Leak Roof help

Moved from Forum Technical Support

A 5-yo roof should have a warranty in place.

Roof warranties are almost useless as the leak is probably at a seam and that's a maintenance item. I'd pressurize the trailer and use soapy water sprayed on any potential leak. Sealtech provides equipment used by some service centers to do this. There are also some DIY threads floating around here.

Just in case people (like me) don't know, how would one pressurize a trailer?

There is a thread about a guy using a leaf blower stuck through a window and then sealed tight. Basically any method you can figure out to increase the pressure inside the trailer about 1PSI greater than outside will work fine. then spraying soapy water over the entire trailer and mark each bubble you find. Leaks from lack of maintenance can be very hard to pinpoint. Water tends to travel a long way from the leak to where it appears. Guess you have now learned a hard lessor. Seal, seal, seal. As for the repairs part of your question. Depends. if your sure it is a minor problem, clean and paint might be all you need to do. If on the other hand it is more serious like most leaks tend to be, it may involve a lot of removing and replacing rotten or moldy wood. You will not have a clue until you fix the leak first then open the damaged area and inspect it.

Easiest way to get a pressurized leak test is to have a SealTech test done at a dealership. $100.

HOWEVER...

Since there is an inside ceiling and insulation between the cabin and the rubber roof these tests typically can not identify roof leaks.

Look for:
* Are your travel lights leaking? Common source of leaks
* Is it coming in from underneath the AC?
* Check the seals on all roof vents. If it is leaking you will typically be able to see the source.
* The front strip where the rubber ends and the front cap begings. This is also a very common area. Good place for a strip of Eternabond.

Good luck!

pbohart wrote:


Since there is an inside ceiling and insulation between the cabin and the rubber roof these tests typically can not identify roof leaks.

!

Nay, nay, an increase in pressure of 1" to 2" of water column is enough to find any leaks. I have new insulation and a continuous, taped vapor barrier in my rig and the pressure test will show even a pinhole leak. The air will migrate through staple and nail holes to reach the exterior.

I would throughly clean all the seams and around all roof penetrations. Then I would apply Eternabond tape to every one of those places. That should take care of all the roof leaks. Next, I would remove and re-caulk all the clearance lights around the top and sides of the trailer. I would also check all windows for good caulking and re-do if necessary.

If, after all this work, the roof still has a problem (not very likely) then I would apply the Liquid Roof product right over the whole roof. .
Barney

Thanks everyone! appreciate all the advice.