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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391
 
Location: Columbia, KY | we just purchased a 9 yr old LQ trailer. pulled the mats (looked like they hadn't been out in years) and discovered several small holes thru the aluminum. they aren't very large (1/4 to 1/2 inch) but I'm worried about additional corrision in other places and will those holes get any larger. the rest of the trailer seems to be in good condition. is patching aluminum floors an option? |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
 
Location: western PA | Originally written by acy on 2009-08-09 3:29 PM
we just purchased a 9 yr old LQ trailer. pulled the mats (looked like they hadn't been out in years) and discovered several small holes thru the aluminum. they aren't very large (1/4 to 1/2 inch) but I'm worried about additional corrision in other places and will those holes get any larger. the rest of the trailer seems to be in good condition. is patching aluminum floors an option? Yes the holes will get larger if the flooring is left untreated, and new ones will develop. The corrosion has to be chemically stopped. Patching is an option, holes of a smaller size can be treated with acid, and mechanically reamed until clean. Then a two part epoxy, metal set, can be used to fill the holes and sanded smooth when it hardens. Large holes can be welded closed with additional aluminum materials. Gard |
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Member
Posts: 9
Location: Madison Heights, Michigan | Another option would be having the floor covered with W.E.R.M. they would stop further corrosion then put a permanent barrier down for protection.
I would put having W.E.R.M. as the best option I have on my trailer. No more removing the mats. |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | Before any covering is installed, the corrosion must be stopped. Other wise it will continue and the flooring will fail under the new coating. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391
Location: Columbia, KY | OK- so let me get this strait. once the corrision starts it needs to be CHEMICALLY stopped? scary thought. Gard you're saying until I do something else just removing mats and scrubbing the floor won't do it? |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | Originally written by acy on 2009-08-09 9:16 PM OK- so let me get this strait. once the corrision starts it needs to be CHEMICALLY stopped? scary thought. Gard you're saying until I do something else just removing mats and scrubbing the floor won't do it? That's correct. Cleaning the metal will not stop the corrosion. You will need an application of an acid wash which you can do yourself. This accomplishes three things: It will stop the corrosion; it will clean the metal: and it will etch the metal, which if you choose, is an initial step in installing a protective floor coating. I used Muriatic acid which I bought from Lowe's for about ~$14/gal and a broom which is used for roof coating applications, ~$8. This acid is commonly used to clean bricks and other masonry products. It is relatively mild, but does have a bad odor. The acids commonly used for "brighteners" are not sufficient for this purpose. If you choose to do it yourself, it's not difficult, but you will need a respirator. The whole job takes about an hour Gard |
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Regular
Posts: 51
Location: Edwards Ms | Finally someone answered the very questions I have been searching for. Just a little more info needed? How long should I leave it on the floor and what do I wash it with afterwards? Bought a trailer a few months back in excellant condition except when I pulled the mats I don't think that they ever took them out its a 2003.....and the floor just has a few pits in it nothing all the way through. |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | Originally written by Penejoe on 2009-08-10 9:51 AM
Just a little more info needed? How long should I leave it on the floor and what do I wash it with afterwards? Here's some info on how to recognize, stop and treat aluminum flooring corrosion: http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/forum/thread-view.asp?threadid=10638 |
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holes in aluminum floor
