Remove contamination with a proprietary cleanser and wash with soap and water.

Eye Contact: Could be harmful. In the event of accidental contact, irrigate eyes immediately with clean water for 15 minutes and obtain medical attention.

Inhalation: Gives off irritating vapours. Use only in a well ventilated area and use respirators containing cartridges suitable for use with organic solvents where necessary. In the unlikely event of discomfort as a result of inhalation, remove the person to fresh air and obtain medical attention.

 

SPECIFICATION SUMMARY 

Type of Solvent Aromatic petroleum solvent and ketone. Flash Point Below 10oC. Test Method: BS 2000 Part 170: 1982 (IP 170/ 75(81)). Approximate Coverage 12 metres of 6mm bead per 350ml cartridge (normally sufficient for one 2,440mm x 1,220mm panel.) 10.6 metres of 6mm bead per 310ml cartidge.Application Temperature Limits 5oC - 30oC. Service Temperature Limits minus 30oC to plus 70oC. 

Note: We endeavor to ensure that any advice , recommendation or information we may give in product literature is accurate and correct. However, we have no control over the circumstances in which our product is used. No responsibility can be accepted or any warranty given by ourselves, our representatives, agents or distributors, other than that the product supplied by us will meet our written specification. Products are sold subject to our standard conditions of sale and each purchaser and end user should at all times ensure that he has consulted our latest product and safety information sheets.

A Streamline Company 
 LAYBOND PRODUCTS LTD,
Riverside, Saltney, Chester. CH4 8RS.
Tel: 01244 674774 Fax: 01244 680215 Sales Fax: 01244 676822

Website: www.laybond.co.uk/ E-mail: sales_info@laybond.co.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------------------