Roof leaks

[ddog2008]

How do you know if you have a roof leak if you have aluminum cieling/interior? Water seems to get between the inner and outer skin and run down the side possibly down to the floor. Is this a thing? Has this happened to anyone?

[Keyair]

Originally Posted by mr.lynn2012

How do you know if you have a roof leak if you have aluminum cieling/interior? Water seems to get between the inner and outer skin and run down the side possibly down to the floor. Is this a thing? Has this happened to anyone?

Yes, this is the way it is...You just have to search and find out where it is leaking.
Good news is that on an Airstream, you do not get the interior and exterior wall rot and delamination you get with wood and bonded walls of other constructions..
They get rotten floors as well!
For me, this was pivotal in my choice...
It all rots, or only the floor...

[Mrs.Mod]

As necessary as it is, I am not liking this thread. It points to more things that I am pretending to ignore.
I'm getting ready to seal up the trailer with 3M 540. It should arrive today. We're going out camping tomorrow and the forcast calls for some rain....of course.
We have owned this TT since Jan. 2012. I'm doubtful that the PO sealed the exterior in the 5-6 years he owned it. There are definitely large areas where there is no sealant around windows, the door, and seam laps. I notice more and more of it coming off each time I wash it, so I knew this job was coming. I've never even looked at the roof.
So probably next week, we will begin stripping away what is left of the old sealant and cleaning the surface in a covered area. (Even though its been rained on for 35 years).
As always, I have a few more questions,

1. How strong is the roof?
I weigh 130 lbs. I don't think I should send my 250 lb. hubby up there. But this seems like an appropriate time to remove the 70's antenna from the roof. I imagine you don't want to stand up and walk around up there.

2. Andy, besides the sewer vent, what other gaskets or seals are need for the roof? I'm assuming none have been replaced ever.

3. I'm planning to use a polyurethane sealant. 3M 540. Am I correct to plan to reseal the trailer every other year?

I'm not sure of the floor condition under the bathroom. I'm somewhat enjoying my ignorance about it although I know I'll have to look someday (preferably before I fall through while the shampoo is in my eyes )
I have seen the floor at the rear under my queen bed, it is dry, no water stains. I know of one small leak behind the gaucho, a little water stain, but the floor is solid. The PO did install pergo flooring about 5 years ago, so I'm hoping he didn't cover something worse that needs attention.

Pray for me.

[Keyair]

I am "about" 235lb if I lean to the right when on the scales....
On the motorhome, I have had no issues. But judging by the dents up there, others have!

Only walk on the rivet lines that go crossways on the roof, not length ways.
Maybe a trailer peep would be better to listen too...

[ROBERT CROSS]

1. How strong is the roof?
I weigh 130 lbs. I don't think I should send my 250 lb. hubby up there. But this seems like an appropriate time to remove the 70's antenna from the roof. I imagine you don't want to stand up and walk around up there.


Stay on the rivet lines and off the end caps and you'll be good. A good pair of of "sneakers", I have a pair of Sperry deck shoes, for grip.

Inspect every year and seal as needed. If it looks iffy....do it.

I have used the 3M Extreme Sealant Tape to seal the Skylight and Fantastic vent flange.
Two Seasons still like new.

Bob

[ddog2008]

I have just discovered a skylight leak. It appears to have been leaking for a while (3 months). I have a CCD international with the aluminum interior. It seems that water can leak in and get not show through the skylight trim piece until it 'fills up' and then the water can get between the inner skin and outer skin. Has this happened to anyone? What do you do about it. It makes it hard to discover a leak sometimes.

[ddog2008]

Originally Posted by Keyair

Yes, this is the way it is...You just have to search and find out where it is leaking.
Good news is that on an Airstream, you do not get the interior and exterior wall rot and delamination you get with wood and bonded walls of other constructions..
They get rotten floors as well!
For me, this was pivotal in my choice...
It all rots, or only the floor...

Any tips on how to search for leaks? I'm noticing rusty screws and rust on the plastic parts of the trim for the skylight and one of my fantastic vent fans. I removed, cleaned and replaced or reinstalled the skylight and fan and now it is leak free. I'm worried about all the other thru-holes on my roof now. I guess you just need to seal everything all the time?

[ALANSD]

MY 1966 has a vent cap over the pipe near the kitchen. It runs down into the locker over the twin bed. I sealed around it with Vulkem but I still get a drip through the hole into the locker and down the ash wood wall. Of course the wall is ruined after years of leaking. The last seal made it leak less, but it still is leaking some.
I was told to put a mushroom type cap over the vent pipe opening. Will that solve it?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by mr.lynn2012

I have just discovered a skylight leak. It appears to have been leaking for a while (3 months). I have a CCD international with the aluminum interior. It seems that water can leak in and get not show through the skylight trim piece until it 'fills up' and then the water can get between the inner skin and outer skin. Has this happened to anyone? What do you do about it. It makes it hard to discover a leak sometimes.

Replace the skylight......do not use the OEM from Airstream.

I got our replacement from Inland RV, much better quality.
Others like the Maxim unit.

Bob

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

1. How strong is the roof?
I weigh 130 lbs. I don't think I should send my 250 lb. hubby up there

I wish I weighed as little as 250#s. I have not fallen through yet

[SStar]

I have to say I agree fully with Mrs. Mod "As necessary as it is, I am not liking this thread. It points to more things that I am pretending to ignore."
However, this could be one of the most beneficial threads ever posted. I cut and pasted all of the posts and photos to a word doc for future reference. Many thanks to all who posted, especially Andy!

[rogerdodger]

I bought 2 of the polished vents, and 2 vent kits from Andy, installed them in place of the cheap plastic ones Airstream put on the Argosy. No leaks after our first rain. But, stil a leak by the entrance door window. Bah humbug.

[smtex]

I made hats for my pipes out of aluminum flashing. it works to a Tee. no water gets in

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by smtex

I made hats for my pipes out of aluminum flashing. it works to a Tee. no water gets in

The hat may prevent a water leak, but that does not correct the aged out gaskets.

Those gaskets eack cost a little more than 2 bottles of beer.

Andy