Entry door interior step rot April 14, 2022, 06:47:39 pm Hi.Recently I noticed a squishy sound when I step on the interior, entry door step.After removing the rubber tread I discovered the plywood was saturated with water.I can't understand why the manufacture would install a wooden step in this wet area.I'm thinking about replacing the plywood with a waterproof composite material. similar to what you would use on a deck.Your thoughts.Mark
Re: Entry door interior step rot Reply #1 – April 14, 2022, 08:26:28 pm That does seem like a vulnerable spot for plywood. I don’t have a feel for how often this happens though. Do you think a seal broke somewhere or some road damage occurred that might have compromised the structure? I do like the idea of synthetic material in certain locations. I think a great use of that synthetic deck material would be at the bumper where the factory uses wood between the coach and bumper.
Re: Entry door interior step rot Reply #2 – April 15, 2022, 02:59:40 am Rotting under the step isn't unusual in older rigs. As noted, the rubber mat traps water from rain or melting snow that gets brought in on shoes or blown when the door is open. Using a rot-proof material to replace the top layer of plywood is a good idea. It might be hard to find decking material wide enough to cover the step with one piece.I have used this HDPE sheet for projects that need to be waterproof. It's easy to work with and is large enough to cover the step with one piece. Utility Grade Marine Board HDPE (High Density polyethylene) Plastic Sheet...For the rest of us, lifting a corner of the rubber step covering occasionally, looking for wetness and rot, isn't a bad idea.Larry As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Entry door interior step rot Reply #3 – April 15, 2022, 09:38:33 am not sure how accurate this is, but I've heard that using treated wood like the one for decks is not a good mix with aluminum since the chemical used to treat the wood helps aluminum rust faster. This is why it's not used on boats.Hardwoods or as mentioned above, composite wood for decks which are basically plastic might be a better option.I need to do the same for mine, and was thinking of adding a good layer of undercoat outside to prevent street splashes from ruining it faster
Re: Entry door interior step rot Reply #5 – August 30, 2022, 05:05:22 pm I realize this original post is from 5 month ago, but I just want to add to this. I decided to tackle my squishy entrance step today for repair. I removed the plywood that was underneath and discovered that the aluminum base floor had electrolysis happening due to the staples that were there. That's how the water was getting in. I'm not sure how to remedy this problem. I'm hoping for some ideas that doesn't require removing my electric step underneath. It scares me to mess with that and I'm on my own with this repair. TIA,Martha Carrillo
Re: Entry door interior step rot Reply #6 – August 31, 2022, 12:06:22 am Martha, could you post some photos?
Re: Entry door interior step rot Reply #7 – August 31, 2022, 04:41:54 am Hi Martha; The 12 v electricity of the step can be disconnected, but you really need to take it off do do any meaningful repairs. It should just be the four bolts that hold it on. Caulking and sealant can prevent water intrusion, but it may be too late for that and the 'squishy wood needs to be replaced. As Andy stated, pictures would help us a lot to understand the condition in that step area. RonB
Re: Entry door interior step rot Reply #8 – August 31, 2022, 11:35:45 am I have done a few repairs on elelctric steps and rotten floors.The step must be removed, there are four bolts, under the rubber mat. The steps power plug is under the step.The step is heavy and awkward to removed and reinstall, I use a rolling floor jack to secure it until all the bolts are removed.This may be a job you want done for you.Durring rain and snows, moisture gets under the rubber mat and has nowhere to go except into the underlying plywood, our rig suffered the same condition. After replacing the rotted wood with treated exterior plywood, I left the mat loose so it can be easily removed for drying.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Entry door interior step rot Reply #9 – August 31, 2022, 07:26:49 pm fingers crossed first time posting pictures. One picture is of the outside of the box that might be where the main source of the water came in from
Re: Entry door interior step rot Reply #10 – August 31, 2022, 08:20:11 pm If I remember correctly, the step has two layers of plywood. It looks like you have removed the top piece, how damaged is the next layer? If it feels solid, replace the rotted piece of plywood and leave the rest of it alone.The earlier suggestion early in the thread to use a structural plastic isn't bad, exterior plywood will be fine too.I don't believe the source of the water is from the outside, if so the bottom piece of plywood would be rotted, not the top piece.The water probably came from wet feet and rain. Leave the mat loose so you can keep an eye on it.Larry
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Topic: Entry door interior step rot (Read 414 times)
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