Removing Dicor from screw holes...

[SJ-Chris]

I would like to remove my refrigerator vent cap up on the roof. (I'm doing this because I want to send some solar wires down without putting another hole in the roof.)

Here is a picture of what the top of the vent cover looks like:



On the top of this vent, there are 4 screws to hold it down. You can see from the image, over the top of the screw holes is Dicor to prevent it from leaking water.

My question is this: What is the best way to remove the Dicor in these screw holes such that I can get a screwdriver down to the screws to remove them? (I haven't worked much with Dicor before)

Thanks!
Chris

[deltabravo]

Pick it out with a small flat blade screw driver.

[wopachop]

I think I did that method. Went up with a square tip on an impact screwdriver. That was for the fridge vent though.

[dhull]

You can shove a screwdriver right thru it and unscrew. Easier to clean off then. That stuff stays soft for years.

[ksg5000]

Didn't have a heat gun but even my wife's hair dryer seem to loosen the caulk enough to get a screw driver bit to work.

[bobsallyh]

Hit it with a heat gun and then the driver and it will back right out. When a heat gun hits Dicor, it just rolls aside with whatever tool you are going to use.

[midnightsadie]

would a heat gun loosen it up.

[MFL]

When I removed my cover, I just loosened the dicor edges with a plastic sharp edged tool for applying caulk. A credit card will work similar. The Dicor does not stick well to that plastic vent, like it does to your roof.

After the edges are loose, just twist/pull up, and should come out in one piece (mine did). I actually put the old Dicor pieces, back in the same hole, which still made a fair seal, and still in there, after several years.

There really is no place for water to leak, but could cause screw to rust, if water sat in that recess.

Jerry

[BobsYourUncle]

I work with that situation a lot in my solarium work. Always something to take apart with the screw heads caulked.

Exactly as birdnst said, dig it out. It can be a little tedious, but there are only 4 screws.

Dicor sticks hard, it's great stuff. I always start with a utility knife such as Olfa, and try to get a piece loose enough to grab it with a pair of pliers and pull while I use a knife, pick, nail, screw or anything with a small sharp tip to pry it away from the screw head.

There is no other way to do it. No solvent will work without damaging the surrounding area.

[Birdnst]

Dig it out with pick, small screw driver or pocket knife.
Be sure to reapply when finished.
Take your time you'll be fine.
I do not see any cracks only dicor dribble.

[bucky]

clicky

Might want to get a new cover while you are at it. That one is cracked.