I've tried asking about this in private without a response,so,I'll ask some other folks here.

we have a leak issue in our trailer that I believe we've sucessfully repaired for the time being.However,I know there are several recommended caulks such as: "marine grade polyurethane" and the elastic/rubberized materials.We tried to use the Black Jack rubberized caulk with the result of the tube being flung from the top of the trailer to the ground because the caulk simply could NOT be workable,it would just roll up and couldn't apply.

We are considering using the Kool Seal white coating on the entire roof.I am wondering if: all of the old caulk that is around the various openings in the roof will have to be removed first and recaulked,plus the seams along the sides of the trailer above the rail,or,can the Kool seal just be rolled over the top after a general cleaning and cover the  existing caulked areas as well?

Got it,Gard.Thanks.

Coating a bare aluminum roof will greatly reduce the inside temps of a horse trailer. In direct sunlight, the skin temperatures can be almost twice that of the ambient temperatures. It has been stated that the reflectivity of bare aluminum is equal to black paint. Applying a reflective coating can drop the inside trailer temps by almost 25%.

There are many suppliers of elastomeric coatings, and these are very impressive products. Many have a 10 year warranty, will expand and contract without bonding failures on most aluminum constructions, and are able to seal many types of leaks, large and small. They are available from many sources, big box and local hardware stores being among them.

Any old and loose caulking should be removed from the roof. The roof, like any aluminum product being scheduled for a coating, will have to be cleaned. The elastomeric application couldn't be more simple. A roller, brush, masking tape, mesh and a step ladder are the only necessary tools. The wet product can be cleaned with soap and water.

The coating has a consistancy of thick latex paint and offers little to no odor. Any large gaps around vertical flashings and such, can be reinforced and gaped with a nylon mesh. A coating is applied, the precut mesh is pressed into it while it's wet, and then subsequent coatings are applied to fill the weave. Two or three coatings give the best and longest lasting protection. Subsequent coatings can be applied over the initial products.

I have never used the Black Jack caulking product CRG mentioned, but the Black Jack elastomeric coating I use, is easy to apply and has been very durable. The better products have a 10 year warranty, some have less.

There is nothing to fear for a DIYer to concern himself about, whilst using these products. The prior, proper cleaning of the roof, will determine how long the product will adhere to the aluminum without a bonding failure. Due dilligence spent in preparation, will ensure a long lasting coating.

yeah,I know that's right,Gard.Preparation is about 1/2 or more of the job.

I watched my best friend (who had bought an OLD house with plaster walls) hire a painter,pay for multiple cans of paint for walls that hadn't been painted in years,then proceed to let this painter start to work on walls that hadn't been washed in years,either.I couldn't believe it.I told her "You'll be sorry that you guys didn't wash those walls off before you just started slapping expensive paint on them." Of course,I was ignored.Of course,it came to pass about 2 yrs later,that I was right about something.

I bought a 1997 aluminum Sidekick trailer last year and put in a herculiner floor this year and my project for next year is the roof.

I've not done anything like this before but figured if I can do the floor, I can do the roof too.  From looking a the caulking, it looks good but I'd don't know how long it's been since it's been worked on and I'd like to replace it before I get a leak.

What's the best way to remove the caulking?  Someone here once mentioned to do it in small steps and tapping it off which I thought was good ideas.  Anything else to recommend?

Also my trailer already has a white coating on the roof and I was wondering what maintenance is recommended?   If cleaning and recoating is recommended, what products would you use for both?

Thanks!

replying to my own post,but,was wondering if anybody out there might be familiar with this product?

http://www.gacoretail.com/gacoroof.html

Elastomeric products are sold and manufactured by many companies. Check the warranties of their products, and review their application procedures before you make a purchase. There are differences in performance and durability, not all are equal.

Before any is applied to the roof, the surface must be cleaned and properly prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions. This will ensure the proper bonding of a product, that is expected to remain adhered at wind speeds in excess of 140 MPH.

I've used the "Black Jack" product from Ace Hardware on several projects, and have been pleased with its application and durability. It's name is a misnomer however, as it is not black, but actually quite white. It has survived intact, the last couple of years' of travels and the repeated blastings, of 2700 PSI from a pressure washer. I have used it on painted steel, bare and painted aluminum, and a fiberglass/aluminum roof system. It's easy to apply and can be overcoated if necessary. It's nominally priced at ~$90 for a 5 gal bucket.