Posted 2011-02-25 5:53 PM (#130800) Subject: Prevention of black streaks on aluminum caused by caulk
Regular
Posts: 60
Hi all,
I have searched the forum archives and have found lots of useful info re: black streaks on aluminum caused by caulking. I see that there are products that will successfully clean the black streaks off.
My question is: Is there any way to prevent the black streaks from happening in the first place? Can the caulk be coated with something?
Posted 2011-02-25 10:08 PM (#130807 - in reply to #130800) Subject: RE: Prevention of black streaks on aluminum caused by caulk
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Waxing the auminum will make the streak removal easier. Using a good quality, marine grade polyurethane caulking, will lessen the UV damage and the break down of the caulking. This will reduce the amount of discolouration.
Posted 2011-02-26 6:39 AM (#130813 - in reply to #130807) Subject: RE: Prevention of black streaks on aluminum caused by caulk
Regular
Posts: 60
Hi Gard, Thanks for the info. Are you suggesting removing the old caulk and replacing it with the high quality marine grade caulk? If so, is there any particular method that works for removing the old caulk? I don't think I mentioned that this is the roof caulk on a Blue Ribbon horse trailer. Thanks again.
Posted 2011-02-26 9:41 AM (#130818 - in reply to #130813) Subject: RE: Prevention of black streaks on aluminum caused by caulk
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
When you start seeing a lot of streaking, it is usually an indication that the caulking has been damaged by the UV exposure and weather. Clint uses quality products in his construction of the Blue Ribbon trailers. You should not have a problem for many years, because his newer trailers utilise the tape type of sealants.
If your trailer is but a few years old, I would not mess with your present sealants. After five years or so from new, inspect the roof and determine the integrity of the sealants. If they are dried, brittle and missing, they will need attention. Chances are, you'll not have to do anything then, nor for another five years.
Posted 2011-02-26 12:34 PM (#130823 - in reply to #130818) Subject: RE: Prevention of black streaks on aluminum caused by caulk
Regular
Posts: 60
Hi Gard,
It's a 2008 (in FL) that was not under cover until now. I wonder consider the amount of streaking to be alot but I'll keep an eye on it. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with me. This forum is awesome.
Prevention of black streaks on aluminum caused by caulk
