Black Mould On Roofseals

[mogarage]

The seals running along the length of the roof on our 2014 Sterling Elite have developed black spots. This happened very soon after we took delivery and has got steadily worse. I have tried scrubbing them with a range of cleaning compounds, but the black stain appears permanent. I've sent details to Swift, asking for advice - who have yet to respond - but while I'm waiting, I'm curious if anyone else has a similar problem. The roof seals between the roof and the front and back fairings are taped, which isn't affected - and I've asked Swift if applying this tape over the existing sealant is acceptable and effective.

Photos can be seen here -

http://www.dropshots.com/MoGRage/date/2015-08-16

 

[Sproket]

That's not black spots. ...that's gaps in the sealant. .... you can see them quite clearly when you zoom in on the photo looking directly at the joint.
Just hope that you aren't getting any water ingress ....
It needs sorting out sooner than later.....
http://www.dropshots.com/MoGRage/date/2015-08-16/19:48:43

 

[mogarage]

The first photo is misleading, and I'm aware that it looks like there is a gap in the sealant at that point. The other photos show the black marks which go the entire length of the van on both sides - and having got very up close and personal I can confirm that the sealant is intact.

I've deleted the misleading photo

 

[mogarage]

I've reposted this because the first photo I submitted caused some confusion, and lead Sproket to determine that I was mistaken in my observation. That photo has now been removed.

The seals running along the length of the roof on our 2014 Sterling Elite have developed black spots. This happened very soon after we took delivery and has got steadily worse. I have tried scrubbing them with a range of cleaning compounds, but the black stain appears permanent. I've sent details to Swift, asking for advice - who have yet to respond - but while I'm waiting, I'm curious if anyone else has a similar problem. The roof seals between the roof and the front and back fairings are taped, which isn't affected - and I've asked Swift if applying this tape over the existing sealant is acceptable and effective.

While I agree that the marks may be cosmetic, and not "on show" as such, I am concerned that the integrity of the seals may be compromised.

Photos can be seen here -
http://www.dropshots.com/MoGRage/date/2015-08-16

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

There was no need to re-post, you could have continued the original post. You will probably now get people posting to both threads.

We've had black marks on sealants before, but on older caravans.

 

[Dustydog]

I get this on our Bailey. I use neat Fenwick black streak remover. Muc Off has also been successful with no damage to the seal.
However I'd await Swift's reply before you do anything

 

[Parksy]

I've reposted this because the first photo I submitted caused some confusion, and lead Sproket to determine that I was mistaken in my observation. That photo has now been removed.

The seals running along the length of the roof on our 2014 Sterling Elite have developed black spots. This happened very soon after we took delivery and has got steadily worse. I have tried scrubbing them with a range of cleaning compounds, but the black stain appears permanent. I've sent details to Swift, asking for advice - who have yet to respond - but while I'm waiting, I'm curious if anyone else has a similar problem. The roof seals between the roof and the front and back fairings are taped, which isn't affected - and I've asked Swift if applying this tape over the existing sealant is acceptable and effective.

While I agree that the marks may be cosmetic, and not "on show" as such, I am concerned that the integrity of the seals may be compromised.

Photos can be seen here -
http://www.dropshots.com/MoGRage/date/2015-08-16

I've moved the above post into the same thread to avoid multiple postings about the same subject on different threads.
Only open one thread at any one time on the same subject matter please.

 

[mogarage]

I raised the thread again because the first (and only) response was that I was clearly mistaken and couldn't recognise the difference between missing sealant and stained. Unfortunately he clearly didn't bother to look at the other two photographs that clearly illustrate the problem - partly my fault for putting the photo that caused the mistake first - but because of the reputation of the poster I was concerned that others would be influenced by his words and therefore not bother looking further.

I would have deleted the original if I could.

The sealant is stained black through its full depth - black streak remover won't touch it.

My fear was that whatever had penetrated the seal had affected its sealant properties - causing problems at some time in the future. It looks awful also - and having had 40 years of caravanning hoping for a van roof which can be washed without the aluminium flapping around, it's disappointing.

My dealer has agreed to seal over the originals when the van goes for other remedial work.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

My dealer has agreed to seal over the originals when the van goes for other remedial work.

I hope that doesn't mean putting new sealant on top of the old sealant as it will never bond properly. ALL old sealant MUST be removed.

 

[Sproket]

partly my fault for putting the photo that caused the mistake first - but because of the reputation of the poster I was concerned that others would be influenced by his words and therefore not bother looking further. hmy:

That's not black spots. ...that's gaps in the sealant. .... you can see them quite clearly when you zoom in on the photo looking directly at the joint.
Just hope that you aren't getting any water ingress ....
It needs sorting out sooner than later.....
http://www.dropshots.com/MoGRage/date/2015-08-16/19:48:43

I think that the OP needs to take a further look at the photo that i was on about specificly the black mark in the centre of the sealant that has got a spilt in showing ......

I do hope that your dealer removes all of the old sealant before re-sealing it for you as it looks like it could be a big job .....

I will now make a new appointment at Specsavers

 

[Gabsgrandad]

Not a "black mark" for you Sproket?

 

[mogarage]

The darker spots are where I haven't been able to give that part a scrub - I've had a good look and there aren't any holes there - and yes I agree that just covering the original with sealant isn't the solution I am looking for. What I was asking originally (I think) was is this something others are experiencing with new caravans, and is it a problem with a new type of sealant that Swift are using.

As previously mentioned, the staining goes all the way through the sealant, so I guess it's sealant qualities have been compromised.

Specsavers do some good deals at the moment - I've just had mine done. .

 

[mogarage]

To update - Swift have responded to my message and confirmed that they are aware of the problem -

" . . . this is a supplier issue that is currently under review with our sealant provider. Once we have a conclusion or response from them I will update you . . . "

So, looking forward to having the old stuff removed and fresh sealant applied.

While no-one else commented that they had seen it on their van, I guess there's more out there.