Gdetrailer wrote:
Most if not ALL leaks come from the OUTSIDE EDGES. That is where the roofing meets the side wall and is pulled down over the wall.. There is a trim strip placed over the roofing on the side wall.. That trim strip has butyl rubber caulking under it. That caulking dries out, gets hard and cracks.. Once cracks form the water is wicked under the strip and finds its' way to the screws holding the strip on.. The water wicks past the screws into the wood under the siding..
Most people do not realize this and NEVER check or replace the caulking under this strip, EVER.
Perimeter leaks ARE where most leaks happen, not the roof in general.
Your "plan" does not take this into account at all.
Additionally your "plan" does not address another weakness, the corner side wall strips, they to have the same issue as the to side wall trim.. Those ALSO need to have the caulking replaced periodically..
"DUDE.. Where's my car?"
I have to say for a Senior Member that was a pretty big take down of a new user, but the truth is I appreciate your candor a great deal and while some of what you said has me in stitches hysterically, DUDE... I do have a basis for Reality... I know RV will always be work, but why fault me for trying to make the roof LESS WORK than it already is? Sure I don't believe I'll never have to deal with it again, but I can try to come close. I've already said that I'm fine with it "NOT WORKING" for the sake of experimentation and for others to feedback to. I'm cool with it. In the grand scheme of things even if I do this TWICE - SO WHAT.. it still doesn't come close to the cost of a new roof or a new camper.
I want to thank you greatly for making me aware of the edges where the EPDM is pulled over the sidewall edge... SO YOU SAY THERE IS SUPPOSED TO BE TRIM STRIPS OVER THAT 90 DEGREE EPDM ANGLE??? On our Class C there isn't any at all.. its just EPDM only. I wonder if the previous owner (when initially fixing the roof) just removed all that and didn't see fit to put it back on.
Do you have a LINK to what type of strips I should have there????
Just to be clear, then EPDM edge terminates downward and into the side wall 1 inch on the sides from the top of roof.
Not sure why you don't believe I will use the proper roof repair stuff.. I have Eternabond tape now, Butyl tape, Proper self-leveling sealant (standard rv roof kind - not Henry stuff).
I'd also like to thank ya for suggesting the washers with rubber on them and the screws with that on them as well. I still don't think I need the screws... sorry.. I mean no disrespect towards your obvious many more years of experience with RV's or to anyone elses.. but I asked initially about screwless installation "TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS TRIED IT and get the result" - If no one else has tried it, then that doesn't satisfy me that it can be said it won't work or will work. I'm not looking to waste time here at all.. I'm looking to formulate the best tactics based on collective responses.
Gdetrailer wrote:
Your "plan" does not take this into account at all.
Um.. yeah well... you wouldn't have known that it does. I've already taped off the side walls where the EPDM comes down and was going to coat it all once this big project starts. I just didn't know there was supposed to be a "trim strip" up there on that edge ... doesn't appear to be anything for it to mount to or previous screw holes.. just EPDM pulled over the edge.
Gdetrailer wrote:
Honestly, I would recommend that you sell your RV and rent an apartment so you don't have maintenance to deal with. RVs are not for you
LOL - This part cracked me up. If you only knew how far from the sh__ter we took this motorhome to begin with I dare say you'd have a lil higher of an opinion of me. The roof, engine bay and hot water heater are the only things that haven't been touched yet.
Thinking about the screws with the rubber washers. Hmm.. We'll see. I just don't buy it Gdetrailer... I'm sorry... between the butyl tape, Eternabond tape, sealant and the Henry topcoat "that adheres as well to everything it touches" I do not see that skylight moving even under all that windspeed... its a rounded dome held down at all edges. What I may do before topping off with the 887HS is take it out for a 70mph spin down the interstate with just the butyl, eternabond and sealant cured and see if it looks like its trying to budge off while in transit.
I realize most come on here for just help on how to fix it and be done with it, but I'm interested in experimenting. I know its more work, but I want to see what happens. Chances are high you are right GDETrailer.. I get that, but there's a change the other way too. If experimentation is stupid, then I'm guilty.:B
