Sealant for Roof and Windows/sides

[derowe82]

Hey everyone,


I am new to owning a campers, and was curious what you all use for sealing the roof around vents, AC unit, antenna, etc. as well as around the windowns and trim in corners of trailer and around other stuff on side.


Thanks and let me know.

[chuckster57]

Your roof is most likely EDPM so Dicor self leveling is good on all the horizontal seams. Clean the area good, do not use any petroleum based cleaners. I prefer Fantastik spray, wipe clean. Remove any loose sealant and apply new. On the corners and vertical edges you should use non self leveling.
The window tops and sides, I would use an RV rated sealant like ProSeal.

[derowe82]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Your roof is most likely EDPM so Dicor self leveling is good on all the horizontal seams. Clean the area good, do not use any petroleum based cleaners. I prefer Fantastik spray, wipe clean. Remove any loose sealant and apply new. On the corners and vertical edges you should use non self leveling.
The window tops and sides, I would use an RV rated sealant like ProSeal.

Cool, thanks. Yes I was planning to use Dicor Lap Sealant Self Leveling, but I wasn't sure if regular white caulk would work for RV or is there was something designed for it, so thanks for the advice. I will look for proseal.


Any experience with Eternabond? That stuff looks pretty good and durable.



You mention window TOPS and SIDES... should I not seal the bottom edge of window?


Thanks

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by derowe82

Cool, thanks. Yes I was planning to use Dicor Lap Sealant Self Leveling, but I wasn't sure if regular white caulk would work for RV or is there was something designed for it, so thanks for the advice. I will look for proseal.


Any experience with Eternabond? That stuff looks pretty good and durable.



You mention window TOPS and SIDES... should I not seal the bottom edge of window?


Thanks

The question of Eternabond come up often. IMO it’s good for an emergency repair, but I wouldn’t use it in place of Dicor. I’ve seen lots of responses from people saying it’s a “once and done” maintanance thing. I lost count long ago the number of roofs I’ve had to work on and had to deal with eternabond, not fun!!!!

Windows: you can seal all the way around, water only runs across the top and down the sides. I’ve seen lots with sealant only across the top and around the radius.

[derowe82]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

The question of Eternabond come up often. IMO it’s good for an emergency repair, but I wouldn’t use it in place of Dicor. I’ve seen lots of responses from people saying it’s a “once and done” maintanance thing. I lost count long ago the number of roofs I’ve had to work on and had to deal with eternabond, not fun!!!!



Windows: you can seal all the way around, water only runs across the top and down the sides. I’ve seen lots with sealant only across the top and around the radius.

Good to know about the Eternabond. And thanks for the reply.

[derowe82]

Thoughts on this stuff? I am new to all this so I am just trying to get control or prevent any roof issues on my 2001 RV.


https://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Rubber...01EV4EXG2?th=1


Thanks

[chuckster57]

Last shop I worked at used that type of stuff from Home Depot. Roof has to be real clean, and figure on recoating in a few years.

[derowe82]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Last shop I worked at used that type of stuff from Home Depot. Roof has to be real clean, and figure on recoating in a few years.

Yeah I have no problem even coating it once a year. I just want to make sure I don't run into leaking issues as I currently have one or had one before I purchase my camper, there was a leak in the slide out and I'll be whole slide out floor is rotten and ruined so I have to spend thousands to replace that too. So I'm just avoiding the rest of it as much as I can. Thanks for the reply

[derowe82]

So I just finally went up to look at roof of my TT. The sides are different than what I've watched online about sealing.

See photo. What should I use now? Can't be Self Leveling for the left and right sides/edges.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by derowe82

So I just finally went up to look at roof of my TT. The sides are different than what I've watched online about sealing.

See photo. What should I use now? Can't be Self Leveling for the left and right sides/edges. Attachment 41528

Clean real good and use NON self leveling.

[derowe82]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Clean real good and use NON self leveling.

Okay cool. I bought 3 Self Level and 1 non so I will use that. Thanks!!!

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by derowe82

So I just finally went up to look at roof of my TT. The sides are different than what I've watched online about sealing.

See photo. What should I use now? Can't be Self Leveling for the left and right sides/edges. Attachment 41528

If that's a molding strip I'm looking at I'd pull that trim off and make sure all those screws under there are tight before sealing, they like to work out over time.

[derowe82]

Originally Posted by sourdough

If that's a molding strip I'm looking at I'd pull that trim off and make sure all those screws under there are tight before sealing, they like to work out over time.

Yes, that is a molding strip on the side. So what you're saying is to pull the vinyl insert out of it, tighten all the screws and then put the vinyl insert back in? Then seal it off? I don't have to seal over the vinyl insert do i? Just on top side of trim?

[sourdough]

Pull that insert and feel of it. If it's not soft and pliable replace it. Make sure the screws are all tight and not stripped the put sealant along the edges of the trim strip where it contacts the side of the trailer. Don't put sealant over the molding.

[derowe82]

Originally Posted by sourdough

Pull that insert and feel of it. If it's not soft and pliable replace it. Make sure the screws are all tight and not stripped the put sealant along the edges of the trim strip where it contacts the side of the trailer. Don't put sealant over the molding.

Okay thanks for the tips. I am cleaning/washing everything up there now. Going to start sealing tomorrow late morning after dew dries.

[sourdough]

Those strips can work (or get pulled) loose and leave little cracks along that back side so just look for those. If they haven't been maintained no telling what you will find....maybe nothing!

[derowe82]

Originally Posted by sourdough

Those strips can work (or get pulled) loose and leave little cracks along that back side so just look for those. If they haven't been maintained no telling what you will find....maybe nothing!

Understood. I will definitely pull the strip. It does seem a little stiff. I also have to redo my clam shell snowmobile trailer and all the trim and butyl tape underneath so I will be diving into that pretty soon too so yes I will take a look at it and start sealing off where I think water could penetrate. Thanks, appreciate the response.

[chuckster57]

We have pulled the insert molding, removed each screw a few at a time. Filled the hole with clear silicone and put the screw back in. Then put the insert back on. Added protection from water intrusion.

[derowe82]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

We have pulled the insert molding, removed each screw a few at a time. Filled the hole with clear silicone and put the screw back in. Then put the insert back on. Added protection from water intrusion.

I like that idea too!!! Thanks.

[dutchmensport]

If you pull the insert molding off, be prepared to replace it with new (any RV parts store sells that stuff in 100 foot rolls, not expensive at all). When you remove it, you'll find it's very brittle and it will crack and break apart. You'll never be able to get it back into the track without breaking it. It's too old and dried out.