The presence of wood rot can ruin any RVer’s day. Fortunately, RVbyLIFE’s “Git”-Rot® epoxy restores rotted wood fibers to their original strength so you can get back out on the road sooner. Follow along with our step-by-step of how to use “Git”-Rot and be sure to read our blog All About “Git”-Rot for background information.
How to Use “Git”-Rot
Step 1: Before mixing part A and part B, first identify rot by pounding on questionable areas with a hard instrument. If there is a hollow, echoing sound, that indicates a dead spot and potentially rot. Areas where water accumulates are susceptible to rot, like side walls, step boxes, window frames, and floors.
Step 2: Probe the suspected areas with an ice pick or a sharp knife to confirm if there is indeed rot.
Step 3: Depending on where the rot is located, you may need to prepare the area for treatment. For rot in deep locations, it is advisable to use a drill a series of staggered, overlapping holes of approximately ¼” in diameter and 2” apart, slanting downwards. This will expose the end grain and provide reservoirs for the product to penetrate. If there are extensive holes from missing wood fibers, mix sawdust with “Git”-Rot to fill the area. Rotted areas may require drilling through the fiberglass surface to reach the rot. Note, fill any holes made by drilling with a mixture of dry saw dust and “Git”-Rot, or a similar wood rot repair epoxy compound.
Step 4: After rotted areas are identified and prepared for treatment, remove “Git”-Rot part A and B from packaging. Note, only mix in small batches of no more than 4 oz. at a time as the larger the quantity, the greater the reaction and the faster the cure. Add one (1) part of part “B” to three (3) parts of part “A” and shake vigorously for at least one (1) full minute (use a watch or your phone to keep the time). Note, once the two parts have been thoroughly mixed together a thermal reaction will occur. Use the product immediately after mixing.
Step 5: Start at one end of the end grain (if possible) and apply “Git”-Rot until it has filled the entire cavity. Avoid trapping air in the middle of the rot as that will slow down the process. When the reservoir holes are filled and the surface is shiny, the penetration process is complete.
Step 6: Dispose of any unused “Git”-Rot as per the package instructions. Do not leave mixed “Git”-Rot unattended as it may generate heat and cause damage.
Tips When Using “Git”-Rot
- For the average type of rot, you will need a volume of product that approximately equals half of the volume of the rotted wood
- The optimal temperature for applying “Git”-Rot is between 50° and 70° Fahrenheit (10° and 21° Celsius).
- Only mix in small batches to avoid too quick of a cure and too hot of a reaction
- Parts A and B must be mixed for at least one full minute before use
- When working in temperatures of 70°F (21°C) or greater, chill “Git”-Rot overnight
- 70°F (21°C) is the optimal temperature to apply “Git”-Rot as the product will solidify into a tough, resilient mass overnight
- Allow one week for the product to fully cure to its ultimate strength
- “Git”-Rot is to be used in dry rotted wood only. Refrain from using the product in wet rot as it will be unable to penetrate the rotted wood fibers as intended.
- Always use caution when mixing parts A and B, a heat-producing reaction will occur
Resources for Wood Rot
Be sure to check out our other blogs on wood rot. As always, our blog and product catalog are great places to start for any RV maintenance, RV repair, or RV restoration tips and tricks.
About Life Industries Corporation
Founded by Mr. Edwin Kehrt on Long Island, New York in 1959, Life Industries Corporation formulates, compounds, labels, packages, and ships various chemical compounds. Parent company to BoatLIFE, RVbyLIFE, and AeroLIFE Industries, the organization relocated to its present home in North Charleston, South Carolina in 1995. Grace L. Schmidt, Mr. Kehrt’s daughter, has been president since 1987. This year marks the company’s 65th anniversary.