Resealing/attaching awning to roof

[kketterling]

I pulled the shower skylight and cleaned up most of the sealant, what a mess, but definitely identified cause of leak by skylight and elsewhere on passenger side. In the process identified a number of awning screw that were snapped off or stripped due to over torquing when installed by Monaco. So couple of questions. Regarding broken screws if I install new ones do I need to stay parallel with existing screws or should I go perpendicular to existing by placing it slightly towards edge of coach? Trying not to have to drill via trial an error method. Other option for those screws striped but not broken is to go with slightly bigger screw. Couple pictures of progress attached.

[kketterling]

Been using mineral spirits to clean up and MEK seems to works better. Any problem with using MEK?

[96 Wideglide]

I added a few self tapping screws parallel between the original screws, then I covered the whole joint with a 4" wide strip of Eternabond.

[10Boomer]

Parallel between the original screws. Mineral spirits I use mostly for clean up.

[tomckeon]

MEK (METHYL ETHYL KETONE) should work for cleanup, may be hard on any fiberglass surfaces tho, (finish) wear gloves!

[bobcovey]

Originally Posted by kketterling

Been using mineral spirits to clean up and MEK seems to works better. Any problem with using MEK?

kketterling,

Please be sure to always use solvent proof gloves and eye protection when handling this stuff. Make sure the area is well ventilated, too. I didn't pay attention to the warnings and am now very sensitive/allergic to it, and to acetone, too. It is useful stuff, but can be quite toxic, even with limited exposure. I am still sensitive to it 35 years later, so don't treat it lightly.

Pay attention when working on fiberglas, don't pour it directly onto the surface, apply to a cloth first. I'd remove as much of the old caulking as you can by scraping with plastic scrapers (old credit cards work good on small areas) and reserve the MEK for the final surface prep. Note that it softens gel coat pretty fast. You want to avoid that.

Cheers,

[kketterling]

Ok will try parallel and if I use MEK have nitrile gloves. Also realize I don't have to remove all the old sealant. Was planning to use Dicor self leveling to re-seal. Old Dicor sealant would still be working if the awning screws had held and not been over torqued.