Forum Discussion

kmbernstein's avatar
kmbernstein
Explorer
Jan 22, 2014

Roof Maintenance

Our dealer did the roof maintenance last year. This year, we will be doing it. We are probably going to use eternabond on the seams, but are not sure what to do around the vents, etc. How do I determine if the stuff around then is silacon? If it is, should we remove it completely and use the eternabond or is there another option? Thanks for the help.

8 Replies

  • The main problem w/ silicone is nothing else sticks to it, ever. Even if removed, unless the surface it was on has all traces of silicone removed (think sanding) nothing else will stick to it, ever.
  • Ordered ours from Amazon.com. Cheaper than any of the big box stores or wally world. Lots cheaper than Camper world.

    Joe.
  • Thanks for your help guys. I knew not to use silicone, however, the eternabond said not to use over silicone. Wasn't sure what I needed to do. jsmart, thanks for the info on the dicor thread in the class A section. It was posted just after I started my research. That being said, where is the best (cheapest) place to order all of the dicor products. Thanks again
  • As bumpy told me on a recent Class A post, use Dicor. They have two kinds you probably need to use, the self leveling for use around vents and the non-sag that you would use around areas like the TV antenna, etc. There is a video on the Dicor website that shows you exactly how to do the roof and which type of Dicor caulk to use on which areas. The local RV shop wanted $700.00 to do the roof on my 2002 Itasca 32V class A, I did it for the cost of 4 tubes of caulk and my time (and I'm certainly not worth $700.00/hr.) Just my opinion.
  • spadoctor wrote:
    NEVER use silicone anywhere on the exterior of an RV.


    x2
    bumpy
  • NEVER use silicone anywhere on the exterior of an RV. I would also NOT use eternabond....I for one have had a bad experience with it and when I was at the factory they said they see many issues with it's use except on totally flat areas such as slides. Since 1988 the ONLY time I had a problem with leaks was when I used Eternabond and not just recaulk. I use caulk I get from the dealer made by Alpha the membrane manufacturer.
  • NO if you have a rubber roof DO NOT use silicone. use only dicor self leveling around the vents. The silicone will ruin a rubber roof.
  • Most factory sealed Vent flanges are sealed but over time they too need to be resealed. Go right over them as then you will seal any open cracks. Make sure you clean roof first and only seal it when temperatures are warm enough and roof is dry. These instructions are on container. Wear old shoes and clothing as it can get messy and your not going to get it off shoes or clothing once it's on them.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,199 PostsLatest Activity: Jun 27, 2026