Posted 2009-08-09 2:29 PM (#109178) Subject: holes in aluminum floor
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?
Posted 2009-08-09 7:43 PM (#109185 - in reply to #109178) Subject: RE: holes in aluminum floor
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.
Posted 2009-08-09 7:56 PM (#109188 - in reply to #109178) Subject: RE: holes in aluminum floor
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.
Posted 2009-08-09 8:16 PM (#109194 - in reply to #109178) Subject: RE: holes in aluminum floor
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?
Posted 2009-08-09 9:43 PM (#109199 - in reply to #109194) Subject: RE: holes in aluminum floor
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
Posted 2009-08-10 8:51 AM (#109211 - in reply to #109178) Subject: RE: holes in aluminum floor
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.
holes in aluminum floor
