Forum Discussion

SFVdave's avatar
SFVdave
Explorer
Jul 07, 2016

Which adhesive caulk for solar panel mounts??

My CW has Sikaflex in 221, 505 and 715. Which one is best to mount solar mounts to thin fiberglass roof along with screws?
  • VHB tape and cover the edges/screws with sealant of choice. I like the Geocel products.
  • CA Traveler wrote:
    I used VHB tape, screws and Dicor. Don't expect the screws to hold in thin fiberglass. What's below the fiberglass?
    got 5 panels held down like this
  • 3M 4000UV it's a marine adhesive and caulk. It's made for bedding cleats and such on boats above and below water line. It's UV resistant and has a tensile strength of 500psi. They also make a 5200UV but that's overkill.
  • Under the very thin dimpled fiberglass is luan .20". The RV manufacturer recommended hollow wall anchors that flare out when tightened. Using Stickyfeet and 1 or 2 anchors per mount. then covering with the adhesive caulk. Adding extra mounts and using the anchors because we encounter high wind gusts in our travels, sometimes head on. Might be overkill, but it's for peace of mind.
  • In that case he should use appropriate support brackets that will allow screws to be secured into the roof beams.
  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    I believe that "non structural FG" - all those roofs except for Scamp, Casita, etc - have nothing but block foam underneath. Such things should better be checked by prying the trim off, inside the vent hatch.

    Could have 1/8" ply backing, but this is still nothing. On surfaces thinner than 3/8" I prefer well nuts. Tapping screws won't hold.
  • I used VHB tape, screws and Dicor. Don't expect the screws to hold in thin fiberglass. What's below the fiberglass?
  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    On metal and EPDM roofs people use either Dicor self-leveling lap sealant or Geocel Advanced RV EPDM roof sealant. Cant's say about fiberglass. I tried both, and like Geocel better, cures faster and no shrinking. Though have to be careful when it's very hot - might skin too fast. Dicor is also better to use when it's not too hot.

    Other sealants are mostly inferior for this application, from what I hear from people.

    Both metal and EPDM membranes require screws in addition to sealant, you can't rely on sealant for fastening. Again, fiberglass is different.

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