Caulking

[kguess]

I noticed some caulking that needed replacing on the corner on my 2011 keystone hideout so I bought a tube of pro flex rv. It was a small section about 2' on the lower corner. So this morning I'm walking around the trailer checking for cracking caulk and don't you know I find one side of a corner in the back of the camper with NO CAULK AT ALL! Check you camper closely , I assumed like u that this couldn't happen.... Hope I don't have any damage from this.

[Steve S]

Caulking will crack especially in the heat and with age. A high quality silicon is the only way to go as it flexes and will take the heat plus it'll last for yrs.
I washed the trailer the other day and the power washer didn't make any of the silicon lift so I'm good for another yr

[Festus2]

Originally Posted by Steve S

Caulking will crack especially in the heat and with age. A high quality silicon is the only way to go as it flexes and will take the heat plus it'll last for yrs.

Steve -
Sorry, but I have to disagree with you on this. First, because silicone is not compatible with EPDM rubber roofs, its use is not recommended. Along with other petroleum based products, it use on EPDM could result in a negative reaction with the membrane.

Secondly, silicone may flex but it really "doesn't last for years". It does eventually harden to some degree and crack like many other types of caulking. The problem is that when an area needs to be recaulked, the existing silicone has to be removed since you can't apply silicone over itself --- it just wont adhere. And silicone is a real bear to remove!

I wouldn't recommend its use on an RV.

[Steve S]

Originally Posted by Festus2

Steve -
Sorry, but I have to disagree with you on this. First, because silicone is not compatible with EPDM rubber roofs, its use is not recommended. Along with other petroleum based products, it use on EPDM could result in a negative reaction with the membrane.

Secondly, silicone may flex but it really "doesn't last for years". It does eventually harden and crack like many other types of caulking. The problem is that when an area needs to be recaulked, the existing silicone has to be removed since you can't apply silicone over itself --- it just wont adhere. And silicone is a real bear to remove!

I wouldn't recommend its use on an RV.

Yes I agree that silicon and EPDM don't agree with each other, I should have stated that.
I disagree with your statement about the longevity of silicon though.
A top of the line silicon will last 25 yrs plus. I applied silicon to the windows, hatches and and all along the deck of my sailboat 20 yrs ago and it's still flexible. It's been beaten by the salt, weather and everything else and it's still holding up.
I personally think that people are misinformed when it comes to caulk and silicon

[chuckster57]

The ONLY products I use where there is contact with the roof membrane is Dicor lap sealant, Sikaflex (so) and eternabond. Silicone sealant is an industry no no.

And I have to agree with Festus's assessment of the difficulty rating of removing silicone.

[tdawg]

Would you use dicor around the entry door frame. I am needing to touch up around frame but it looks like silicone on it.

[jsmith948]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

The ONLY products I use where there is contact with the roof membrane is Dicor lap sealant, Sikaflex (so) and eternabond. Silicone sealant is an industry no no.

And I have to agree with Festus's assessment of the difficulty rating of removing silicone.

So, that must be clear Sikaflex that that runs along the top of aluminum gutter strip? Also, is that what is used around all of the access door frames, clearance lights, etc.?

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by jsmith948

So, that must be clear Sikaflex that that runs along the top of aluminum gutter strip? Also, is that what is used around all of the access door frames, clearance lights, etc.?

Hard to say without standing in front of it and looking at it. Silicone products can be used on the sidewalls as they are not rubber. I do use silicone on some "side" seams.

[Eddie A.]

Originally Posted by sourdough

This thread is almost 2 years old. You may want to post a new one in the repairs/maintenance forum.

Thanks for the heads up...I'll do that


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