Re-seal Everything On Roof

[Scottybdivin]

We just experienced a leak during torrential rains last weekend. It was a continuous drip that required a pan. It was coming from one of the recessed light fixtures behind the passenger seat, in front of the jackknife sofa. I have been up on the roof and it looks to be in perfect condition. No cracks or blemishes. I called a highly rated mobile RV Repair guy, and he replied that he was booked through the summer and until late fall. The nearest trustworthy dealer is 5 hours away. Looks like I may be taking on the project myself.

Any experience, knowledge of products, or tutorials are welcomed. Remove old sealers or apply new sealer on top? Cleaners, preparation, etc.

[tom chelbana]

On our 04 Essex I go up on the roof once or twice a year and use self-leveling sealer from CW around all sealed area were I start to see small cracks. We bought it new and never had a leak and still have the original sealer on from Newmar. If you sealer is lifting or looks bad you may need to remove and reseal. Best to keep up with it. When was the last time you check your roof and resealed? Small leak in the right place can get a lot of water in coach.

[tdelisle]

If it looks in perfect condition you my want to take the 5 hour drive

[BBelanger]

Just a heads up, even though it may appear from that light, it could be leaking anywhere and just running to that spot to leak out. The point is, don't concentrate only on that one spot. Best to try to find it while it's leaking, maybe re-create it with a water hose while you're doing your search. With the hose you can concentrate on suspects spots.

BillB

[Scottybdivin]

Thanks. I have had it for 18 mo and nothing has been done thus far. It sits under cover 95% of the time. I was going to start with re-sealing everything on the roof (3 AC's, 3 Fans, and various antennae and vents. Then, I plan to do a leakage test. Sounds like I should start by removing the old sealer, since no telling how old it is. What is the best sealer and cleaner to use. I have heard the name Dicor and maybe one or two others.


If I'm unsuccessful, I will consider the drive.

[VP Chianese]

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

Thanks. I have had it for 18 mo and nothing has been done thus far. It sits under cover 95% of the time. I was going to start with re-sealing everything on the roof (3 AC's, 3 Fans, and various antennae and vents. Then, I plan to do a leakage test. Sounds like I should start by removing the old sealer, since no telling how old it is. What is the best sealer and cleaner to use. I have heard the name Dicor and maybe one or two others.


If I'm unsuccessful, I will consider the drive.

Scotty,

Here is a way to find the exact spot. It is how that check boats and how van conversion companies check for leaks on the high tops that they install.

Mix up a gallon or so of the soap that the kids use for blowing bubbles. Dawn dish shop will work. Close all windows and vents on the coach. Then turn on all of the the A/C fans at full speed, even the dash fan. The more fans the more pressure you will have. Even a big box fan on high.

Then go on the roof and start to spray the soapy water around the seals of everything up there. It will show itself.

Good luck

[GaryKD]

Hi Scottybdivin,
Consider sealing with the EternaBond brand products. I've found the 10 years and forget it to be real. Go to https://www.eternabond.com/RV-Leak-R...ducts-s/22.htm to learn more.

[Sweetbriar]

Sealant can be pretty deceiving. Looks perfectly fine standing over it but get down on your hands and knees and you might find a hair line split that's letting water in. I've been slowly replacing all the sealant on my roof with Eternabond tape. I'm down to just the tank vents and the ladder bolt downs. The tape works very well but is a bit pricey at about $1 a foot but will probably outlast the coach it's stuck too.

The tape near the sat dome was installed fall of 2011 and is still water tight with no signs of degrading. Coach is out in the weather 24/7.

[noslofivoh]

I agree with using the eternabond tape. We experienced a leak in our 5th wheel and once I found the spot, I sealed it with eternabond. I, too, am resealing all areas of my roof top with eternabond too. I found Amazon to be the best price for it. It is available in different widths to accommodate the area being sealed.

[richs050]

I also agree with using the eternabond tape.

)
Richard

[mel s]

Originally Posted by VP Chianese

Scotty,
Here is a way to find the exact spot. It is how that check boats and how van conversion companies check for leaks on the high tops that they install.
Mix up a gallon or so of the soap that the kids use for blowing bubbles. Dawn dish shop will work. Close all windows and vents on the coach. Then turn on all of the the A/C fans at full speed, even the dash fan. The more fans the more pressure you will have. Even a big box fan on high.
Then go on the roof and start to spray the soapy water around the seals of everything up there. It will show itself.
Good luck

VP Chianese;
ONLY the dash A/C or the dash heater, (when not set to recirculate), or a big box fan drawing outside air into the coach will increase the positive pressure in the cabin of the coach... (RV rooftop A/C units do not draw outside air into the cabin).
Mel
'96 Safari

[RandyKathyM]

Another vote for Eternabond did mine 5 years ago no leaks.

[Mainuh]

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

We just experienced a leak during torrential rains last weekend. <snip>

Any experience, knowledge of products, or tutorials are welcomed. Remove old sealers or apply new sealer on top? Cleaners, preparation, etc.

Hey Scotty,

I've just finished replacing all the dicor on my roof. (with new white dicor) Had bought a 50'x4" roll of Eternabond too but mostly for anchoring Wifi Ranger wire. But, I did remove all existing dicor since the MA is new to us and I didn't know when any of it was applied although it all looked ok.

THe RVGEEKS have a good video on using dicor here.

Good luck! I had a minor leak before we took delivery that came in through the wingard crank up antenna wire... the dicor there had some minor cracks that were hard to see. Was dripping in through a ceiling light as your is. Cheap and easy enough to remove and replace.

[Mr_D]

Our Dutch Star owners manual said the check the sealant on the roof twice a year, which I did.