Posted 2011-01-13 12:35 PM (#128873 - in reply to #128583) Subject: RE: 4 Star trailers
Elite Veteran
Posts: 798
Location: Tenn/Ala.
Basically WERM is a permanently installed rubber floor mat. It is bonded to the "subfloor" which has been said is usually aluminum. It has no more structural value than regular rubber mats, and thus is not the cure-all to a damaged aluminum floor. I personally would not WERM over my wood floor. We do recommend it for most other applications.
Rumber is the name of the company, which makes many products. The most common floor material is truly a tongue & groove 2"x6" board. Looks like wood, just black and is made of a rubber composite. It has structural strength, but has very specific support requirements as has been noted earlier here. Great product.
Both of these are great products- but are very different in use. For some reason right after one name pops up, the other comes along right behind it and the confusion atarts. WERM can be installed in most trailers in place of the mats. Rumber generally needs to be installed during construction of the trailer, and many folks use it without mats.
RTSmith
Posted 2011-01-13 12:39 PM (#128874 - in reply to #128870) Subject: RE: WERM
Elite Veteran
Posts: 798
Location: Tenn/Ala.
Originally written by CTRider on 2011-01-13 11:12 AM
Okay I have what is probably a dumb question, but, if you install the WERM flooring, how do you then ever check the integrity of the aluminum floor, like the support, welds, etc? Does the fact that the WERM stops any and all corrosion negate the need to check the flooring for weld repair, etc? Does what I am asking make any sense?
Typically, most welds involving the floor are under the floor. So WERM doesn't really get into the way of that aspect. And yes- it is bonded to the aluminum, so corrosion is not a factor there. But remember, the urine still has to go somewhere (shavings, drain holes, puddles, etc.) so be aware and plan accordingly.
Posted 2011-01-13 10:14 PM (#128889 - in reply to #128870) Subject: RE: WERM
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Originally written by CTRider on 2011-01-13 12:12 PM
Okay I have what is probably a dumb question, but, if you install the WERM flooring, how do you then ever check the integrity of the aluminum floor? Does the fact that the WERM stops any and all corrosion negate the need to check the flooring for weld repair, etc?
Actually the WERM will not stop active corrosion. That has to be dealt with before the product is instaled. It will however, help prevent the floor's top surface from starting any corrosion. This assumes the WERM's surface hasn't failed and delaminated from the flooring. This happens occasionaly, and allows the urine to enter the cavity between the flooring and WERM product. This provides an excellent breeding ground for corrosion.
It behooves the owner of a WERM covered floor to regularly inspect it for any delaminations, tears or holes. Any that develop can be repaired and the flooring can be made again, intact.