how to re-seal roof bar on your caravan

[lisa6479]

good morning all,
I've just got a bailey senator caravan 2007 model, I've just noticed that on the roof, there are two metal rails, i believe they are the jointing strips, the adhesive that runs either side has gone hard, and a lot of cracks, so i was wondering if i could remove the old adhesive, then reseal with either sikaflex or would soudal fix all be ok, ive also got some gum waterproof tape to put over the top too, im only new at this caravan thing lol

please help me, im so confused with the web sites!!!

 

[Damian]

The way to sort out your roof straps is to remove them, clean off ALL the old mastic on both the straps and the van finishing with good cleaning with methylated spirit.

Then apply a good bead of Soudall fixall to each strap in turn and refit the strap securing with stainless steel screws.
The mastic must be enough to squeeze out on both sides of the straps and then tooled to leave a smooth finish.

 

[lisa6479]

thank you so much for your help, just one question would you soudall crystal. its sealant and adhesive?

 

[Damian]

Just use the Soudall Fixall in White.
It is a bonding/sealing mastic.

 

[lisa6479]

thank you again, wish me look

 

[Damian]

The job sounds worse than it is, just take your time and do one strap at a time.
It is not worth rushing to do it, you will only make mistakes.

To get the right size new stainless steel screws, use one of the ones you take out as a template.

 

[lisa6479]

i will, i get some new screws, thing i might start it tomorrow, thank you again, ill let you know how i get on
lisa

 

[Hutch]

MY caravan is now out of warranty, but was resealed by Coachman after a rear panel replacment, I am now thinking of using this tape over all the roof joints,
Damian, any thoughts on this. Please.

https://www.rooflock.com/products/rooflock-tape/

 

[otherclive]

MY caravan is now out of warranty, but was resealed by Coachman after a rear panel replacment, I am now thinking of using this tape over all the roof joints,
Damian, any thoughts on this. Please.

https://www.rooflock.com/products/rooflock-tape/

Roof lock and Eternabond are two well known tapes for sealing jointing. The latter is shown on YouTube US videos for Motorhome sealing. Both do adhere like crazy so be prepared should they need to be repaired. My Swift Sprite had rear panel replaced and Swift cover the joint with a white tape but I don’t know what it’s name is.

 

[Damian]

MY caravan is now out of warranty, but was resealed by Coachman after a rear panel replacment, I am now thinking of using this tape over all the roof joints,
Damian, any thoughts on this. Please.

https://www.rooflock.com/products/rooflock-tape/

If it is not leaking, dont do anything.
Sticking any tape on a van is just either not needed or a very bad way of hiding a problem.

If I were to look at buying a van which had tape on it, I would walk away without a second thought.

 

[Hutch]

If it is not leaking, dont do anything.
Sticking any tape on a van is just either not needed or a very bad way of hiding a problem.

If I were to look at buying a van which had tape on it, I would walk away without a second thought.

Thanks Damian, never thought about that. .