After all the discussion about leaks, yesterday I checked all the caulking on our May 2015 Escape 21. Even though the thin layer of clear sealant around the windows, doors and lights looked fine, I ran my finger along it and gently pulled back on the edge every inch or so. I found no areas where it pulled free, including around the three top lights at the back that some people reported warping on.
Then I got on a ladder and checked the roof. I previously didn’t notice that the sealant on the roof was different from the rubbery, self leveling stuff that was on our stick built trailer with the rubber roof. Instead it was hard and plastic-like. I had a concern with its application to the fridge vent, because there are a few places where the sealant doesn’t fill the gap between the vent and the roof. It could be that it is well sealed, despite the gap, but because the gap is very deep I can’t tell for sure and would like to cover it better.
I looked at the air conditioner and couldn’t see any sealant around it, but I was looking at it from a distance on the stepladder, so I wasn’t sure.
I decided to call ETI for advice on what the sealants were and especially the roof stuff so I can completely cover the gaps.
Today I heard from Tammy, who went out to the shop to get answers to my questions about caulking. I also asked her about some of the concerns expressed here on what happens to the vinyl and insulation when there is a leak, as well as other potential damage. Her responses were:
What is the roof sealant?
Tammy said it was Sikaflex, but I didn’t record which product exactly. I thought she said it was one of their marine products, but which one?
She said I could cover the gaps after cleaning the current caulking with paint thinner.
Is there any sealant on the air conditioner to check?
Tammy said there was a gasket plus some silicone as a back up. She said this did not need to be checked.
I asked about the advice I got from Adventure RV (Repairs) to pull back on every inch of caulking rather than rely on a visual inspection. She seemed to agree that this was a good thing.
What happens if water gets past the caulking? Does the water cause the insulation and vinyl to release? What other damage can you expect?
Tammy said that the water would not cause the insulation or vinyl t o release. She also said that the foam is closed cell (not open cell), and so would not absorb the moisture. They also use marine grade plywood, plus the drain ports to funnel water away.
Tammy suggested that maybe Reace could post on this thread to address some of the concerns about the consequences of leak damage. What great folk these people are.
Bob K
Then I got on a ladder and checked the roof. I previously didn’t notice that the sealant on the roof was different from the rubbery, self leveling stuff that was on our stick built trailer with the rubber roof. Instead it was hard and plastic-like. I had a concern with its application to the fridge vent, because there are a few places where the sealant doesn’t fill the gap between the vent and the roof. It could be that it is well sealed, despite the gap, but because the gap is very deep I can’t tell for sure and would like to cover it better.
I looked at the air conditioner and couldn’t see any sealant around it, but I was looking at it from a distance on the stepladder, so I wasn’t sure.
I decided to call ETI for advice on what the sealants were and especially the roof stuff so I can completely cover the gaps.
Today I heard from Tammy, who went out to the shop to get answers to my questions about caulking. I also asked her about some of the concerns expressed here on what happens to the vinyl and insulation when there is a leak, as well as other potential damage. Her responses were:
What is the roof sealant?
Tammy said it was Sikaflex, but I didn’t record which product exactly. I thought she said it was one of their marine products, but which one?
She said I could cover the gaps after cleaning the current caulking with paint thinner.
Is there any sealant on the air conditioner to check?
Tammy said there was a gasket plus some silicone as a back up. She said this did not need to be checked.
I asked about the advice I got from Adventure RV (Repairs) to pull back on every inch of caulking rather than rely on a visual inspection. She seemed to agree that this was a good thing.
What happens if water gets past the caulking? Does the water cause the insulation and vinyl to release? What other damage can you expect?
Tammy said that the water would not cause the insulation or vinyl t o release. She also said that the foam is closed cell (not open cell), and so would not absorb the moisture. They also use marine grade plywood, plus the drain ports to funnel water away.
Tammy suggested that maybe Reace could post on this thread to address some of the concerns about the consequences of leak damage. What great folk these people are.
Bob K
