Forum Discussion

solismaris's avatar
solismaris
Explorer
Nov 16, 2013

Eternabond at roof/side edge; completely cover rain gutters?

Hi rv-ers,
Going to try eternabond for the roof/sides junction. Inspired by the excellent explanation with photos at http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/24901057/gotomsg/24903895.cfm#24903895

But I wonder: The rain gutters on my trailer seem basically worthless. So why stop the eternabond just over the top of the gutter, as he did? Why not go all the way from the roof, over the entire rain gutter, and end it on the side wall? Couple of advantages that I can see: 1: much bigger contact area at the bottom of the eternabond, and 2: no need to worry about water wicking up from below the rain gutter (which he doesn't seem to mention in his article).
Disadvantages: 1: loss of a functional rain gutter which I think is pretty worthless anyway; 2; maybe a bit ugly due to the bulk of the covered area. 3: ?

Is this clear what I am wanting to do? Should I post a picture? Has anyone done it this way? Think it will work ok?

8 Replies

  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Nov 16, 2013
    I would not do it
    the only thing you will be doing is trapping 'air' inside (if you seal the ends) that can heat and expand ?

    if you tape over and leave the ends open, you provide a place for 'insects' to nest
  • rockylarson's avatar
    rockylarson
    Explorer
    Nov 16, 2013
    Once you start applying the Eternabond you will see there is no chance of "wicking". Also I think you will find the additional grip provided by going over the rain gutters to be not needed. After all, it is "Eternabond".
  • pbitschura's avatar
    pbitschura
    Explorer
    Nov 16, 2013
    I did the repair into the gutter for aesthetic reasons. I had no gutter trim seams except at terminations. My potential leaks were the screws which held the roof in place and spots where the gutters emptied onto the skin. I put a piece of tape on the skin at those points as diverters.
  • JRS___B's avatar
    JRS___B
    Explorer
    Nov 16, 2013
    After thought, since gutters apparently do not come in 40 foot lengths, they are installed in a number of shorter lengths. It is a good idea to close off the gap between the individual sections. I used a little JB Weld just on the bottom side. It seems to be holding.
  • therink's avatar
    therink
    Explorer
    Nov 16, 2013
    I would not do that. The gutters do server a purpose and divert water if they are properly maintained and cleaned out. I also believe the tape would not last there and would be unsightly.
    Just my opinion.
    Steve
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Nov 16, 2013
    Besides the cosmetic advantage of having the Eternabond edge inside the gutter, those gutters also help to divert water off the sidewalls, a not inconsiderable advantage.

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