Forum Discussion

modern_family's avatar
modern_family
Explorer
Aug 01, 2017

Corrugated metal siding leaks

We recently purchased a new, 2017, corrugated siding trailer about 7 months ago ( two previous trailers were fiberglass, so this is new to me) On our 2nd time out it rained when driving and I noticed some water in the front storage compartment. I did not have time to research it too much at the time, so I let it go. We then went on a 3rd trip and it rained again and this time the entire mattress and wall was wet.

So, since I have the know-how and I do not care to bring this to any dealer as my opinion of their work is not favorable, I started to remove the front wall from the inside. Removing the upper storage cabinets (over the bed) then removing the cardboard wall material getting to the studs. There was mold and tons of water and the insulation was soaked. So, I removed everything and now I am looking at the studs and the cheap corrugated metal.

Next, I sprayed water on the front. Using the fan spray choice ( not a direct stream of water) and the joints in the siding leaked in 5 seconds! No joke. We all know how much water is sprayed up on your trailer when it rains, and this thing leaked in 5 seconds.

Anyone had this experience? I have an idea of how to seal it, but wondering if anyone out there has an opinion.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2017
    I have formed, interlocking aluminum siding on my Starcraft. It did not leak for 45 years. I would assume it saw a variety of weather.

    OTOH, my pressurized leak tests showed up two areas close to windows where air expelled through gaps in the siding interlock. I don't know if water could migrate up and through those two areas but I doubt it. My siding has weep holes drilled into the outer channel of the siding.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Aug 01, 2017
    They often leak where the lower part is angled back towards the trailer. On our old aluminum sided TT and TC we found this to be a constant area of maint.
  • modern_family's avatar
    modern_family
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2017
    They are leaking on the horizontal joints, although it seams they couldn't leak due to the design, but they do. It almost seems like they forgot a gasket when installing them. The leaks are not in the corners where I actual expected them. I watched the water come in while my son was spraying the front.
  • QFamCA's avatar
    QFamCA
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2017
    I have the same siding but have not experienced leaks (that I've seen) in two years. I constantly go over the corner strips were the corrugated corners meet each trip and caulked areas that opened up.

    Is yours leaking from were the actually panels are joined? Mine are joined in an interlocking fashion and water intrusion seems unlikely unless sprayed upwards into the joint at high pressure. My panels are tightly interlocked in an "s" fashion (best I can discribe).

    I'll keep checking on this post as I'm interested to prevent similar issues.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Aug 01, 2017
    The only places i know would where the roof meets the aluminum and the clearance lights. Notorious for water intrusion from those areas.
    Could the water be dripping down from either of those places ?

    also check the screws under the vinyl moldings. If you can pull a few to see if they are rusted. It would be nice if they would use SS screws.

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