Question about sealing edges

[paigenmarc]

Okay, so we put the back panel on the Siesta (again) and we want to be absolutely sure it doesn't leak. When we bent the panel over the edge, there were a few places where the metal cracked a bit, so Marc put on some JB Weld. We want some additional insurance from leaks, though. I think I remember Mobiltec used Plas-T-Cote to seal it up more before putting on the butyl tape and J Rail, but we can't find it at our local RV stores. We want to get the J Rail back on tomorrow so that we will be ready for the rain we're supposed to get this weekend. Can we use anything else to give some added protection at the seams? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[mobiltec]

That silver rain gutter seal that Vikx talks about is good. I've never used it there but he kinda swears by it. Bet he chimes in. The JB Weld works great on cracks and holes. I have it in the top of the Westerner and it's been there for 5 years now not covered by anything. Still holding strong.

I'm also going to start using thicker putty tape on my J Rails. It seems like the 1/8 inch stuff isn't a full 1/8 inch anymore and I'm not getting the coverage I like. So next one goes 3/16 thick tape.

[vikx]

If you can get to the underside, sticky silver waterproofing tape will help. I use that where there are splits, then carefully seal the top with Gutter seal. Any good sealant will work, I'm just a fan of the Geocel.

Mobil, experiment before you switch to 3/16 putty. The thicker the putty, the wider the gap and the more air can get to it. Of course a thin sealant will prevent drying, but see if you like working with the wider stuff....

[paigenmarc]

Is the gutter seal a liquid, or more like a caulk?

[mobiltec]

Mar 14, 2013 9:39:49 GMT -5 paigenmarc said:

Is the gutter seal a liquid, or more like a caulk?

It's more like a calking. You can get it in squeeze tube style or calking gun style.

[vikx]

Yes, caulk. Sticky and SEALS. I use the squeeze tube.

[sll]

We were going to do side skin, butyl, read skin, butyl, j-rail. Where does the caulk go in this installation sandwich?

[tiajannet]

I am also doing a leak stopping. I removed inside paneling only the damaged wood. surface mold on stud, treated it, threw away paneling piece. Searched for the leak spot, determined it's approx. height. found it using the water hose outside, and the drip made itself known. I took off the j-rail, found a very rusty area of putty right where i figured the leak would be, I scraped off the putty on skin and j-rail. 95% clean. Is this clean enough??? plus the skin is not like orginial, it's scalloped, up and down pattern. putty tape won't work PO used a chalking. Question; what kind of chalking??? Geocel was mentioned, where to get it???
I'd like to do this very soon. Please reply. Thank you.

[sll]

Still wondering where to put the gutter seal. Does it go between the back and side skins? Over the back skin "flap" before putting on the j-rail?

[vikx]

A thin dab of Gutter seal will work in old screw holes and imperfections on the trailer bent edge. Use a small amount and smooth quickly. All you're doing is sealing the metal with a very thin layer of gutter seal. Let it dry well.

I use putty on the J rail and screw it onto the trailer. No gutter seal in the "sandwich". After is is mounted, "seat" the top of the rail with a rubber hammer. That edge should be tight to the trailer. Sometimes, it's necessary to put a thin sealant on the top of the J rail. It depends on the trailer, some edge trim goes on tight and smooth with nice oozing putty. Usually no sealant needed. If the bent edge is rippled and there is potential for leaks, a thin sealant is extra protection. The trick is: Less is More. Smooth carefully. Using a finger dipped in paint thinner works for me. Any sealant shouldn't show, just enough to seal.

Geocel Gutter Seal is silver, like aluminum.

OSI Gutter Seal is clear, available at Lowes. Both are equal in performance.

[sll]

I dont think there is room between the top skin flap and the side skin for butyl, any other viable options?

[vikx]

I don't use butyl under the flap. Just 1/8" x 3/4 on the J rail. If you do the thin gutter seal beforehand, it should be fine.