Skylight inspection

[Dan@LED4RV]

We have seen alot of leaking Skylights lately. These Skylights are very common on Airstream trailers and motorhomes from 1999 to present. Sometimes the leak goes un-noticed for a while and this will eventually cause damage. I thought it a good idea to share how to inspect for a water leak and how to repair if you find that you have a leak. The second picture in this group labled ( This is what it looks like from the bottom side) is the best way to find out. You will need to take the shroud down and look for places that show any damage. You will be looking for rusted screws or black marks that look like water has been there.

Another thing you can do is go on top of your unit and see if the Skylight is cracked.
Here is a link about getting on top of your unit.

If you find a leak, or a cracked Skylight it will need to be replaced.

Here is a link on how to do that.

This needs to be checked. We saw where the water ran down and discolored the wood near the door.

Dan

[pmclemore]

Very good links, Dan. Thanks for sharing.

Pat

[fr8tshaker]

I'm happy I had to give mine up when the solar was installed. JC removed it and placed an aluminum patch on the roof to fit a solar panel there (only had one in the living area). After reading about the leak problems and realizing it absorbed too much heat in summer and lost too much in winter, am happyto be rid of it. 'shaker

[ebair]

Just replaced both of mine for the same reason (2000 LTD), cracks radiating from the screw holes. When I picked up the replacements at JC it was suggested that I use a drill a size larger than the max OD of the screw threads and not to tighten them more than barely snug, seems the screws stress the plastic over time and cause the cracks. I took some time to clean off the old goo and found some gaps between the curb mount and the roof that were repaired and filled with Sikaflex also. I made sure to get a good seal and coat the screws liberally during installation. Also cleaned the plastic around the newly drilled holes to remove any residual manufacturing release agent from the plastic, and put a glob of sealant over and around the screws

[Dwight]

I have a friend that had the same problem on his. We fixed his by using aluminum angle from Lowes and made a frame to fit over the existing skylight edge, we mitered the corners to have the frame fit tight against the skylight. Then sealed it and screwed it down, now the wind going down the road will not try to lift the plastic edges up. That was 8 years ago and he still does not have any leaks.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Airstream's skylights, unfortunately, have very short lives.

We created some molds to make the square and rectangular skylights that have dual mountings as well as a thermal barrier. They fit both the Airstream trailers and the Landyacht motorhomes.

Also, Airstream's skylight measures .060 inches thick.

Our skylights measure .120 inches thick, as well as having a great solar gray color that we have used in our Solardomes and Astrodomes.

The following two photo's, speak for themselves.

Andy

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Airstream's skylights, unfortunately, have very short lives.

We created some molds to make the square and rectangular skylights that have dual mountings as well as a thermal barrier. They fit both the Airstream trailers and the Landyacht motorhomes.

Also, Airstream's skylight measures .060 inches thick.

Our skylights measure .120 inches thick, as well as having a great solar gray color that we have used in our Solardomes and Astrodomes.

The following two photo's, speak for themselves.

Photo's.

Andy

[Camper Dave]

Thanks everyone for your replies; expecially Dan's how to link and Andy at Inland RV replacement suggestion. I have a 2004 Classic Airstream that is begining to have some small water leakage in the skylight. I'll be checking soon to determine what repair measures will be needed.