Forum Discussion

HouseApe's avatar
HouseApe
Explorer
Feb 11, 2014

Removing factory applied silicone from roof

Keystone should be shoot.

Every seam is calked with SILICONE even the roof seam at the gutter. I have spent weekends removing it and calking with ProFlex on the sides and windows.

What's the best way to remove it from the roof without damaging the membrane? I've got 64 feet of it to remove and calk with Dicor non sag lap sealant.







Second questions is what to do about the top awning mount. Looks to me Keystone installed it wrong. Why is it digging into the roof? Should it not be resting on the gutter. I think I can lower it by using the second set of holes in the bracket or is it fine as is? I've got to remove it to get the silicone out from under it.





  • GrandpaKip's avatar
    GrandpaKip
    Explorer II
    Feb 11, 2014
    I removed all of the silicone around my roof with a piece of wood cut in a wedge and a narrow blade screwdriver. Carefully and slowly. Got to get it all, or the lap sealant won't adhere. This year, I will remove every bit of silicone from the camper and replace with Dicor or Polyseamseal.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Feb 11, 2014
    HouseApe wrote:
    westend wrote:
    I removed all of the trim edging on my roof and all the caulk. I found that 3M caulk remover is a pretty good product. It works much like paint remover in that you need to let the remover soak into the caulk and not evaporate from the surface. It is not detrimental to painted surfaces.

    3m Caulk remover

    I would suggest to loosen the awning clamps, do your magic behind them, apply new sealant and tighten. I've found that clamps or hardware on spring-loaded mechanisms are to moved carefully and as little as possible. No worries about the clamp pressing on the EPDM, it is actually a good seal.


    Is the 3m stuff safe to use on the roof?

    My take is that it's OK with EPDM since it has no hydrocarbon solvents but you may wish to contact 3M and get assurance from them.
  • HouseApe's avatar
    HouseApe
    Explorer
    Feb 11, 2014
    westend wrote:
    I removed all of the trim edging on my roof and all the caulk. I found that 3M caulk remover is a pretty good product. It works much like paint remover in that you need to let the remover soak into the caulk and not evaporate from the surface. It is not detrimental to painted surfaces.

    3m Caulk remover

    I would suggest to loosen the awning clamps, do your magic behind them, apply new sealant and tighten. I've found that clamps or hardware on spring-loaded mechanisms are to moved carefully and as little as possible. No worries about the clamp pressing on the EPDM, it is actually a good seal.


    Is the 3m stuff safe to use on the roof?
  • AlbertaNewbie's avatar
    AlbertaNewbie
    Explorer
    Feb 11, 2014
    leave the awning mount there, caulk over it. you'll do more damage removing it. caulkingnremoval is all about patience and a lot of elbow grease.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Feb 11, 2014
    I removed all of the trim edging on my roof and all the caulk. I found that 3M caulk remover is a pretty good product. It works much like paint remover in that you need to let the remover soak into the caulk and not evaporate from the surface. It is not detrimental to painted surfaces.

    3m Caulk remover

    I would suggest to loosen the awning clamps, do your magic behind them, apply new sealant and tighten. I've found that clamps or hardware on spring-loaded mechanisms are to moved carefully and as little as possible. No worries about the clamp pressing on the EPDM, it is actually a good seal.

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