Vertical Sealant best practices

[kfp673]

Hello All,

Have used lap sealant on the roof many times over many years, but for the vertical seals have only had to touch it up, never a true full length reseal. I noticed that a foam seal around a slide had a factory bead that has separated the entire length and I'm considering hitting a few other areas while I'm at it. I have the non sag clear RV sealant to use, but I assume I should clean the old first. Mineral spirits? Something else?

Also, what is the best way to remove old silicone? There are a few vertical spots where silicone was used and as we all know, nothing will stick to that. It needs a new bead. What is the best way to remove silicone? Thanks!

[JaxDad]

Oh that’s easy, tip the RV over on its side, then it’s horizontal not vertical. 😜

You’re welcome.

[Grit_dog]

Then if you use anything like mineral spirits or degreaser, a thorough wipe down with a solvent that will remove the residue left by those products, like paint prep solvent (best) or lacquer thinner/acetone/paint reducer (unless it’s powder coated aluminum which those solvent may be too strong for, in which case denatured alcohol would work, test on a small spot first)

[Onyrlef]

Heat gun, sparingly. Non scarring scraper blade. Clean up w/ mineral spirits, then spray with a dilute degreaser like purple power, wipe it clean, let it thoroughly dry.