Keeping Water Out

[RUSSELL5000]

This is a real newby question. I have heard it lots, and sure appreciate the point: maintain sealants to keep water out.

I understand keeping air conditioner unit snug so gasket seals. But, beyond that, what exactly am I looking for? What I keep reading is "inspect all seams and maintain sealants."

I see seams and sealant. When is sealant on a seam good, and when bad? What does bad sealant look like? If sealant bad then do I scrap roof old and do new, or layer over existing?

I have a TPO roof.

Thanks!!!

 

[Killgore]

Russell, it's my understanding that if it is questionable, it's best to carefully scrap it off and replace with Dicol lap sealant. I periodically look for any cracking, possible pin holes, or places that have pulled away from the joint.

- Ed

 

[Dieselnerd]

In my experience a leaky seam is almost always cracked. Sometimes you can peel up an edge but cracks mean trouble. My wife and I have owned and used RV's since 1970, some seem to never leak and others have leaked in a couple of years. We never had an air conditioner seal leak but they are not that hard to replace if they do.

As far as sealant to use, I really like Sikaflex-715. It's a semi-self leveling roof membrane sealer. Surface prep is key. Cleaning with acetone works best. You can get Sikaflex at Amazon, a couple of tubes go a long way. It has a fairly short shelf life so if you ever buy any, don't try to stock up.

 

[RUSSELL5000]

Thanks, Ed & Ron. The travel trailer comes out of storage next week and I'll be going up on the roof. I'll keep an eye out for what you describe (probably take a picture as well of anything that appears suspicious).

Appreciate it.

 

[mwilson]

I use the Dicor self leveling roof sealant. Comes off fairly easily when it is time to redo a seam. I wait for a nice warm day, that helps too..

 

[B.G. Smith]

I have an 04 Newmar with the TPO roof. You want to be very careful with what you use for cleaning this roof material. Also when you inspect the roof look for any places where water may pool. Mine had a spot at the rear cap and the front cap. Both ended up with a leaks, (the TPO deteriorated) . I was on the road when the front leak showed showed up, stopped at a RV Supply house and bought a tube of Dicor 501LSW sealant. It says on the tube that it is good for SOME TPO roofs. Well it wasn't good for mine, it dissolve the TPO and really made a mess. I ended buying some 6" wide Eternabond tape and was able to cover all the ponding (holding water) spots, it seems to be holding up well, been on for about a year.By the way I have owned several RV types and the only ones that don't eventually leak are those that are never towed, driven or parked outside. * * *bg

 

[Killer223]

they all leak, i use the Dicol lap sealant for some things, then i used the etruna bond tape, and WOW after 6 years no leaks. and it still looks like new.

is what you get with a leak undetected for a year.

 

[Cummins12V98]

THAT brings back BAD memories!