Roof seams starting to crack

Question

I know this subject has been out there many times but it's now my time to think about doing some resealing on my 5th wheel. It's 3 years old, does not have any evidence of leaking but I noticed that some of the caulking on the roof seams are cracking a little in places, especially where the front cap meets the roof. I guess the question is: am I short cutting this by resealing just the cracks that I see or should I make this a big job by resealing all of the joints? If I do it all, can I re-caulk over the original without digging it all out and starting over? If I have to do it all, should I use Dicor Lap sealant or Eternabond?

lwiddis · Answer

Annual roof maintenance is essential. Every six months is better. I use Heng’s and Eterabond tape. “Evidence of leaking” is what you never want to see.

sjm9911 · Answer

Depends on what it was sealed with and how it is. If the old stuff is still pliable,  i qould clean it with mineral spirets or simmiler and caulk over it with dicore, self leveling. If hard, and separating,  remove and re due it.

bill_diana · Answer

Eternabond tape.  Do it once and it is good forever.

draggo · Answer

I second just using the Eternabond tape and basically forgetting about it.  I did all the roof seams on my 3 yr. old TT this year to protect it.  Our last TT sprung a leak that I missed on my inspections and it ruined the trailer so I didn't want to take chances this time.  I'll still check it annually but at least the odds of a problem are a lot less now.

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Roof seams starting to crack

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