Day: December 9, 2010

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Window Tinting

Putting in the window tinting only took about an hour. It was super easy!

I used a Gila Films product, 95% peel ‘n cling, product, available at Canadian Tire. It comes in a purple box. It’s the second darkest film there is. I wanted to let a bit of light through so the cats could still look outside.

The film has no adhesive. It sticks to a clean window to which a ‘window film solution’ has been added. I used what I had on hand, a mild shampoo and water solution. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners since they will prevent the film from sticking.

I used a Youtube video to get some idea as to the best way to apply the film. Wet the glass with the solution, apply the film, trim carefully, wet the film, squeegee out the excess water, then sop up the water with a lint-free cloth. I like the result so much I am going to do at least the bottom part of my other windows with their lightest product.

Donna came by at one point and while I could see her through the film, she couldn’t see me! We are going to do the test at night with a couple of lights blazing to see if I’m a tad more visible then.

Miss Bitha inspecting my work

Miss Bitha inspecting my work

it's still bright daylight out there!

it’s still bright daylight out there!

still bright daylight out there!

still bright daylight out there!

I let it get dark and then put a light on in the loft. This stuff is magical!

I let it get dark and then put a light on in the loft. This stuff is magical!

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Still Leaking

I was removing some of the loose wall paper around the passenger side window in the loft when the whole wall crumbled.

I wasn’t surprised. I think I’ve been living in denial.

What I want at this point is a GOOD sealant for that exterior seam. I don’t give a damn what it looks like. I’m going to spend quite a bit of time researching tonight to come up with a solution. It has to be something I can apply in the current cool and wet conditions.

Once I’m confident the outside is water tight, I’ll get the interior dried up using a combination of the dehumidifier and the heater. I’ll add a mould and mildew resistant product, then put in new insulation and a new piece of paneling for the wall. I’m just worried about what’s under the floor; but I’m not seeing any signs of leak into the cab, so I’m hoping that the water has just been wicking up into the wall and the pink insulation along the front.

At the bottom left of the wall, there is a bit of white showing. That is the styrofoam insulation to which the paneling was glued. I’m going to have to cut through the foam to remove it with the paneling.

I’m not as freaked out as one would imagine; it’s not going to be a tough repair to do and if there’s one part of the rig where aesthetics don’t matter, it’s there. The only thing that bugs me is that I’m going to need such a small amount of materials. I’ll put ads out tonight and hopefully I can find someone with a bit of leftover pink insulation at the very least.

Let’s just say I won’t be cutting corners as to making the bed in the study comfy. I’m going to be sleeping there for a while….

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An Empty Loft

The loft is turning out to be my most daunting reno project. I finally managed to empty it this morning and I have no idea where to begin.

Condensation is still a major issue:

inside of the passenger-side loft window

The floor is uneven:

the piece of plywood used to be incorporated in the original loft mattress and could be flipped over to open up the cab

The floor is gross:

driver’s side of the loft

passenger side of the loft

There’s nothing I can do with the uneven floor short of adding a layer of plywood all around. When I had a workshop full of tools to my disposal, I tried to come up with a way to recess the plywood plank, but there was no way to go about it. What I did to compensate was put the pallet on blocks around it. What I’ll do this time around is cut the bottom braces of the pallets where they hit the boards since the braces are the same high. That’ll put the pallets on an even surface. I had wanted to completely remove the bottom braces to gain an inch of ceiling height but forgot about that darn plywood plank!

So, the floor…. Two options; either I find some vinyl or I slather it with a mould-resistant melamine paint that I have. I’d still caulk the edges all around. What I don’t like about the painting option is that it means an additional week without my bedroom.

For the windows, I’ll see if the tinted film helps. I know that one of the reasons for condensation is the lack of air flow. I’ve been using my suitcase and heavy foam padding (the dinette cushions) to block the windows, causing moisture to get trapped. There is literally no other place in this rig to store the suitcase and it has worked smashingly as a head board and window blocker for two years, so I’m loathe to do away with it. I will forgo the rest of the padding, though. I’ve pretty much decided on a snap-on, water proof, water covering for the windows, something along the lines of a high-end shower curtain. It doesn’t have to be opaque; it just has to give me an additional level of privacy beyond the window tinting.

I think I’ll start by filling in holes with wall compound. While that’s drying, I’ll get the window tinting on. Then, I can sand and wash the walls and prime. Once the second coat of paint is on the walls, I can do the floor. I think I’ve decided to try the paint option. I have experience using melamine paint in a high humidity area and the stuff is miraculous. Only problem is this paint is sky blue, which won’t go with anything else in the rig, but it’s not like it’s going to show. I still preferred the lino option, though.

Notice the valance braces around the side windows. I’m going to flip them around, add a piece of facing, and lower them a couple of inches to make some much needed storage shelves.

Estimated time to new bedroom at this point: at least a week. *sighs* But I’m finally on my way!

I may post the pictures of the current state of the library once I have accepted that it will be that way for a few weeks. There is only so much space in an RV for a mattress and two pallets…