Eternabond/Roof-Cap Resealing

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

I plan to re-seal my roof in the next week or so. I was on the roof this weekend and of particular concern were the taping between the roof and front and rear caps. The existing tape has severe voids and loss of contact with the fiberglass. I had planned to tape over these junctions, but now believe the old tape needs to be removed. SO!
Has anyone had this situation before? If so did you remove the old tape?
What is the best way to remove the tape and I'm sure adhesive residue? Any concerns that I should be aware of in installing the new eternabond tape?
I have a can of acetone to remove any silicone or other contaminents.
Your help and responses are appreciated.

Ronnie

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

I plan to re-seal my roof in the next week or so. I was on the roof this weekend and of particular concern were the taping between the roof and front and rear caps. The existing tape has severe voids and loss of contact with the fiberglass. I had planned to tape over these junctions, but now believe the old tape needs to be removed. SO!
Has anyone had this situation before? If so did you remove the old tape?
What is the best way to remove the tape and I'm sure adhesive residue? Any concerns that I should be aware of in installing the new eternabond tape?
I have a can of acetone to remove any silicone or other contaminents.
Your help and responses are appreciated.

Ronnie

[GaryKD]

Hi Ronnie,
I did my coach about a year ago. Like the title of your thread says,,,,,Eternabond. I used it to cover/seal around the perimeter of the roof. This includes the front and rear caps. Also used Eternabond on a previous coach. After 10+ years, no leaks.

If you do this:
1. buy the widest roll of eternabond possible
2. lay a chalk line along the edge of where the Eternabond is to go. This will help keep the run straight. Once Etrnabond makes contact, that's it, you don't get a second chance.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Gary, was your old eternabond strectched/loose but not leaking? Did you remove the old material and how/remove the residue?

Ronnie

[GaryKD]

Hi Ronnie,
On both coaches I have used Eternabond, I used it only once. I applied it over the factory seal/caulk/molding. I removed nothing before applying the Eternabond. I cleaned the area with 303 before applying. On the first coach, the Eternabond was there about 8 years. It looked a little faded, but nothing else. The current coach, the Eternabond is almost a year old.

When applying, I was very careful not to streach the Eternabond. Just did a casual lay down, following the chalk line.

I never had to do anything else. Just clean the roof once a year with 303.

[OpaRon]

Gary, Did your 05 KSDP need the Eternabond due to your being in Florida (heat, sun, etc) or was this a preventive measure? I have an 05 DSDP and the roof seals still look quite OK to me. Just wondering, because I know you are a stickler for details. Also, as with so many of your upgrades, mods, etc, did you take and post photos? Thanks!

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Gary, do you think I would be OK in removing the unbonded eternabond that is no longer adhering by removing just the unbonded area by cutting with an exacto knife, running a strip of new tape down the center of old tape then applying a strip on the back side of the bond line and then a strip on the forward side of the bond line? I'm using 4"wide tapr or
should I remove the unbonded area as mentioned and apply tape forward annd aft without the additional run down the middle where the unbond exists?
So many questions...so much time!

Ronnie

[Latitude]

Gary

The 303 you refer to Is that the '303 Protectant'???? or does 303 make a cleaner???

When I replaced my roof antennaes I used Dicor Self levelling sealant and it worked very well. That it what Newmar has originally used on the roof joints, Front and Rear cap and roof to sides BUT

I think the Eternabond would do a MUCH nicer and neater job and that is on my to do list for the Spring!! It is too cold!! here in the Great White North for climbing on the roof this year!!!

Rick

[Latitude]

Ronnie

You mention some 'unbonded Eternabond' tape!!!

Did you previously put Eternabond on your Coach?? and it did not bond/stick well???

Rick

[Spikester]

Latitude, 303 does make a industrial concentrated cleaner called "303 Aerospace Cleaner". Good product, only cleaner authorized by sunbrella for use on their products.

Here is a link 303 Cleaner

Spike

[Latitude]

Spike

That is likely what Gary is referring to!!

I have used Fabric Guard on Sunbrella and the Protectant on all my slide gaskets/seals, compartment gaskets/seals and my Coach Tires..

Thanks Rick

[GaryKD]

Wow, lots of questions so here it goes, all in one post.

OpaRon - Applying the EternaBond was preventative maintenance. There was nothing wrong with the factory sealer, even after 3 years.

All my phots are posted in the Hints and Tips thread at the top of the Newmar Owners' Forum. I posted no photos of the EternaBond maintenance. I took some, but they are pretty mundane. The roof is white. EternaBond is white. It ended up that there was nothing to show.

Ronnie - I have no experience with EternaBond where the bond has come apart. Based on your post, I'd cut the unbonded part away. Then I'd make an EternaBond patch to cover, with considerable overlap, the area that was cut away. The goal is to ensure all roof seals are covered by EternaBond. Unless the current EternaBond is over 10 years old or shows signs of considerable wear, I would not make a new run. Eternabond is supose to last 10 years.

Rick - I use 303 cleaner. I could only find it on the web. It comes in a concentrate. Based on the mix ratio, the gallon (smallest container sold) will last me a lifetime. When I bought mine about, 3 years ago, a gallon of the stuff was the smallest container I could find. I Googled 303 cleaner and see where it is now sold in smaller containers.

[Latitude]

Gary
Great info as usual!!

How many times a year do you wash the Brite-tek with the 303 Cleaner????

Thanks Rick

[GaryKD]

Once a year I clean the entire roof with 303. This includes all vent opening seals, vent caps inside and out, Sat dome, antennas, etc. During the year, if the roof had been through a trying time (like two weeks right on the ocean) I will give it a cleaning with 303. Not as thorough as the once a year cleaning, but enough to make be feel good that I got rid of most all the contaminants.