butyly tape for solar panel install question

Mine have butyl tape under the "feet", screws through all that, and self-leveling dicor over everything.

I used Eternabond Doublestick between the feet and roof surface, then Dicor over the foot, screw, etc. I contacted Rex Willet, owner of Northstar campers (my camper), and he said they use Eternabond Doublestick on their solar installs. And I removed Eternabond from a previous camper when doing a total recaulk. Wow, does that stuff stick!!

Scott

Oops, mine is probably NOT butyl tape, but Eternabond also. Bill from TCW in NH installed mine.

I used 3m VHB tape between my panel legs and the roof. No screws.
5 years and still holding.

srschang wrote:
I used Eternabond Doublestick between the feet and roof surface, then Dicor over the foot, screw, etc. I contacted Rex Willet, owner of Northstar campers (my camper), and he said they use Eternabond Doublestick on their solar installs. And I removed Eternabond from a previous camper when doing a total recaulk. Wow, does that stuff stick!!

Scott

Ha ha ha!!! Yep. Definitely get it right the first time cause a do-over is a super PITA!!

When it comes to RV's, just like you'll never complain about too much truck, you won't complain about having double the water proofing.
Belt and braces.
Hell, go double stick Eternabond, then regular Eternabond over top, then Dicor as the icing on the cake.

Fishbreath wrote:
I used 3m VHB tape between my panel legs and the roof. No screws.
5 years and still holding.

Nice!
Just outta curiosity:
What's your roof made of?
What type of enviro exposure is your camper seeing when out?
How's it stored? Open/tarp/shed roof/full enclosed garage?

I haven't seen the double sided Eternabond. Have you ever seen it? And if so, is it different then the 3M VHB?
If it or the E-Bond tape holds up that well, certainly worth it if it avoids putting anymore holes then necessary in a roof.

srschang wrote:
I used Eternabond Doublestick between the feet and roof surface, then Dicor over the foot, screw, etc. I contacted Rex Willet, owner of Northstar campers (my camper), and he said they use Eternabond Doublestick on their solar installs. And I removed Eternabond from a previous camper when doing a total recaulk. Wow, does that stuff stick!!

Scott

If you have butyl tape use that under the feet and then a liberal dose of self leveling Dicor over the feet and screws. The Eternabond Doublestick would be great under the feet but not necessary.

A small amount of butyl tape is wrapped around the screw. If you are using sheet metal screws, the tape is applied UNDER the foot of the item being fastened. If the item is through bolted (i.e. nut on the opposite side) AND the screw head is counter sunk into the foot of the item the tape is place between the screw head and the foot.

Most sailors prefer butyl tape over ANY type of caulk, because they know that they will all fail because EVERYTHING flexes ! With butyl, you simply undo the fastener, remove the butyl, clean, re-apply the butyl and reinsert the fastener.

Butyl tape or even excess butyl last FOREVER if kept tightly sealed.

Thanks to all of you, I appreciate the help.