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05-31-2023, 02:32 PM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member 
2005 25' Safari
Albuquerque
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 157
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Seeking Temporary Roof Repair Advice
I've developed a roof leak and looking for advice on a temporary, on-the-road repair. Can I put a silicone or other hardware store caulking over a crack in the existing caulking (Dicor? Sikaflex?) around the Fantastic Fan?
Background: I've read lots of forum threads over the last couple of years about what a PIA it is to strip and replace roof caulking around penetrations. Consequently, I put it off too long. I'm traveling until late July and I just want to limit the amount of water intrusion/damage until I get home and can do the job right. Are there caulking materials that will adhere to the existing, aged and failing material? How should I clean/prepare the surface for maximum chance of success?
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05-31-2023, 02:57 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master 

2008 22' Safari
Spicewood (W of Austin)
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,625
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Sikaflex 715 has worked perfectly for that very purpose for us. Sealed it up, it self levelled…it’s still flexible and does the job.
Sika 221 takes up to 5 days to cure….715 cures in hours and lasts for years if not forever because it stays flexible.
Dicor will eventually dry out and crack.
Follow the directions on the tube. I didn’t even remove the old cracked whatever Airstream put up there… I just pumped Sika 715 on top of it…. it levelled out…and looks like it’s the only thing up there, completely covering and sealing up over the old stuff, 7+ years now.
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05-31-2023, 03:57 PM
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#3
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,862
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Airhead59
I've developed a roof leak and looking for advice on a temporary, on-the-road repair. Can I put a silicone or other hardware store caulking over a crack in the existing caulking (Dicor? Sikaflex?) around the Fantastic Fan?
Background: I've read lots of forum threads over the last couple of years about what a PIA it is to strip and replace roof caulking around penetrations. Consequently, I put it off too long. I'm traveling until late July and I just want to limit the amount of water intrusion/damage until I get home and can do the job right. Are there caulking materials that will adhere to the existing, aged and failing material? How should I clean/prepare the surface for maximum chance of success?
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I used this for all our leaking vents & skylights as a 'temporary' emergency fix eight years ago, (before it got popular & Expensive.
Luckily I've still got some for another emergency. 
One of Gorilla's offerings may be a suitable substitute.
Bob
🇺🇸
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06-02-2023, 04:23 AM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member 
2005 25' Safari
Albuquerque
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 157
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Thanks for your responses. I will give it a try with Sikaflex 715.
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06-02-2023, 04:40 AM
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#5
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Site Team

1994 25' Excella
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 5,145
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If there is currently Dicor, it should peel back with a putty knife enough to expose clean material. Or, use mineral spirits on a rag to clean the surface.
After either of those, apply more Dicor self leveling. Best not to mix caulking, even for short term. Also need a clean surface or the new stuff won't adhere. Any RV place will have Dicor or you can order from Amazon for next day delivery.
__________________
Richard
11018
1994 Excella 25 Follow the build on Gertie!
1999 Suburban LS 2500 w/7.4L V8
1974 GMC 4108a - Custom Coach Land Cruiser (Sold)
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06-03-2023, 05:09 AM
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#6
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3 Rivet Member 
2005 25' Safari
Albuquerque
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 157
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How can I tell which sealer was used previously, Sikaflex or Dicor?
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06-03-2023, 06:05 AM
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#7
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,862
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Airhead59
How can I tell which sealer was used previously, Sikaflex or Dicor?
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Are we now talking about a 'permanent' fix?
I can't help with Sika or Dicor... 3M 5200 or 4200 fast cure
Happy Sealing...
Bob
🇺🇸
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06-03-2023, 06:42 AM
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#8
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Site Team

1994 25' Excella
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 5,145
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Airhead59
How can I tell which sealer was used previously, Sikaflex or Dicor?
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Dicor self-leveling will have a very smooth appearance and look like it flowed out in all directions as it self leveled. It has a very characteristic look & feel. Here's a photo of what Dicor looks like after it's self-leveled.
I believe that the Sikaflex will look more like traditional caulking, although they might have a self-leveling version as well.
__________________
Richard
11018
1994 Excella 25 Follow the build on Gertie!
1999 Suburban LS 2500 w/7.4L V8
1974 GMC 4108a - Custom Coach Land Cruiser (Sold)
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06-03-2023, 06:44 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master 

