Progress in the loft continues to be very slow, but I can see that it is drying out. I’m pulling out about half a bucket of water a day from the dehumidifier. I went up there and blasted a section with the hair dryer on high and was startled to see an immediate improvement. I know that’s just surface drying and I expect to see moisture seeping back up, but at least I know that having the hair dryer on a section while I work on another is worth the power being used.

Tonight, I pulled up most of the top layers of paneling and insulation to see how far the wetness extends on the bottom layer of paneling, which is about two thirds of the way across. Thankfully, the wet section is not rotten or mildewy, just wet, and definitely not spongy. Now that it is exposed, I’m sure it will dry well. I’m going to look for a wood hardening product to apply to the wood that got wet but which isn’t being replaced.  The wood hardener product would also prevent new damage from wetness. Probably overkill, but I’m not taking any chances.

At this rate, I don’t anticipate being able to do any real work up there for at least another week. Moreover, I’m waiting on an order for a 50′ roll of Eternabond from Allan at A.J.B. Distributing in northern Ontario, upon the recommendation of several Canadian RVers. Once that roll arrives I’ll do the bottom seam at the front to guarantee that I’ve got the leak sealed. So, I really need to be patient about this.

I might be pulling out of this park at the end of January, which means I have six weeks left to get the renos all done. I really want to leave here with my tools stowed away for good, so as soon as I can get going again, renos are going to be my top priority. I’ve decided to use credit if I have to in order to get things done right, and completely. I’ve made an incredibly detailed list of what needs to be done and in what order so that I can start blasting through things as soon as the loft is secure without wasting time looking for a strategy. I’ll be finishing with the kitchen even though I’m SO tempted to get it done right now.

In the meantime, I’m focusing on my work projects. Between the furnace and the leak, my budget took a serious hit and I’m not pulling in anywhere close to what just bled out. So I think it’s good to have a week to step back and work at bringing in some money. Thankfully, I reeled in a couple of new translation contracts this morning, so I have plenty to keep me busy!