Water, water everywhere

[BruceS]

I think Russell really needs to work out where the leak is.
I know from past experience that fibreglass/gelcoat can become pourous after a few years.
On boats and surf boards you can seal them up with a layer of wax.
On a cabin cruiser it's more common to lay a coat of 2-pak poly on it.
If the water is wicking through the fibreglass it'll eventually break down the polyester resin & release the fibres.
I think Chuck recently found out his leak was the 4-way vent/hatch.

[Kelvin12]

Don't use acetone on paint surface or fibreglass.

Dirk

[RussellB[SA]]

Whale Oil Beef Hooked.

You're all probably right, I can't see where the leak is from, I've been chasing my tail for a couple of years, I was thinking a coat of acrylic paint might seal the top fibre glass.

Any suggestions ??

This mornings effort was a disaster, yesterdays silicone was still wet, so painted a layer of Gutter Sealant (silicone) over the top, I figures it might be more UV resistant.

I'm in unchartered waters here ( )

I've run out of time for a permanent fix!!!!

[Craig]

Are the raised sections part of the fibreglass mold or are they attached and sealed on with sealant? If they are sealed then they will need resealing every 5 years or so. Also I can see a hatch in the background of the pic, it will be number 1 suspect in my book. It may even need removing, cleaning and resealing. I had several roof leaks and rear corner mold leaks when we bought the MH. The MH was less than 6 years old and had been leaking long enough to rot the floor in the bedroom. I removed and resealed the rear corner molds and sealed every seam (EPDM roof) and hatch. It fixed the problem. So if you can't pin point the problem area, start off by sealing up everything where that water is sitting. But I'm sure I don't need to tell you that, it sounds like that is what you are planning. Good luck, there is nothing worse than a water leak in an RV, especially if you can't find where it is coming from.

Craig

[RussellB[SA]]

Spent many hours sealing the vents, I think that was successful, but still put a poly sheet and towels on the bed when in storage. The lastest leak in the Bathroom cupboards caught us by surprise.

NOT HAPPY JAN

[Kelvin12]

Just looking at your photo again myself. The roof looks like a dam wall, are there any drains for the water to get away rather than just pool up there.

If the silicone hasn't set by now its never going to set. Normally this stuff skins over in an hour at most, then full cure overnight leaving the silicone rubbery to the feel. Is it still tacky and sticky and comes of on your fingers. Sounds like a crook tube, check the use by date... maybe its expired. Time to clean it of and go again for my bit.

Dirk

[SteveW]

Russell, I had a Jayco Sterling Caravan that had the "wrap over" acrylic moulding covering the joint of the rear wall and the roof. It relied on a perfect seal between the moulding and the roof/wall to keep the water out. The moulding cracked (presumably insufficient UV protection) and was replaced even though it was out of warranty. The failure of the moulding caused water to leak in through the shower light. Look for cracks in the moulding. Otherwise, don't be afraid to use masses of Sikaflex over every joint you can find. Sikaflex applied liberally works well as a surface cover - doesn't need to be worked into crevices as such. And don't worry - nobody can see the mess you make up there. Or preferably someone else makes up there. It's dangerous up so high at our age.

[RussellB[SA]]

Just looking at your photo again myself. The roof looks like a dam wall, are there any drains for the water to get away rather than just pool up there.

Dirk

No drain holes just a shallow pool.

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[RussellB[SA]]

Steve, I agree but I just can't see anything obvious so everything gets covered.. I would have thought the van would have been sealed before they put the outer bits on.. I supposed its a bit too much to expect that!


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[Craig]

Hi Russel,
the product I used is called eternabond. It is designed to be a permanent repair for EPDM roofs but I believe it will adhere to fibreglass as well.

http://www.eternabond.com/

I have had it of the roof now for 4 or 5 years and I believe it is fantastic stuff. I covered all seams and around the hatches and also anywhere there was a penetration through the roof.

roof repair 24.jpg