2004 28' Classic
Monument
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,522
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If you use the 3M 4412N tape Bob is suggesting, it is super sticky and require no curing time (and it can be the permanent solution). It can be rained on right after installation. I have used on seams around the skylight with great success without digging out the old caulk. Just remove any loose caulk and give the surface a quick cleaning with alcohol or another solvent. Amazon keeps it in stock for 1 day delivery where I live.
__________________
DaveP
2004 Airstream Classic 28 "Willard"
2023 Ram 3500 4x4
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06-04-2023, 05:59 AM
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#10
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,862
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveP
If you use the 3M 4412N tape Bob is suggesting, it is super sticky and require no curing time (and it can be the permanent solution). It can be rained on right after installation. I have used on seams around the skylight with great success without digging out the old caulk. Just remove any loose caulk and give the surface a quick cleaning with alcohol or another solvent. Amazon keeps it in stock for 1 day delivery where I live.
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I bought several 3" wide rolls 6yrs ago at $38ea they are now over $83.
Bob
🇺🇸
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06-04-2023, 03:36 PM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member 
2013 30' Classic
Key West
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 186
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I see a temporary patch as a short term repair performed while in route on the side of the road. This type of repair can effectively be performed with bubble gum, duck tape, trash bags and baling wire. Once you are securely landed and parked, follow Bob’s recommendation…
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06-07-2023, 02:27 PM
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#12
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3 Rivet Member 
2005 25' Safari
Albuquerque
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 157
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Thanks for the Advice
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06-07-2023, 04:32 PM
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#13
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,862
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Same job we did years ago with 3M 4412N.
Bob
🇺🇸
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06-07-2023, 07:42 PM
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#14
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Moderator

2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton
, Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 10,374
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My dealer did a strip and seal job on my roof in January. Also replaced two cracked skylights too. Not cheap. About 10-11 hours to do it right. Skylight replacement was another $400. Didn't want to spend that much but after almost 20 years (thankfully inside storage for 18 years) allowed me to get by that long. My age however has gotten to me and I just don't have the ability to deal with heights any more. I'd rather spend the $$ than fall off the roof. We had him booked for the skylights but once they got up there and looked at the caulking around all the roof penetrations, he said he was surprised that the only leaks I had were from those cracks in each skylight. Thankfully the leaks didn't show till my last trip of the year and they came straight down from the skylight frames into the shaft. Just some small drips.
Jack
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56 S/OS#15
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500
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06-07-2023, 08:37 PM
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#15
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Site Team

1994 25' Excella
Waukesha
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 5,145
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Looks like this should solve your leak problems. Only thought I have is about the use of a non-self leveling caulking for something like this as it makes it more difficult to keep clean in the future. When I clean off the roof between trips to remove leaves and debris, the Dicor self-leveling never seems to hold as much crud as the places I've used Sikaflex or another non-self leveling caulk.
Lots of people seem to like the Sikaflex products over Dicor - do they make a self-leveling caulk? Or any other company which has a self-leveling product better than the Dicor. I've never had a problem with the Dicor, but am certainly open to better caulking if it's out there.
__________________
Richard
11018
1994 Excella 25 Follow the build on Gertie!
1999 Suburban LS 2500 w/7.4L V8
1974 GMC 4108a - Custom Coach Land Cruiser (Sold)
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06-08-2023, 07:19 AM
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#16
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3 Rivet Member 
2005 25' Safari
Albuquerque
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 157
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SikaFlex 715 is labeled "semi-self leveling". The photos I took were immediately after application. I'm planning to take a look today and see if it leveled itself any more.
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06-12-2023, 08:18 AM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member 
2014 30' International
DFW Airport
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 134
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Following
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06-12-2023, 11:02 AM
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#18
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3 Rivet Member 
2019 27' Tommy Bahama
Foothill Ranch
, California
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 154
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Emergency Repair (Assuming no wind) / Skylight Recommend
We had a similar issue in the middle of a rainy Oregon trip. Worse yet, we couldn't quite figure out where the leak was coming from (more on that in a second).
I didn't have a ladder and didn't want to try and get on the roof. I went to Home Depot and bought a long roll of plastic tarp (think carpet runner). and literally threw it over the top of the coach where the leak was presenting on the inside. It was lightweight enough to "mold/stick" to the coach exterior, yet had enough weight to be "thrown" easily...and repeatedly, as we used it for over a week, changing camp grounds several times. Obviously, not a permanent solution, but it really worked great!
As for the source - it was our forward skylight...whose plastic structure had less strength than a clear plastic salad container! We discovered a far superior (and surprisingly not-that-expensive) alternative in Maxium skylights. Did the replacement myself (90% from the INSIDE of the coach, and never had to get on the roof!). 1,000% recommend https://maximskylights.com/airstream-skylights/
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