Edge Trim Sealant

rjxj wrote:
7 months in and I have had good luck with the stuff at HD. I think others often like proseal also?? I haven't tried it yet.

5200

I would NEVER recommend 3M 5200 for anything that ever may need to be removed or serviced.

It is a wonderful product-- one I have used on boats for years. But, make that a BIG BUT, it is ABSOLUTELY PERMANENT.

That or any other sealant will help your situation, that section will have to be rebuilt. After rebuilding, all that other junk will have to be cleaned off before it can be sealed properly. The leak wasn't there anyway it was up higher and ran down.

The easiest one to find at an RV dealer is Proflex RV sealant. Dicor lap sealant is for RV roof caulking. The non-sag version mentioned above, it's okay, but it's definitely different from the typical Proflex style of caulk. I have used both and would tend to stick with Proflex for the OP's application. The Dicor is more for a bigger bead, IMO. There are equivalents to Proflex which you can probably buy at a home center store, but I don't know what they are. I believe one of the Sikaflex caulks is just like Proflex, and also there is a Quad brand something or other. Proflex RV is the safe bet, though.

I wouldn't use 5200 (rjxj). This stuff is used mostly as a marine "bedding" to seal penetrations thru fiberglass ( thru hull fittings, etc.). It cannot be removed without taking some of the surface material with it.

Silicone doesn't hold up to UV Rays well, thus it's not widely used in marine applications.

Everyone I've spoken with recommends Dicor. Self leveling for the roof. Non leveling on vertical applications.

As a commercial contractor we use sikaflex products quite a bit, but I'm not familiar with specific products. It must be decent stuff. It gets spec'd a lot on many types of applications in the building trades.

I used Sikaflex 21 this fall to reseal my roof, it's more expensive than Dicor but it is a very good product as mentioned above. I also used the Dicor self leveling on the flat seams around the vents. The Sikaflex i used on the sides of the molding along the roof and all the ladder and hand rail supports where you don't want a flow out. We have had a large amount of heavy rain since and haven't found any failed seams yet. The PO had used silicone and it just turned to snot. I had to remove all of that and then used acetone to remove the residue before re sealing. I'm very happy with the outcome.

I have no experience of RV sealing as only just purchasing our first unit, so greatly interested in this subject. Good to read the above quote on Types of sealant and compatibility.
I come from the marine industry and large high speed car carrying catamarans where we used Sikaflex. So far I have not seen anyone mention this on a forum. Whilst expensive it has superb sealing capabilities and flexibility (I have seen the window glass moving in the frame during heavy sea conditions as the structure flexs with no leaks as the water hits the windows. The biggest problem is taking anything apart that has been sealed with sikaflex due to its adhesion. Sikaflex 291 is for marine use, including underwater and there is a sikaflex 221 in the Uk that is used for caravans/RV, but I have not used it. Suggest you look up on www.sika.com Unfortunately at this present time their web site fact sheets are not working for these products :(

see these links, might help.

The number in "caulking callout" pdf is the number you want to tell RV dealer is what you want.
http://www.winnebagoind.com/diagram/Sealant.htm

and http://www.winnebagoind.com/resources/service/pdfs/2000-04%20Exterior%20Sealants.pdf (which is old as in year 2000. But some info might help. Google up nuflex 313 or www.nucoinc.com (I think)

Should match up with your color well. Or go with Dicor and hope your colors matches up.

TYPES OF SEALANTS
There are currently three basic types of sealants used on the exterior of Winnebago Industries produced vehicles; silicone-based, urethane-based and solvent based.
Because different based sealants are not compatible, it is imperative that the proper product is used when resealing. In other words, if a non-compatible sealant is used, the two materials will repel each other and allow moisture and debris to penetrate the seal. Ascertaining whether a sealant is silicone, urethane or solvent based can be difficult for someone not knowledgeable or proficient in resealing. (hense the caulking call out sheets)

As a general rule, urethane sealants cure to a more firm and rigid form. Solvent-based sealants can cure to either pliable or firm states depending on the particular sealant. Silicone sealants tend to remain more pliable. Silicone sealants will retain a higher gloss after curing. Urethane sealants are colored. Silicone can be clear or colored. Solvent based can be clear or colored. The following is a current list of products available from your Winnebago Industries dealer.
We hope this information will be helpful. If you have any questions or require service to your coach, we suggest you contact your dealer.

Hope this helps

The winnie sealant is similar to polyurethane, so look for a white polyurethane at your big box store or order the stuff winnie uses from your winnie dealer or online. I think the winnie stuff is higher quality than the polyurethane at my local big box store. Just don't use silicone sealer or nothing will stick when you come back and try to re-seal it in the future.

JMHO. I prefer to use caulking sold specifically for RVs like Dicor or Proflex.

7 months in and I have had good luck with the stuff at HD. I think others often like proseal also?? I haven't tried it yet.

5200