Since I'm redoing the floors and adding a Lagun table to my Casita Liberty Deluxe, the table leg supports in the floor were no longer necessary and had to come out. Here's what I did.
Parts and Tools Required
- Drill and bit driver
- Aluminum sheet metal
- #12 3/4" Stainless steel screws
- Paint scraper
- Marine sealant and adhesive
- Spray foam
- Snap off utility knife
- Contractor's Solvent
- Gloves and eye protection (no, really) and maybe an N95 mask
Steps
The screws for the supports are easy enough to get out...probably. They're square head screws that have a tendency to strip and snap. It was like a class of kindergarteners: most were easy; some were stubborn and made you want to tear your hair out.
I'd recommend wearing gloves since everything in this process is covered in nasty, sticky sealant.
Once the screws are out, insert your paint scraper under the support to pry it out. It's just held in with sealant and caulk so it should lift out with a little bit of force. Just keep working the scraper around it. If you're really having trouble, the other option is to get under the Casita and push.
Once the supports are out you'll have a nice set of holes in your floor. If you're looking for a lot of extra ventilation and some new furry pets, congrats, you're finished! Otherwise, you'll probably want to seal these holes.
Climb underneath and, using your paint scraper, scrape off as much of the caulk and goop as you can. It doesn't have to be perfect but you'll want as smooth a surface as you can get. Wear eye protection because a lot of junk with flake off in your face. Then, spray some Contractor's Solvent and leave it for a bit. The rest of the goop should wipe right off.
Next, cut the metal you plan on using to patch make your patch. I'm lucky enough to have a friend who does metal sculptures and had some old aluminum street signs that he was willing to cut to size for me. 6" x 6" is a good size. If you don't have such a friend, you can just purchase some aluminum sheet metal and cut it to size with tin snips. I wouldn't recommend using steel since it will rust and is just harder to work with. The edges may be pretty sharp so use your gloves.
Climb underneath and, holding the metal patch against your Casita, check to make sure it's relatively flush. Drill your pilot holes through the metal plate and floor, being careful not to push all the way through. Again, wear eye protection since junk will fall on your face. I also recommend drawing an outline in pencil so it will be easier to line it up when you attach it.
Put a bead of marine sealant around the perimeter of the plate. Line up the plate with your outline and screw it in. The sealant should squeeze out the side. Using a paper towel or your finger, smooth it all around to make a seal.
Repeat for the other two supports.
Once the adhesive has dried, take your spray foam and fill the hole. Don't worry about it overflowing since you'll be cutting it once it dries. You should end up with a nice little ice cream cone.
Once it dries, use your razor to cut the foam flush with the floor. A little caulk can fill in any air holes.
And Bob's your uncle.
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