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amurfey · 10-10-2015, 10:19 AM

I have several vent pipe covers on my 72 Safari with the original caulking still on them. The caulking is completely dried out, cracking, and seems to be as hard as concrete. I attached a few pictures to show what they look like today.

I am trying to determine the cause of some major leaking that is damaging my subfloor, and suspect this may be part of the problem. (I know there are other areas that are leaking too...)

Question: Are leaks from these covers typically a cause of significant water getting through to the flooring and causing water damage?

What is the recommended approach to remove, repair/replace and re-caulk these covers? I am hesitant to take these off until I am certain that I have a waterproof replacement to put on them.

Also - as a short term fix can I tape some plastic over these vent covers for the winter to prevent leaks? What type of tape should be used? Is Duct tape acceptable?

thanks,

Alex

perryg114 · 10-10-2015, 10:27 AM

The problem is that the pipe inside the Tee Pee is leaking. Airstream came up with a bad design on this one. They use a piece of rubber that goes around the pipe coming through the skin and then sandwitch that between the skin and that Tee Pee. In a year or two that rubber cracks and water comes in around the pipe no matter how much caulk is around the outside of the Tee Pee. I ended up putting caulk around the tube after removing the Tee Pee and so far it has not leaked. VTS has some metal vent covers that have a hat on them that work better but they don't look as cool.

Yes a lot of water can leak around that vent pipe.

Another leak prone area that kills many Airstreams is the plate that goes under the back of the trailer. This place funnels water under the back of the trailer causing all sorts of floor rot and frame rot.

Perry

HowieE · 10-10-2015, 11:08 AM

It is unlikely the source of the water is around the vent pipes. Where are the soft spots in the floor?

Inland RV Center, In · 10-10-2015, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amurfey

I have several vent pipe covers on my 72 Safari with the original caulking still on them. The caulking is completely dried out, cracking, and seems to be as hard as concrete. I attached a few pictures to show what they look like today.

I am trying to determine the cause of some major leaking that is damaging my subfloor, and suspect this may be part of the problem. (I know there are other areas that are leaking too...)

Question: Are leaks from these covers typically a cause of significant water getting through to the flooring and causing water damage?

What is the recommended approach to remove, repair/replace and re-caulk these covers? I am hesitant to take these off until I am certain that I have a waterproof replacement to put on them.

Also - as a short term fix can I tape some plastic over these vent covers for the winter to prevent leaks? What type of tape should be used? Is Duct tape acceptable?

thanks,

Alex

Alex

I doubt that the cover is the cause of a leak.

But, certainly the gasket that's within that cover, is the cause.

The sewer vent pipe cover gaskets only last 2 to 3 years.

Take one of the covers off and you will easily see the cause.

Andy

amurfey · 10-10-2015, 01:29 PM

The soft / rotted spots that I have seen are in the front side, forward of the sink (street side). This is pretty much in a straight line below one of these roof vents. Also, there is rot in the curb side rear closet (where the Univolt was removed). It's completely rotten underneath that area. There is also a vent on the roof above this general area as well.

I have not been able to inspect any of the other areas under the vents. I also have some soft areas under my front windows due to leaks there.

thanks

Alex

HiJoeSilver · 10-10-2015, 01:43 PM

They will leak as the gasket around the pipe cracks with age, water then flows down the outside of the pipe and drips inside from the elbow just below where it goes through the roof. It can be significant over time. The gaskets are easy to replace. You can even make your own pretty easily using the vent teepee to trace the shape on some rubber sheet.

amurfey · 10-11-2015, 10:58 AM

Thanks for the replies. Once I replace the gaskets and screens, and re-caulk the base of the vent covers, are there any holes in the base to allow rain water to drain out? I didn't notice any drain holes when I was looking at these.

-Alex

dennis3751 · 10-11-2015, 11:07 AM

Yes there are weep holes on the bottom that should be left open. Not a difficult job and no need to get on roof.

Dennis

woodfox45 · 10-11-2015, 03:37 PM

drill those weep holes out a little larger when you have them off .

Gregsch · 10-11-2015, 05:38 PM

It's a pretty simple repair. Have the gasket on hand when you start to take it apart, You should be able to clean everything up and put it back together in a couple hours. I would not use tempro 635 or Vulcem as it would make it difficult to take apart down the road. I used a little bit of butyl caulk to be sure the gasket seals (it will never get hard and will clean up easily.

amurfey · 10-11-2015, 11:09 PM

While I am redoing the vent gaskets, I am thinking of other potential leak points...

Would it be a major effort to scrape the old caulking from around the other roof fan/vents and antenna mount, and re-caulk them with butyl rubber or some other sealant?

thanks