Removing Caulking

Roof or sides? If roof is it rubber?

SH wrote:

MagillaGorilla wrote:
I was thinking about re-doing all of the caulking on my MH in the spring (if it ever gets here). Anyone out here know of a good way to remove the old stuff without ruining the camper?

I have done this quite often. This tool works really well although it doesn't last long. Will not damage your rig but don't use it on the rubber roof.

x2

My '97 5th wheel trailer still has the majority of factory caulk on the roof. Its stuck tight so no leaks.
I check the roof twice a year looking for small cracks in the sealant or where its lifted. I only repair those spots.
I use a putty knife sharpened to my needs. Works great on the metal flanges and very careful on rubber roof material.
The more holes/cuts up there the more chances of water intrusion.

I just use utility knife blades because I have plenty of them. A razor blade might e a bit better.

westend wrote:
3M caulk remover.It is also available at the big box stores, hardware stores, and at some Walmarts.

Apply it to the caulk, let it sit for an extended time, and peel off the old caulk. If you're doing this in warm weather with the sun on it, it may be necessary to cover the caulk and remover with plastic wrap so it doesn't evaporate too fast. Applying the remover at dusk and waiting overnight has worked well for me also.

An option to the 3M is a gel product by McKanica The gel doesn't drip off or dry out as easily. It is also said to be safe for fiberglass.

MagillaGorilla wrote:
I was thinking about re-doing all of the caulking on my MH in the spring (if it ever gets here). Anyone out here know of a good way to remove the old stuff without ruining the camper?

I have done this quite often. This tool works really well although it doesn't last long. Will not damage your rig but don't use it on the rubber roof.

What caulk are you wanting to remove? At what location on the camper? From what I understand it is not recommended to remove the caulk from the roof unless it is already loose.

Robert Wynkoop

3M caulk remover.It is also available at the big box stores, hardware stores, and at some Walmarts.

Apply it to the caulk, let it sit for an extended time, and peel off the old caulk. If you're doing this in warm weather with the sun on it, it may be necessary to cover the caulk and remover with plastic wrap so it doesn't evaporate too fast. Applying the remover at dusk and waiting overnight has worked well for me also.

If you are looking for a non metallic scraper, I usually use a piece of Plexiglas and it can be cut and/or sanded to the shape you want and re-sanded to keep it sharp

Was doing a bit of that only yesterday on a boat. I use a variety of tools including a window scraper, a sharpened paint can opener, a thin putty knive, even a broken but re purposed filet knife.

Much depends on the type of material but whatever be wery wery careful.