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Topic: Roof Leak (Read 811 times) previous topic - next topic

Roof Leak

Today I had a heck of a leak during a downpour on my 91 GV. We had pulled into a Lowes to make some sandwiches for lunch and it started pouring. The coach was facing slightly nosed downhill when parked . Water started pouring down out of my small round blower vent and I saw a stream on the drivers side wall just about where the roof cap seam is,then it started running out of the middle of the console out of the TV. I got home and parked it level and dropped the rear air bags and we had more rain and I didn't see a leak,I'm thinking my cap seam is leaking. What is involved with resealing it?
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Roof Leak

Reply #1 –
I would gently clean then rinse using highly diluted bleach /soap for the cleaning. Then remove any sealant at the seam. I personally like Geocel rather than silicone. Stays flexible and far more adhesive. We buy it locally at ABC roofing supply. Just went over roof of our 280 trying to Preventive Maintenance any leaks before they start.
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: Roof Leak

Reply #2 –
Here's what I did on both front and rear caps after I had a small leak in the bedroom cabinet:
Pulled the metal trim off that runs up each side of the cap and over the roof.  Clean off all old silicone on both the coach and the trim pieces (this is the majority of the work).  Generally the seam (which is an overlap) had the cap bonded to the wall/roof.  Some areas of the cap edge were lifting.  I re-bonded these areas with sealant and screws (with out the trim) to make sure it was down good before doing the trim install.  Reinstalled trim with plenty of silicone (or your choice of sealant) and assured there was squeeze-out all along and when screwing down the screws (yes, very messy).  I figured this extra work would pay off in preventing other leaks.  Leaks can be very damaging.  This was over 10 years ago and it hasn't leaked since.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Roof Leak

Reply #3 –
     Stump
      Check your front marker lights for cracks. Ours were badly cracked letting water in. TruckLite #18.
                    Hammer2100
1994 U280
Build #4451
"If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking"

Re: Roof Leak

Reply #4 –
I use ProFlex brush on sealant.  After cleaning the roof, use a disposable brush to apply right out of the can.  It remains flexible for a long time, easy to use ( I use it on windows seams too) and cheap.  Got 1 quart can for about $20 on Amazon 2 years ago.  Still have about 1/2 left - so I can do it again just for maintenance.  Nice thing is that you don't have to scrape all the old sealant out first, just get rid of the loose stuff and brush over.
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Roof Leak

Reply #5 –
Advise, any of the GV's are prone to leak around the roof ac units due to the flat nature of the roof.  Fix, remove ac unit build up around the openings using 1x3 between the roof frame and the fiberglass panel, making the water flow away.  Apple Sealant and screw together, reinstall ac using new gasket this should fix the problem, it has worked for me.

Re: Roof Leak

Reply #6 –
Yesterday I went up on my roof and along the front cap seam under the cover strip over towards the driver side It looks like the caulk is not attached. I'm fixin to go and take off the seam strip and start cleaning the caulk off so I can reseal the seam.
What would you recommend to use for sealer I'll head up to camping world ,west marine ,or wherever and get it?
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Roof Leak

Reply #7 –
Quote from: stump –
What would you recommend to use for sealer I'll head up to camping world ,west marine ,or wherever and get it?
I have used Dicor Non Sagging lap sealer and like it. Use masking tape as needed to keep your caulk lines somewhat straight. Here are some links for more info. Look for a date code on the tube so you get fresh material.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iXUcBdVnhwI

Same video from Dicor site
Video Gallery | The Dicor Corporation | Official Website

Company home site
Dicor Corporation | The Dicor Corporation | Official Website

Good luck,
Rick
 

Re: Roof Leak

Reply #8 –
Thanks Rick everything is done, I used that decor stuff. everything went smooth. Hopefully no more leaks.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit