Rotten floor in front of entry way door. How best to dry this out before I fix?

[lugoismad]

Last camping trip I noticed an issue where our step would flex really bad and you could see the door frame flexing from where the step mounted in the floor below it.

I thought hey, no big deal, I can reinforce that. I'm a big guy, my wife isn't tiny, we're putting a lot of force on that step which is applying a lot of torque to the floor right there. I'll reinforce it with some plywood beneath there, no big deal.

Well, I dug into it today. The area in front of the doorway was completely rotten out.

You could push a screw drive through that louan, and the 2x6 that the step was bolted to, you could squeeze water out of. I guess my door frame is leaking. yay!



I cut out all the wet area that I could. Further into the camper it was dry, and I got as far to each side as I could. It feels solid beneath the cabinetry on both sides.



I removed the louan and foam. I plan on replacing it with some plywood and really reinforcing that area.

I sprayed it all down with some bleach and I have a box fan going in there over night to help dry it out. Is there anything else I can do before I patch this back up, to help dry any last little areas up, before I seal it shut?

[Loganskt]

Dehumidifier might suck out some moisture you can't see.

[lugoismad]

After doing some reading, I made the decision to spray the area down with anti-freeze. The ethylene glycol will get absorbed by the wood and kill any spores that might remain that I can't get out. Since I'll be covering over this area, I'm not too concerned about using that chemical with the kids in the camper.

[SeaDog]

I have never heard of using anti-freeze but I have use copper green on wood after I cut out infestation under houses to stop any further rot

[lugoismad]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

I have never heard of using anti-freeze but I have use copper green on wood after I cut out infestation under houses to stop any further rot

Chemo Therapy for Rot - Dave Carnell

Here is where I found out about it. It makes sense. The glycol is water soluable, so the wood will absorb it, and it will kill any bugs or spores in the future.

In my case, since I can't really get all the wet areas out without completely removing the kitchen area or a storage cabinet, I soaked it in the antifreeze so while it may not get better, it at least won't get any worse.

[SeaDog]

good article thanks

[jeffandrews55]

Good intel. Thanks! You prompted me to check the seal around my door.

[extxn]

With all the wet weather that most of us are having right now, is there anyway you could possibly 'skirt' the area from underneath and place a small heater inside the 'skirt' to assist in the drying process? When replacing the actual braces & plywood, are you considering pressure treated for future protection?
Just thoughts, hope all goes well for you & the family.

[ValMelton]

in the photo of the damage, it appears that the cabinets on either side are water damaged as well. you may need to remove those as well and see how are the damage goes, and it will help dry out the area as well.

[SilverArrowPro]

I used a dehumidifier when I had to dry my floor. Just had to empty it 2-3 times a day.

[D-Man]

If the floor got wet, chances are other things are wet too. Def get a dehumidifier in there and seal up the camper and turn it on. You may just be amazed how many time you empty the bucket!

[Flybob]

If you are planning on using glue or silicon sealant, you might want to check ( on a test piece) to see if it will adhere after soaking the wood with antifreeze.

[kittlecat]

Have you determined what caused the leak in the first place? Seems like that needs to be investigated/addressed first so you do not continue to experience leaking and water damage as you make repairs.