What kind of caulking where roof meets sidewall?

[yankeeslover]

2014 camper.. Not concerned just wondering.. when i look around the perimeter of my roof, right around where it meets the sidewalls im wondering what kind of caulk they use? it looks like there is some stuff starting to peel, almost like they used caulking or silicone maybe under the top gutter/molding and some of its starting to peel from the EPDM... once again, not concerned..Primetime seems really well built and knows what there doing.

[LarryJM]

JIMNLIN wrote:
The roof covering rolls over the sidewall covering. The drip channel or some type of molding goes over that. A butyl tape is used under the channel/molding to make a water tight seal. Its the 1st line of defense against water intrusion.
Then a product like Dicor or many other self leveling sealants may be added as a 2nd line of defense.

Excellent and 100% correct description of the two types and lines of protection against water intrusion. MY COMPLIMENTS

What ever type of product you use up there especially on a roof that is still under warranty, be sure and not use a product that may void that warranty.

While that should certainly be a consideration, IMO doing something like a quality install of something like ETERNABOND IMO is still even more of a consideration. IMO if you have a leak, it probably won't show up before the warranty is over and ensuring you won't have a leak trumphs any warranty concerns which probably for leaks would not be covered and blamed on lack of routine maintenance.

Larry

[yankeeslover]

got email back from Primetime.. he told me it sounds like grey butyl.. they must use it under the gutter on the roof side wall..and some got on the epdm roof during production..thats my guess, it is gray and peels in spots... im not gonna sweat it..thanks for the answers..

[westend]

Here is an article on sealing truck campers and the information applies to travel trailers as the material surfaces are the same.

I'd recommend the same brands and types of sealants, I've used both and they are superior to others. If I have a difference with the article, it is about service intervals (a lot depends on location and UV intensity, along with any snow coverage, intervals would be longer) and the type of caulk remover if silicone has been used. 3M silicone caulk remover followed by a highly aromatic solvent (acetone, lacquer thinner, etc) does a good job for me.

I've also used Eternabond tapes and it is a great product, eliminates a lot of sealant upkeep and will seal problem areas. Any surface that is intended to use Eternabond needs to be scrupulously cleaned before application to get a good bond and the tape needs to be rolled, strongly.

[JIMNLIN]

as far as eternabond, i am actually considering using it on my vent seals this summer...I have made it a habit of going on roof every few months to check the dicor...all seems good so far...if i see any area of question i add more... i might get a roll of tape and over the course of summer add the tape...

A couple of points.
The first is if your trailer still has a warranty be sure and check with the dealer/mfg especially before adding Eternabond tape. One RV.net members dealer told him his roof warranty was void because Eternabond tape he used on his brand new trailers roof.

Both of my dealers say their RV mfg's don't use Dicor brand lap sealant on their RV roofs. One can't tell Dicor from other look a like brands of self leveling roof sealants.

[APT]

If whatever the factory used is peeling, then offering other solutions seem like a good idea. I have used Eternabond for exactly that location on my TT.

[yankeeslover]

thanks for all the answers..LOL, yeah, i guess i do sound terrified... as far as eternabond, i am actually considering using it on my vent seals this summer...I have made it a habit of going on roof every few months to check the dicor...all seems good so far...if i see any area of question i add more... i might get a roll of tape and over the course of summer add the tape... Or my better option would be to save the money and find indoor storage for winter... im more concerned about the snow on the roof year after year... if i can find indoor storage that will keep camper out of rain for six months..even better...... im having a good day today... no panics..camping starts friday..cant wait... seasonal site is a blast..

[SoundGuy]

APT wrote:
Eternabond should do well.

The OP isn't asking about repairing the roof but rather just out of interest what is used, the answer being one brand or another of polyurethane lap sealant such as Dicor, Proflex, Sikaflex, etc. From other posts the OP has made he's terrified of his new camper as it is, no need to further complicate it with answers like "Eternabond" which will probably confuse or even terrify him further. :R

[APT]

Eternabond should do well.

[JIMNLIN]

The roof covering rolls over the sidewall covering. The drip channel or some type of molding goes over that. A butyl tape is used under the channel/molding to make a water tight seal. Its the 1st line of defense against water intrusion.
Then a product like Dicor or many other self leveling sealants may be added as a 2nd line of defense.

What ever type of product you use up there especially on a roof that is still under warranty, be sure and not use a product that may void that warranty.