Roof re-caulking

[Craig95005]

My RV shop says my 2012 37 foot Thor Class A motorhome needs removal of the old caulking and re-caulking. It's about six years old and has not been garaged or covered. No leaks so far, but the caulking does show some defects and separation. They figure six hours or so and $1000 to do it. Is that in the (California) ball park? As an alternative, how well does adding to existing caulking work? Thanks.

[jerseyjim]

I re-caulk my fiberglass roof every 2 years. Have never removed the old. Simply go over whatever is there.

No problems.

[DutchmenSport]

Check YouTube videos how to recaulk an RV roof. It's very easy to do. Unless the original caulking is crumbling, or lifting up, removing it could cause more damage. Not actually removing it, but the method of removing could damage the roof. If you see hair line cracks, just apply new caulking directly on top of those cracks. I fine bead will keep it sealed just fine. Chances are, those cracks are not all the way through. They are just surface cracks. Just applying on top of the cracks, following them with caulking gun, and you'll be good to go.

For $1000, you're paying for $20 worth of caulking and the rest in labor to remove something that doesn't need removed.

You can start here.

[Jim]

Also a fan of Eternabond.

Splitting after six years isn't all that unusual, especially if you have a certain travel route or favorite parking spot that racks your RV in such a way that the roof twists occasionally. That will open seams easily over time.

Agree that you should get a second opinion.

You could also consider going to Mexico. The RV park you stay at would know someone who could do the job and it would probably be under $100. I had the edges of my Winnie fiberglass roof done with EBond by 2 guys, cost was $30 labor and $120 total. Took them all of 45 minutes. I did the end caps myself which doesn't look as good as their work.

[stvdman]

Dale.Traveling wrote:

I'm also a fan of Eternabond tape. The stuff is expensive at getting close to $1 a foot but once installed the tape will probably out last everything under it.

This is what I have done and will be doing even to my new 2017. Later this month I will inspect the current sealant/caulk..if its ok (it should be0 I will wait till spring, remove any excess caulking, then aplly ETERNABOND tape down the sides of the roof, on the front/reap caps-roof , and anywhere else I can.

[Hondavalk]

time2roll wrote:
I have been just wiping clean with a damp rag and just going over the old caulk for 12 years now.

If existing is loose or pealing up then yes I would be removing at least the loose areas and caulk over.

X2

[time2roll]

I have been just wiping clean with a damp rag and just going over the old caulk for 12 years now.

If existing is loose or pealing up then yes I would be removing at least the loose areas and caulk over.

[Dale_Traveling]

I acquired my 2006 Hurricane (also a Thor product) used in 2011 and pretty much all the roof seals had degraded and needed attention. Six hours of labor is about right but the labor rate at potentially $150 an hours is a bit high even for CA. You could certainly add additional sealant if you don't mind the "bigger the glob the better the job" look.

Removing old and resealing isn't difficult and there are Youtube videos which will help show a few tricks to make the job a bit easier. Lot easier then sealing a bathroom shower considering it doesn't have to look perfect just has to be weather tight. If you plan to attempt two words of caution NO RTV. Don't ask why not since this post is already getting long just NO.

I'm also a fan of Eternabond tape. The stuff is expensive at getting close to $1 a foot but once installed the tape will probably out last everything under it.

[gbopp]

If you can't do it yourself, contact a mobile RV Tech and get another opinion.

[Oasisbob]

Yes, it probley does need to be re done after six years. By the time you experience a leak the damage is on the way. It's not rocket science if you are able to do it yourself. Choose the correct caulking.

[dockmasterdave]

Try here for photo posting.
rv.net photo posting

[Craig95005]

More splitting. I'll try to post pictures, if I can figure out how to do that.

https://apis.mail.yahoo.com/ws/v3/mailboxes/@.id==VjJ-nmT95xey-ziCxwM5QFu5wCwqvq5yu8W3nRLZZ4lTd_oDsH...

https://apis.mail.yahoo.com/ws/v3/mailboxes/@.id==VjJ-nmT95xey-ziCxwM5QFu5wCwqvq5yu8W3nRLZZ4lTd_oDsH...

https://apis.mail.yahoo.com/ws/v3/mailboxes/@.id==VjJ-nmT95xey-ziCxwM5QFu5wCwqvq5yu8W3nRLZZ4lTd_oDsH...

https://apis.mail.yahoo.com/ws/v3/mailboxes/@.id==VjJ-nmT95xey-ziCxwM5QFu5wCwqvq5yu8W3nRLZZ4lTd_oDsH...

https://apis.mail.yahoo.com/ws/v3/mailboxes/@.id==VjJ-nmT95xey-ziCxwM5QFu5wCwqvq5yu8W3nRLZZ4lTd_oDsH...

Did those come through?

[Bumpyroad]

by separation, do you mean lifting off of the roof material. or splitting. unless original caulk is still sticking well, remove it.
bumpy

[Craig95005]

I'll try to send some pics. What's the best way to post images?

[Hector_Bravo]

If you can post some pictures we’d be able to give you a more accurate indication if you can apply Dicor right over the existing caulk or if you should remove. Either way, unless you are not physically able to do the job that is a lot of money to do the job.

I am a huge fan of eternabond