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davelinde's avatar
davelinde
Explorer
Feb 15, 2014

Skylight repair - DIY? How?

Our FW has been sitting for a while and last year we found a water leak. It turned out the skylight over the shower had cracked in several places and was letting a little water in. I used some two part epoxy to repair the cracks and thought I'd fixed it OK. The other day we checked and the repair didn't work and the water is still getting in. The interior damage is getting worse... :(

Before I tackle the interior I was going to pay someone to replace the skylight. However, on looking at it a little - is this a DIY? I have reasonable skills and tools and can follow instruction.

It looks like I would need to figure out how to get the sealing compound off the edges and the plastic bubble might just pry off? Inside there are just a few screws holding the lower part. If I can get the top and bottom off without making a mess of it I can see inside the roof to see if there is any rot to repair. Assuming it is sound a new bubble dome would just get put in place and sealed?

It looks like the roof sealing material pours on and hardens in place?

I need to get after this soon or I fear what I'll be repairing inside...
Seeking Advice
  • davelinde's avatar
    davelinde
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2014
    that video is perfect! exactly what I was wondering about. THANKS!!
  • NanciL's avatar
    NanciL
    Explorer II
    Feb 15, 2014
    Mine had a crack in it that was leaking, and I repaired it with Dicor.
    So far it is holding, but if it leaks again, I won't replace it with another skylight. I'll remove it, put a piece of quarter inch plywood in it's place and cover that with a rubber roof patch and seal it with dicor.
    I think the skylights are just another trouble spot.

    Jack L
  • wgriswold's avatar
    wgriswold
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2014
    If you replace with Lexan (polycarbonate) do not use Dicor. The solvent in it will damage the skylight. I replaced mine with Lexan and used the tube of caulk they sent with the skylight. A relatively easy job.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Feb 15, 2014
    Nope, all I have ever done is just scrape the old stuff off. Cleaning the surface be very careful what you use. Anything with petro chemicals will likely destroy your roofing material. I use something like 409 to help remove the dirt and loose crud before I reinstall.
  • davelinde's avatar
    davelinde
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2014
    donn0128 wrote:
    Go Here
    For a replacement skylight

    The I assume white putty your asking about is Dicor Lap Seal. Pick up a new tube of the same stuff from any RV dealer, go to a big box store and buy a plastic scraper, go home and go to work.


    Yep I thought the stuff was called Dicor. So the old stuff will scrape off? I was wondering if some kind of solvent might "motivate" it... but I was thinking the same stuff might damage the roof membrane.

    Seems a simply DIY compared to other things I've done.
  • 3_dog_nights's avatar
    3_dog_nights
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2014
    they make that spray rubber (guy with the scrrendoor in bottom of boat) in clear now. Find a "as seen on TV" store and get a couple of cans. Spray a few light coats in opposite directions letting it dry between coats. Way I look at it I can invest $20-30 and a couple of hours to try before I start a tear down project. just saying...
    Best of luck either way!
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Feb 15, 2014
    Go Here
    For a replacement skylight

    The I assume white putty your asking about is Dicor Lap Seal. Pick up a new tube of the same stuff from any RV dealer, go to a big box store and buy a plastic scraper, go home and go to work. The old Dicor will come off with some effort. Once you have the screws uncovered, using your cordless drill remove the screws. Now using the scraper, carefully pull the skylight sway from the roof. Clean up the left over Dicor as best you can. Apply a generous bead of Dicor to the bottom of the new sky light, carefully place it and screw it into place. Finish up by applying a generous amount of new Dicor around the seam and screw heads. Let things dry and your good for another ten years.

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