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Post by mary1960 on Apr 11, 2011 9:06:44 GMT -5
Hope this is in the right place to ask about how to find a leak source! We tore out the front section yesterday (kitchenette) and it's wet ... rotted wood, etc. That's not a problem for hubby to fix since the boards above the window are fine, he'll just reframe around the window and below. But ... before we do this, we've got to find the leak source. Below the window there are a couple vents covered with a screen but not sure if that's where water is coming in. Just can't figure out where the water is coming from ... I'd think if it was the window, it would be more concentrated there right? It's actually to the right of the window (inside right) and down that area. So how do we find the leak? And how do we seal it once we find it? Also between where the stove/water tank were and the wall, on the floor there's about a 1/4" gap (I'm thinking rotted flooring) ... any way to patch or fix that up? Thanks in advance!
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Post by dawgpound on Apr 11, 2011 12:03:11 GMT -5
Hey Mary,
It appears that your water issue is coming from at least 3 major sources.
First one is the window. Water can and does pass between the frame & skin, through the window gasket or seal and through the screw holes....even if the screw is in place.
Second area is the Pittsburgh Folds or Pittsburgh Bends, which ever you want to call them. This is the joint or seam between two pieces of siding.
Third area is all of the outside corners. The old butyl tape dries out and cracks or there has been some damage to the corners at one time or another.
After the framing is complete, clean all of the old putty tape from the window and skin of the trailer, reset the windows with fresh buytl tape and Stainless Steel screws. Before installing the screws, put a dot of LEXEL SEALANT in each screw hole. This will seal the holes from the inside out. I prefer to set the fresh buytl tape on the window frame and not on the skin.
Now, you need to simulate a heavy rain or a "Driving" rain. This process usually takes two people, one running the water and the other inside with a black Sharpie. I like taking a garden hose and run water all around the windows, as well as the Pittsburgh Folds. Turn the hose upside down and run or spray the water up into the seams. You will be amazed at the water that flows through. Everywhere you see water coming in, circle it with the black Sharpie. I can see that there are water runs on the inside of the skins. That tells you that there is water coming in from somewhere.
To fix the leaks, again, I like using LEXEL SEALANT for this. It can be applied at anytime of the year and even in the rain. It is flexible and can be easily removed with NAPTHA or Mineral Spirits....even 2 years later. As for the Pittsburgh Folds, I like to complete seal all of this seams from the outside.
Once you have located the areas where water is getting in, seal them. Allow the sealant to dry a little bit and repeat the water test again. If you happen the find water leaks again, keep repeating this process until there are no more leaks.
Now you are ready to reinstall the interior.
I do this exact same process for everyone one of my trailer projects, be it a brand new build from the ground up or a trailer restoration. I don't want to put time our money into a project and find out that there is water leak that could have and should have been fixed.
Hope this helps, Ross
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Post by mary1960 on Apr 11, 2011 12:25:15 GMT -5
Thanks Ross! Is there a specific width of butyl tape I should order or do I just need to measure the window trim/side seam trim? It looks like I can get the lexel sealant at Ace Hardware so don't need to order that online. Hubby says thanks for the info also ... it sure does help!
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Post by dawgpound on Apr 11, 2011 13:40:47 GMT -5
Glad to help. Been down that road before....many times. If you have a Camping World near by, you can just pick it there. I have tried others, but I really like the brand that they carry. It comes in 1" X 30' rolls. About $9.00 per roll. www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/putty-tape-1-w-x-30l/4698It is very sticky when the weather gets warm. I like to cool it down for a few hours in the refrig. Makes it much easier to handle. Stainless Steel Screws can get to be expensive, but if you know where to buy them....they don't hurt your wallet too bad. 100ct for $11.49 ain't too bad. I usually buy 4 or 5 boxes and replace every one of the old screws. I hate those rust stains that the steel screws leave behind. www.mcmaster.com/#wood-screws-carriage-screws-and-lag-screws/=btyyhi
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