I just went to check out the loft and was shocked to already see an improvement; 95% of the wall is perfectly dry and normal-coloured. Of course, the bottom part is still sodden as is the joist along the front, six inches of which got soaked. I used a scraper to get rid of the top layer of wood that is the darkest on that joist and was relieved to see damp, normal-coloured, wood appear along most of the section.

The wall has a final layer of paneling remaining, and it is glued to styrofoam. I did some test scratches and the styrofoam looks clean. So, I tried the scraper technique on the paneling and got the same result as on the joist. I therefore don’t think I need to replace the styrofoam insulation, just the pink stuff along the front.

I sprayed the whole area with rubbing alcohol to kill spores and I have the dehumidifier running. I tried running both it and the heater on low on the same circuit, but failed, so I decided to just go with the dehumifier for now since it’s nice having the heater in the study so I don’t have to run the furnace. I’m debating whether to use a hair dryer on high directly on the wet, wondering if that would be silly and futile.

I wish I’d thought to inquire about paneling when I was at the Home Hardware today. I hope I can find something smaller than a full sheet.

Eternabond is a sealing tape that is most commonly used in roofing applications. I’ve used it around the skylight over the shower, so I knew that it wouldn’t look great on my seams but it would get the job done. Finding the product in Canada is tough and it is ridiculously expensive when you factor in shipping. I decided to try both the RV store and the Home Hardware here in Osoyoos before caving and paying the $100 to have some sent in from northern Ontario.

The RV store didn’t have any and the lady had never even heard of it, but the detour was worth my while because they had a cover for my porch light, the original cover for which disintegrated when I replaced the bulb early this fall.

The cashier found that $5 for the cover was expensive, but I didn’t find it that bad.

Next, the Home Hardware. They had 5′ rolls of 4″ wide tape in grey, white, black, and paintable!!! The rolls were $12 each, which is more per foot than ordering it, even counting shipping, but I only needed about 10′ and I’d have the product in my hand right there and then. So, I went home and applied it and now my rig looks like crap but it’s hopefully water tight!

I took some videos of the process. I know they’re not great; I’ve never done anything like this before. But the sound quality is fine and I think they are worth their bandwidth so I’m going forth and sharing them.

Prepping to Apply Eternabond

Ready to Apply the Eternabond

Eternabond Applied

And some still pictures:

the problem corner, some caulking removed

getting a smooth seam was impossible; once Eternabond is stuck, it’s there for life

the side seams were easier to make smooth

I want to add more tape to the bottom seam