Caulking Removal...

westend wrote:

LarryJM wrote:

westend wrote:

marc515 wrote:
How does the 3M- 4000UV compare and hold VS Proflex and Dicor?

Thank you

Here are the datasheets: 3M 4000 UV

Geocel Proflex RV

MSDS Dicor lap sealant shows trade name to be Silaprene DC12345. Royal Adhesives RV Silaprene may be close in composition but who knows. Dicor doesn't list a technical data sheet.

MO is that any of these three would have excellent adhesion and offer strength/elongation for an RV. I do notice that folks using Dicor, especially the self-leveling, are renewing it every so often because it tends to crack.

If you look especially at the detailed specs for the 3M product and the apparant testing it has gone thru, I think that tells you a lot about which is the better adhesive/sealant along with marine applications being some of the most demanding. IMO this is a clear "head and shoulders" lead by 3M.

Larry

Might be. I've got a lot of respect for 3M products. I used Geocel 2300, the construction variety of their tripolymer sealants and am having no issues with it.

While a little beyond the topic here one of the biggest reasons that I will only use either the 3M Marine line of adhesives/caulks or Eternanbond on my trailer along with real butyl tape for the primary sealant is only those two to my knowledge are designed or meant for "SUBMERGED" applications. One might say yes, but an RV is not a boat, but IMO there are areas especially on the roof where due to A/C run off water can pool around areas such as Refer Vents, etc. and basically sit in water for extended periods of time. Another what I call a real Achilles Heal of TTs are the four corners where the Front/Rear caps top seal meets the metal trim for the sides that typically goes up onto the roof for like 6 to 8 inches. This forms a nice area where water can pool for "extended" periods of time and is a MAJOR CAUSE of a lot of the corner damages that are typical on trailers. Over time water gets under the edge of the caulk and then once it gets to the screws the wicking begins along with the "HIDDEN DAMAGE" over time. I went overboard in sealing this area by basically entombing those corners in Eternabond and even built up the center of the corner to provide some slope back onto the roof. Below is an annotated pic of that area and my "slathering" of Eternabond to seal it.







Larry