Okay, the 25-year caulk applied to the seams on my 6-year old trailer is shot. I now have several water stains on the interior due to leaks. I know the proper remedy is to remove all the old caulk and apply new caulk. I also know that the sun plays havoc with the caulk and that none of it -- no matter how long the advertised live is -- will last.
I don't want to go through this process and then be faced doing it again in another 5 years or so. What I was thinking is that a color-coordinated, spray-on bedliner could be applied to the roof seams to eliminate this problem. Has anyone done this before?
Posted 2008-06-02 6:16 PM (#85077 - in reply to #85073) Subject: RE: Trailer Roof
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Most household derived caulks will last and perform as your's has on metal trailer roofs. The usage of marine caulks will have a longer service life and much more durability and resistance to UV degration. The best ones are polyurethanes or polysulfide based. They are sold by the 3m and Sikaflex companies, through marine suppliers or some big box stores. 3M 5200 and Sika 292 are some of the best.
Another alternative is the application of an Elastomeric roof coating. These rubber based coatings feature a high reflectivity, high resistance to UV damage, and very large elongation and strength properties. They work well on metal roofs forming a completely weather proof membrane. They are somewhat expensive, but can be applied by a homeowner using common painting tools. There are several companies that make and sell these products.
I have thought of a coloured Rhino liner, but never have followed up to find out how much it would cost. My sprayed bed liner is guaranteed for life, and has worn very well over the years. It might make an excellent roof surface, although it would have a heavy texture instead of a smooth surface. The pricing is determined by the amount of square footage being applied.
Posted 2008-06-02 6:44 PM (#85079 - in reply to #85077) Subject: RE: Trailer Roof
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
Completely off topic here, but I saw a jeep in Dallas that was completely "painted" with rhino liner. Everything but the upholstery and tires. It had a "matte" appereamce and looked really cool.
Posted 2008-06-03 12:19 PM (#85138 - in reply to #85073) Subject: RE: Trailer Roof
Veteran
Posts: 121 Location: MO
I just got back from the local Ameriguard bed liner place. My trailer is too long to fit into his bay for spraying. He might still be able to do it, but it would require a lot more labor because he would have to paper/tape off more. Even then, he wouldn't be able to guarantee that there wouldn't be overspray. I'm now going to check into the marine quality caulks mentioned previously. That might be the easier way to go. I check the current caulk on the roof this morning. It definitely needs to be replaced -- all cracked and brittle. What is the best way to remove? I'm thinking pry it off at the end with a screwdriver or something and just start trying to peel it away. Once I get it removed, how do I prep the surface for the new caulk? Wipe it down with a aluminum cleaner? Alcohol?
Posted 2008-06-03 2:13 PM (#85141 - in reply to #85077) Subject: RE: Trailer Roof
Member
Posts: 28
Does the Elastomeric roof coating seal all by itself? I **thought** you still needed to use a sealant of some sort on the seam. They also sell this UV/water resistant sealing tape. You still need to remove the old caulk, but it supposedly holds up better then the caulk. It seems unattractive to me though, and I would want to cover it up with paint or the roof coating. Check out this old thread:
Another alternative is the application of an Elastomeric roof coating. These rubber based coatings feature a high reflectivity, high resistance to UV damage, and very large elongation and strength properties. They work well on metal roofs forming a completely weather proof membrane. They are somewhat expensive, but can be applied by a homeowner using common painting tools. There are several companies that make and sell these products.
Trailer Roof
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