When to reseal roof seams?

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

I have attempted to overcome this issue with 3M Extreme sealant tape 4412. You clean up the old seams then apply this tape over the old. It was designed for sealing aluminum roofs and i expect it to last for as long as I own my AIrstream. The root problem is that Airstream does not use the best sealants available for this; my dealer would not use a marine caulk that I requested because it is not Airstream approved. There are marine sealants that would last a long, long time, also.
Larry

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to look into that.

[Gkiesel]

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

I have attempted to overcome this issue with 3M Extreme sealant tape 4412. You clean up the old seams then apply this tape over the old. It was designed for sealing aluminum roofs and i expect it to last for as long as I own my AIrstream. The root problem is that Airstream does not use the best sealants available for this; my dealer would not use a marine caulk that I requested because it is not Airstream approved. There are marine sealants that would last a long, long time, also.
Larry

Can you elaborate on specific marine sealers that you recommend?

[ROBERT CROSS]

3M 4200/ removable.

3M 5200 Permanent

Using them since the Classic was new.

Bob
🇺🇸

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

I have attempted to overcome this issue with 3M Extreme sealant tape 4412. You clean up the old seams then apply this tape over the old. It was designed for sealing aluminum roofs and i expect it to last for as long as I own my AIrstream. The root problem is that Airstream does not use the best sealants available for this; my dealer would not use a marine caulk that I requested because it is not Airstream approved. There are marine sealants that would last a long, long time, also.
Larry

What width do you buy?

[ROBERT CROSS]

I used 3" 4412N

FWIW...I didn't HAVE to remove the vent. But it is important to remove ALL the old caulking. Careful use of a heat gun, plastic scraper and Brakleen will ease the operation.

Bob
🇺🇸

[lsbrodsky]

2" works just fine. I agree, 3M 4200 is an excellent sealant and can be removed. Again, follow the 3M instructions. I never liked 5200 becuase it really is permanent, but I suppose it has its uses.
Larry

[Mhphhoward]

When it leaks.

[rmkrum]

Or, better, just before it leaks. Determining that answer is left to the owner....

[dmbecke]

So, a question for the people using th tape vs sealants.
Do you simply tape the seam and no other caulking is required?

[lsbrodsky]

Yes

[MaineStreamer]

Any estimate of how much it would cost to have sealing done at Jackson Center for a 2007 safari 20 feet long? I bought it in 2014 and it may never have been resealed. I haven’t had any leaks yet as of last summer, but it is stored outdoors.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by Mhphhoward

When it leaks.

It’s to late then.

Resealing you’re roof is part of the PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE.
It should be done based on a maintenance schedule.

Inspect every year and reseal every 5 years no matter what. Just like tires. We will never wear the tread down on our trailer tires to the point they would need swapping, but they are replaced every 5 years to “PREVENT” a problem.

Look, This may be hard to hear but “Most” problems with Airstreams could have been prevented with a solid repair and maintenance schedule.
In other words “MOST” problems are earned through neglect.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by GMFL

It’s to late then.

Resealing you’re roof is part of the PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE.
It should be done based on a maintenance schedule.

Inspect every year and reseal every 5 years no matter what. Just like tires. We will never wear the tread down on our trailer tires to the point they would need swapping, but they are replaced every 5 years to “PREVENT” a problem.

Look, This may be hard to hear but “Most” problems with Airstreams could have been prevented with a solid repair and maintenance schedule.
In other words “MOST” problems are earned through neglect.

I learn differently. My roof is sealed under the rivets, do you drill them out?

2003...no leaks, cleaned and inspected every Spring.
No seam compromises.
If it don't leak, fix it 'til it does.
TETO

Bob
🇺🇸

[lsbrodsky]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

I learn differently. My roof is sealed under the rivets, do you drill them out?

2003...no leaks, cleaned and inspected every Spring.
No seam compromises.
If it don't leak, fix it 'til it does.
TETO

Bob
🇺🇸

Perhaps you are jesting, but I think you know the answer. If the sealant was applied properly under the overlap and rivets, that is not exposed to the elements and should never fail. However, I still believe that AS uses an inferior product for sealing, which is why I like the 3M tape solution over the rivets and the overlap and the cleaned-up old caulk.
Larry

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

Perhaps you are jesting, but I think you know the answer. If the sealant was applied properly under the overlap and rivets, that is not exposed to the elements and should never fail. However, I still believe that AS uses an inferior product for sealing, which is why I like the 3M tape solution over the rivets and the overlap and the cleaned-up old caulk.
Larry

Larry,

I do not jest, do you see ANY sealant over the seams in my pic's. I removed all the JC goop around the vents, skylight, antenna and applied 3m sealant tape.
If the roof seams ever do start leaking I will do the same.
If you find factory goop on all your roof seams I would remove it and tape seal. TETO

FWIW the goop on our antenna & vents leaked like a sieve.👎

Bob
🇺🇸

[Troutboy]

Coming up on season 4 of our 2017, so will be checking in on the roof. I like the idea of the tape and plan to go this way, when sealing is needed. Thanks for the info. Also, found the info below on properties and expected life. For the 3M 4412, if you use black or grey, it states you can get 25% longer life....

Summary of Technical Data:
This report provides outdoor weathering data, temperature and humidity resistance, and solvent immersion resistance of 3MTM Extreme Sealing Tape.
• The acrylic adhesive used in the 3MTM Extreme Sealing Tape is manufactured from the same technology platform as the 3MTM VHBTM Tapes.
• When properly applied, 3MTM Extreme Sealing Tape is expected to be durable for 3-5 years in harsh UV climates and 4-9 years in mild UV climates. Gray and black colors last 25% longer.
• The tensile strength of the ionomer backing remained unaffected after high heat and humidity aging (185°F [85°C] and 85% RH) – See chart #1.
• Static shear testing at elevated temperatures supports a short term (minutes/hours) temperature exposure of 300°F (149°C) and a long term (days/weeks) temperature exposure of 250°F (121°C) – see chart #2
• Adhesion data after exposure (solvent immersion, elevated temperature and cycle) indicate very good resistance to many common industrial solvents as well as elevated temperature and cycle conditions – see chart #3.

[primepower]

So at Best the tape lasts 4-9 years?

[ROBERT CROSS]

We have some of the 3M extreme on the antenna base that is in it's 9th WNY Winter and shows no signs of needing replacement.👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[Troutboy]

Bob, wherein WNY? I think you told me once before.... I grew up outside Buffalo in the Williamsville/Cheektowaga area. 9 years outside there, means this stuff is dang near indestructible....

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, my roof vents have been resealed about 3 times.
My black tank vent has been resealed 2 times.
My roof fin has been resealed 1 time.
My antenna has been resealed 2 times.
My roof seams have never been resealed.

My trailer has spent it's entire life outside for about 15 years.