Community Forums

Rsteabag · 08-26-2008, 03:10 PM

I was washing by hand (sponge and bucket)and waxing the trailer today and was removing the mildew that accumulates on the small protective plastic strp that covers the screws where the roof is attached to the sides. I lifted this out a little and water poured out from behind it. Was thinking about it for a while and thought what if the screws aren't water tight guess where the water might go. Has anybody found the same problem???

Rsteabag · 08-26-2008, 03:10 PM

I was washing by hand (sponge and bucket)and waxing the trailer today and was removing the mildew that accumulates on the small protective plastic strp that covers the screws where the roof is attached to the sides. I lifted this out a little and water poured out from behind it. Was thinking about it for a while and thought what if the screws aren't water tight guess where the water might go. Has anybody found the same problem???

headinsouth · 08-27-2008, 04:05 PM

Dick I believe you can remove the little plastic strip and spray each screw with WD-40.. As you know, that is a water displacement formula and it will prevent corrosion at the same time.. unfortunately, due to the screw heads being oily.. I doubt the little plastic strip will stay on after that so maybe that isn't the best idea... If water can get to the screws, it can probably get behind it.. maybe a dab of sealant around the screws might help..

Workshop · 08-28-2008, 04:14 AM

Hopefully I'm not over thinking....are you talking about the vinyl insert that's within the trim that covers the screws.

I assume you are and yes I have had and do have the same problem and would assume ANY RV unit out there that has a vinyl insert does also. Yes, moisture to some degree does affect the screws and what affect it has on the framing is unknown to me but would assume that it could have some affect.

As I'm in the process of replacing the vinyl inserts on my unit, shorter pieces of trim (less than 8 ft) are being removed, cleaned and installed with new insert. On longer sections only the insert is replaced. Have found that 75% of the screws removed shows evidence of moisture between lightly to badly rusted. There is evidence that moisture/dirt has been behind the metal trim as well which can lead to the same condition. One can not determine on a 7 yr old unit if the screws were rusted due to moisture beneath the vinyl or behind the trim due to a bad seal.

It's important that the caulk/sealant on the trim and other areas be maintained to prevent these conditions. It has been my practice that if a screw is removed, silicone is applied to the screw thread before installing. In other places beneath the insert, sealant is placed over the screw's head if not removed.

Pictures can be posted if helpful.

rockintom · 08-28-2008, 06:16 AM

Workhorse,

Great info as usual, but wondering if the vinal strips are best if they are sealed into place why they don't do that at the factory? I'm concerned about sealing as it seems that the RV techs that I've discussed it with don't suggest sealing anything on a vertical surface completely (usually want to seal the top edge from the elements and leave the bottom open, in the event that water gets behind the strip it will drain out. As usual, I'm probably building too much into this. Wondering your thoughts on this circumstance.

ChiefJohn · 08-28-2008, 06:30 AM

IMO, water trapped behind the vinyl insert was the cause of slide-out floors rotting in some 2005 models. The aluminum extrusion that the vinyl fits into was installed with foam backing versus putty tape. Rusting screw heads is a good indication water has seeped past the screw threads into the wall/floor.

Okay, 'SirKnowItAll' and 'WorkHorse', does this make sense?

rockintom · 08-28-2008, 07:08 AM

Chief,

Your exactly right, except it affects more than just '05 models, and the putty tape you describe is butyl tape (good stuff). In my opinion, the main cause for rotting floors is the foam tape between the slide wall and extrusion. Also water gets behind the vinal strips and trapped in the extrusion channel (I can't believe how much water gets trapped in there!). Then water seeps in behind the screw heads and into the floors. That is why the repair PI does is to replace the extrusion with almost flat straight sided piece, exposed screw heads and butyl tape as the foundation for the strip. They chalk the top side of the strip and leave the bottom open for drainage if nec. rock

Workshop · 08-28-2008, 07:19 AM

Makes sense to me. I have the foam tape behind the trim but would also guess if putty tape was behind the trim the condition might also exist to some extent, would be better but believe moisture entering from the top through a bad caulk seal would be trapped within the trim, fiberglass wall and silicone seal. Best I guess to keep a good seal.

I don't know if the bottom slide trim on the 2005 models is different than my 2001 but would guess the condition exist after rebuilding the wall on one of the slides. I would agree that not sealing the bottom of trim and other areas is good advice. At some point the roof/wall gutter trim was sealed on both sides, have removed it from the bottom on the roadside already and need to remove it from the bottom on the curbside. In the stick builts we caulk/paint, seal everything except the bottom for the purpose of allowing moisture to excape if necessary. Vertical areas will depend on its purpose and angle of run.

I wouldn't seal/glue the vinyl insert in place, don't know if it can be effectively done? Do seal the screws removed and apply over the others not removed. A few have been bad enough that the screws need 'assistance' backing out. In those areas, a new screw is installed mid-point between the existing screws without a problem. Found the roadside to be the worst and the farther back on the unit, the higher the number of screws rusted I've found.

clspds · 08-28-2008, 09:26 AM

Does anybody have any thoughts on drilling some weep holes along the bottom of the vinyl? This would let any moisture out.

Paul

rockintom · 08-28-2008, 10:29 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by clspds:
Does anybody have any thoughts on drilling some weep holes along the bottom of the vinyl? This would let any moisture out.

Paul </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I drilled holes in mine, before I was able to get the updates at PI. I was amazed of the water that comes out of the holes after a wash or rain. Hard to believe it was all coming from the leakage of the vinal strips. My chalk was great in the top of the extrusions. I actually took of video clip of it as it was so much I couldn't believe it my self. Here's my temp drain hole I drilled. I think it was 3/32" bit. Careful to watch for the drill chuck rubbing against slide wall. I used tape to protect it. Remember, this isn't a total solution to the issue as you still have the foam tape behind the extrusion issue. rockin'

clspds · 08-28-2008, 11:44 AM

Tom,

I knew that you drilled holes in the aluminum. I was wondering about just holes in the vinyl. Can you tell me what part of your rig is your picture showing. I'm thinking about some weep holes in the vinyl that runs where the walls meet the roof.

Paul

rockintom · 08-28-2008, 12:47 PM

The photo of the extrusion is the upper one on the slide. I drilled a hole near the end of each one (upper and lower also). If you look at them, you'll see if you drilled holes in the vinal there is still a lot of area that collects water in the channel of the extrusion. rockin'

ChiefJohn · 08-28-2008, 01:50 PM

Thanks 'Rockin'

rockintom · 08-28-2008, 02:16 PM

Chief,

None of this "Thanks Rockin" stuff....I know what your up to....trying to "out post" me...I know your type...you rat scallon.

Oh BTW, thanks for letting pass you just for 9 minutes...but who's keepin' track!