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Author Topic: caulking an RV roof  (Read 2087 times)

Offline Rob

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caulking an RV roof
« on: April 27, 2023, 12:07:50 PM »
I am in the process of de-winterizing an RV.  Did a quick roof inspection and I found a couple spots where the caulk needs to be touched up due to cracks, etc.

Question is:  Do you remove the old Caulk and replace it?  Or just clean the spot that needs patching and add a dollop of Caulk?

To describe the areas, there are no major cracks.  Nothing more than 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.  The old caulk is still malleable and is adheared well.  The worst spot is one of the ceiling vents that has a corner exposed (about 1/3 of an inch on each side of the corner.

My inclination is to take some of the self-leveling stuff I got (Dicor 501LSW-1 Self-Leveling Lap Sealant) and just fill the cracks with a little excess.
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Keep your eyes fixed on where the trail meets the sky.
Live like you ain’t afraid to die.
Just sit back and enjoy your ride
  - Chris Ledoux

Offline Special T

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Re: caulking an RV roof
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2023, 12:23:52 PM »
According to several RV manufactures your supposed to completely strip and reapply every 6-12 months. My brother did RV repair for a while. Leaking rout an mold destroy campers trailers and motor homes very quickly. I'd probably strip anywhere it's tapped out clean and reapply myself.

Is it stored undercover during the rain snow season or otherwise not in use? If yes then small bandaids are probably ok for the fair weather trip.  For West side hunting trips in the rain? I caulked every other year and then settled on a roofing product to paint the top of mine.
I've used this stuff to seal up shipping containers, RV roofs, and other similar projects. The fiber makes it last longer and the aluminum reflects heat.
In archery we have something like the way of the superior man. When the archer misses the center of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his failure in himself. 

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Offline KFhunter

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Re: caulking an RV roof
« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2023, 12:32:27 PM »
It depends on what roof you have, if rubber roof, you use dicor self leveling and generally just apply to cracks, works it’s way down

Clean with denatured alcohol and a rag, I use my archery alcohol I use for cleaning arrows before I fletch, get a quart size can at N40

Silicone does not belong on an RV roof, only use on the sides




Offline Rob

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Re: caulking an RV roof
« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2023, 12:44:13 PM »
Cool - I think I will just patch the spots for right now while I consider a longer term removal and replacement.

The roof is some kind of rubberized compound (Looks like TPO).  RV is stored under a shelter when not in use.

T:  I will make note of that that Karnak roof coating.
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Sit tall in the saddle, hold you head up high.
Keep your eyes fixed on where the trail meets the sky.
Live like you ain’t afraid to die.
Just sit back and enjoy your ride
  - Chris Ledoux

Offline Special T

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Re: caulking an RV roof
« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2023, 12:48:25 PM »
Cool - I think I will just patch the spots for right now while I consider a longer term removal and replacement.

The roof is some kind of rubberized compound (Looks like TPO).  RV is stored under a shelter when not in use.

T:  I will make note of that that Karnak roof coating.

I don't think this will work on those rubberized membranes, or at least I've never tried, just used it aluminum roofs.
In archery we have something like the way of the superior man. When the archer misses the center of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his failure in himself. 

Confucius

Offline Rob

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Re: caulking an RV roof
« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2023, 12:50:21 PM »
I was just wondering about that!

Thanks
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Keep your eyes fixed on where the trail meets the sky.
Live like you ain’t afraid to die.
Just sit back and enjoy your ride
  - Chris Ledoux

Offline wadu1

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Re: caulking an RV roof
« Reply #6 on: April 27, 2023, 02:24:00 PM »
I've used Karnak on aluminum roofs with great success. My last RV is sitting in Quincey for over 10 years without a leak.
"a fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi"

Offline Stein

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Re: caulking an RV roof
« Reply #7 on: April 27, 2023, 03:49:16 PM »
According to several RV manufactures your supposed to completely strip and reapply every 6-12 months. My brother did RV repair for a while. Leaking rout an mold destroy campers trailers and motor homes very quickly. I'd probably strip anywhere it's tapped out clean and reapply myself.

Is it stored undercover during the rain snow season or otherwise not in use? If yes then small bandaids are probably ok for the fair weather trip.  For West side hunting trips in the rain? I caulked every other year and then settled on a roofing product to paint the top of mine.
I've used this stuff to seal up shipping containers, RV roofs, and other similar projects. The fiber makes it last longer and the aluminum reflects heat.

I put that on my old man's rental apartment with my brother once.  It was August and we both got fried, even under our chins from the reflection off it (flat roof).  It's a hot mess to put on and clean up but that was over 20 years ago and still no leaks.  We threw away our clothes after including our shoes.

 


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