Forum Discussion

mackvli's avatar
mackvli
Explorer
Oct 20, 2013

Lap Sealant Issue

I had a leak around one of my vents so last weekend I carefully removed the old seals and re-did the lap sealant around each penetration. I used the Dicor Self-Leveling lap sealant. Today I took another look at everything and found the sealant had bubbled pretty bad. It looks terrible. It appears to be holding a seal to the roof, but I am concerned about the bubbles and the ability of the new sealant to remain water-tight.

I am wondering if I did not clean the roof well enough or if there was moisture that was trapped beneath the sealant?

Has anyone else experienced this issue and can any of the more experienced members comment on what to do?

Thanks in advance,

Mack









  • mackvli's avatar
    mackvli
    Explorer
    Oct 22, 2013
    You guys are good! This is the reply I got from Dicor. Pretty quick response too, I must say I'm impressed with the customer service.

    "You're okay. The lap sealant contains a petroleum distillate that is used strictly in the curing process. As the lap sealant cures, the lap sealant evaporates and vice-versa. The cooler the temps and the heavier the material is applied, the better the chances the lap sealant will grab or pucker the membrane. It will lay flat once the lap sealant cures. This could take up to 30 days depending on temperatures and heaviness of the material. Relax - the lap sealant is doing what it is supposed to do."
  • mackvli's avatar
    mackvli
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2013
    Good feedback, thanks everyone. I agree that I probably used too much as I cut the applicator tip pretty short thinking it would make the install go quicker. Live & learn.

    I did send an email to Dicor support yesterday with these same pics. Looks like I'll give Dicor a couple days to respond, the 800# is a good idea too.

    Best case scenario it will settle down in the next week or two.
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer II
    Oct 20, 2013
    I'd give it a few weeks. It skins over then begins to cure inside. May have used more than needed, but I'll bet that in a few weeks it will pretty much level out. When I've done it in warm weather it looks like your picture in late afternoon, but a day later it's smoothed out quite a bit.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Oct 20, 2013
    I would be more interested in what Dicor has to say. I would find the batch number and give them a 1-800 to their tech folks.

    I use Dicor but IMO it looks like too much was used for the job.
  • SuperDutyFiver's avatar
    SuperDutyFiver
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2013
    I agree-looks right on for a cold temp install-you should be ok-and I think it'll 'settle' some when heated up good.
  • mackvli's avatar
    mackvli
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2013
    I live in Utah and it was in the high 50's, low 60's when I applied the sealant. I did not warm it up to room temp before applying. It has also been in the low 40's and even high 30's every night since I applied it.
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer II
    Oct 20, 2013
    somewhat normal when applied in colder temps. you will find that in the next week or so it will likely smooth itself out and look more normal. It's part of the normmal curing process.
  • harold1946's avatar
    harold1946
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2013
    I do not believe there is any harm done. Just looks like the lap sealent was cold when applied. Best results are when it is used when warmed.

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