Tricks for Faster Dicor Removal?

[Billzo]

I've noticed that the seams between the front cap and back cap and roof have split open after some brutal summers. So, it's time to redo them and a couple of other sections on the roof. I'd like to reduce the amount of time it takes to remove all of the old (I assume it's) Dicor on these seams. Any tricks? I've previously used putty knives and it's such a process.

[JoeH]

For removing teh Dicor, I use a plastic razor blade, available at most auto stores. Peels most if it right off without damaging the roof, then a quick cleanup with Mineral Spirits followed by Alcohol then apply the new Dicor.

[Billzo]

Yeah, I've got mineral spirits instead. I've read all about the acetone versus mineral spirits debate and am using it carefully.

[Cummins12V98]

From Eternabond site


Cleaning Recommendations

For EPDM and metal clean with a "hot" (fast evaporating) solvent like - lacquer thinner, acetone, automotive brake parts cleaner, or a commercial EPDM cleaner, or a good, non-residue leaving cleaner.
For thermoplastic roofs like PVC, TPO, Hypalon, score the surface of with a Scotch-brite like pad (or equal), sand cloth a sanding sponge, etc. Wipe off dust.
For rusty metal modified / granulated roofs, stucco, concrete, wood or other porous surfaces - blow or brush off loose or heavy dust / dirt. Coat surface with a light coat of EternaPrime®.

[Ralph_Cramden]

Id be real careful with Acetone....its a little aggresive. I suspect your 2000 has EPDM but one thing Acetone will do is melt most plastics such as vent flanges etc. It will also melt TPO or the newer PVC roof membranes.

[Billzo]

beemerphile1 wrote:
Clean with acetone and cover with Eternabond.

Ok, thanks.

[beemerphile1]

Clean with acetone and cover with Eternabond.

[FrankShore]

Billzo wrote:
I've got the Eternabond, what do you recommend to clean the old stuff for the best adhesion?

I've got an oscillator, I'll look around for a blade.

Eternabond makes a spray adhesion!

[Billzo]

Ok, the two seams are done and I'm looking at some of the vents. The problem I'm asking about now wasn't as much a problem with the seems because I removed so much of the old caulking, but now what I'm looking at is basically what looks like ground in dirt in the caulking. I'm thinking a plastic brush and a cleaner is going to be required.

Wo can the Eternabond just be applied over what looks like dirty caulk? It -has- been surface cleaned but wow, it still looks bad.

[winniman]

Billzo wrote:
I've got the Eternabond, what do you recommend to clean the old stuff for the best adhesion?

I've got an oscillator, I'll look around for a blade.

The directions on the tape tell you to clean the area with mineral spirits before applying eternabond tape. They recommend rolling it after application to cause a chemical reaction for better bonding.

[Cummins12V98]

Billzo wrote:
I've got the Eternabond, what do you recommend to clean the old stuff for the best adhesion?

I've got an oscillator, I'll look around for a blade.

Do a search there is a recommended solvent. Of course they will sell you theirs at a BIG cost.

Oscillator??? Why and blade for what? Simply clean it and cover it.

[Billzo]

I've got the Eternabond, what do you recommend to clean the old stuff for the best adhesion?

I've got an oscillator, I'll look around for a blade.

[Beaker]

Leave it, clean it and install Eternabond over the seam side to side

x2

[Cummins12V98]

Leave it, clean it and install Eternabond over the seam side to side.

[ksg5000]

They make special caulk removal blades for oscillating tools - there rounded and if used correctly won't damage rubber roofs.