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Old 12-30-2007, 06:18 AM   #1
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Our '95 Sarari Sahara has what looks to be about 7 years of 'sealer gunk' piled higher and deeper on the seams that cross the camper roof between the start of the rubber roof and the section of roof that begins at the front windshield (it's covering the pop riveted strip that connects the two sections). In addition, all areas around roof vents, skylights, etc. have this same high pile of sealer, which inevitably is seeing some cracking (thus, water entrance into our RV) that needs to be fixed.

I would like to remove the pile of sealer that has accumulated over the years from quick fixes, and start anew. However, I'm unsure of where to start in removing this material from the rubber roof without harming the rubber roof. I was thinking that with a putty knife, I could 'carefully' scrape a bunch of it off, and then try a cleaner for rubber roofs, but wasn't sure how well this might remove the leftover residue. Is there a product made that is safe for rubber roofs that will help remove this caulk like substance, so that I can start over with a reseal of the seams, etc.?

In addition, what products would you recommend for resealing along the seam between the rubber roof and the front section of roof that is not rubber? Then, what product would you recommend in sealing around the remaining roof vents, skylights, antennae that are surrounded by rubber roof only? I've been looking at the DiCor products, as well as the product that comes in a 3" wide strip that would simply cover the entire seam between rubber roof and front roof section, but don't know what would suit our needs best.

Thanks for any and all suggestions!
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Old 12-30-2007, 06:18 AM   #2
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Our '95 Sarari Sahara has what looks to be about 7 years of 'sealer gunk' piled higher and deeper on the seams that cross the camper roof between the start of the rubber roof and the section of roof that begins at the front windshield (it's covering the pop riveted strip that connects the two sections). In addition, all areas around roof vents, skylights, etc. have this same high pile of sealer, which inevitably is seeing some cracking (thus, water entrance into our RV) that needs to be fixed.

I would like to remove the pile of sealer that has accumulated over the years from quick fixes, and start anew. However, I'm unsure of where to start in removing this material from the rubber roof without harming the rubber roof. I was thinking that with a putty knife, I could 'carefully' scrape a bunch of it off, and then try a cleaner for rubber roofs, but wasn't sure how well this might remove the leftover residue. Is there a product made that is safe for rubber roofs that will help remove this caulk like substance, so that I can start over with a reseal of the seams, etc.?

In addition, what products would you recommend for resealing along the seam between the rubber roof and the front section of roof that is not rubber? Then, what product would you recommend in sealing around the remaining roof vents, skylights, antennae that are surrounded by rubber roof only? I've been looking at the DiCor products, as well as the product that comes in a 3" wide strip that would simply cover the entire seam between rubber roof and front roof section, but don't know what would suit our needs best.

Thanks for any and all suggestions!
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Old 12-30-2007, 07:35 AM   #3
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Unless someone has used the wrong sealer in the past there is no need to remove the old lap sealant. You do not want to get any petoleum distillates on the rubber membrane. You will need to clean the area of any dirt and greases. Use a self leveling lap sealant product (Dicor) that is made for rubber roof and other materieals in a caulk gun. You can apply it right over the previous sealant. It will flow outward and if enough is used cover the old sealant completely.
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Old 12-30-2007, 10:59 AM   #4
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I agree with the recommendation to use "Etyernabond" tape. Check out this site for a lot of information and a source of materials.
http://www.bestmaterials.com/RV_roof_repair_info.aspx
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Old 12-30-2007, 04:36 PM   #5
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I used eternabond on my 96 Southwind and it works great! The roof must be cleaned very well, and if the rubber is not in good condition, it will finish it off if you try to remove the eternabond after you have set it, so install it carefully. I recoated the entire roof with a coating made for rubber roofs after I repaired the bad spots.
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Old 01-02-2008, 06:24 AM   #6
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You can use a plastic scraper to remove the old sealer. Be carful not to gouge the ruber roof material. I used alkahal on a rag to clean the area & reseald with lap sealer. It takes about 48hrs to dry the suface. It never gets hard.
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Old 01-02-2008, 12:58 PM   #7
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Eternabond Tape it once, never caulk again.
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Old 01-02-2008, 03:40 PM   #8
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AMEN to that!
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Old 01-02-2008, 06:26 PM   #9
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Ditto the amen!
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Old 04-30-2008, 06:41 AM   #10
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Eternabond is a high-tech micro-sealant fusion tape originally designed to create water-sealed corrosion-proof pipes and stanchions under the ocean. This adhesive is so advanced the tape has even been installed under water with perfect results!

Eternabond sticks to ANY surface except silicone!
It works on all metals, PVC, EPDM, TPO, CPE, SBS, APP modified, asphalt and coal tar BURs, tile and shingle, concrete and brick, and wood.

Eternabond is guaranteed for 10 years and boasts the following properties:

flexible to –70 deg F
sag rate above +200 deg F
creates waterproof airtight seal
UV and environmentally stable
used in industry for over 10 years
pressure activated
install down to 40 deg F ambient
useable shelf life of five years +
Installation of Eternabond is as quick and easy as using a piece of tape! Eternabond does not ooze or streak and can be installed to a clean, dry surface down to –20 degrees F, yielding professional results for anyone. There is nothing like it available anywhere!
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Old 04-30-2008, 09:09 AM   #11
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I don't suppose you sell the stuff, do you partsman01?? I actually saw a small package of it for sale at a WalMart last week!!

That said, I am considering using a bit on the corners of one of my slide toppers. The toppers aren't all that expensive to replace, but I'm looking for something to reinforce the two corners where there are a few pulls in the fabric large enough to let light through and possibly lead to further tears.
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Old 05-03-2008, 08:19 PM   #12
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<I would like to remove the pile of sealer that has accumulated over the years

Louie,

A good tool to use is a veneer knife. It is a small flat saw blade on a short handle that allows you to draw it along the edge of the old sealant to cut it loose from the rubber roof.

I did my Mirada roof last fall and it wasn't all that bad once I got going. Once I had the old caulk off I cleaned the area with a rag with alcohol, let it dry and applied Dicor self leveling sealant. As I sat here last night listening to the patter of rain on the roof I had a satisfying grin on my face knowing it was water tight!

One thing I would note - before I redid the caulk I thought, boy, they sure used way more caulk than they needed. Instead of a bead down the seam like you would do on a tub or something, it went back and forth ... a couple of inches wide! Well after I got the old caulk off I could see why they did it that way. At least on mine there was a small metal U channel screwed down over the seam. So to seal it up ... yup ... back and forth across the seam, about 2 inches wide!

Think I used something like at least 6 or 7 tubes ... might have been more ... before I had everything done, vents, frig vent, etc.

Oh and if you have one, an air driven caulking gun is a good thing to use.

I have a picture of the veneer saw but don't know how to add it or if I can.

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