Weather Sealing

[Joe_5130864]

hi all,

got my first van, an abbey ace diplomat to find loads of evidence of water seeping into the corners, some time in the past, in quite a few places ... there is no damp now [or I wouldn't have bought it in the first place] but would like it to stay this way ... I'm intending to remove all the outer rails and re-mastic the joints while we have some summer/autumn left ... anything special I should look out for? or any useful tips would be much appreciated ... and could any one advise please, mastic in a tape form or mastic straight from a tube? ... both methods have been put to me but would like the best from a weather-proofing angle ... I have all the time in the world so that wouldn't be an issue [also have good practical motor skills]

regards

joe

 

[rob_jax]

Joe,

Buy a copy of the Haynes guide "The caravan manual 3rd edition" from Halfords or www.Amazon.co.uk or anywhere else. Preferably if they sell it at discount.

This topic is discussed with a photo story, including the use of tape and mastic.

But in summary, use both. Tape is easy and fast to apply along the seam, and then backing it up with sealant squeezed in the awning rail groves is a good idea.

Robert

 

[UKHunk]

Hi Joe

Dont know if you are interested,but i have a 1995 van and had eight leaks in the front,this week i have rebuit the front end from the inside,i am 75 percent in completeing,and i will share what i done if you wish,mainly i used a good mastic and screws with brackets and used no more nails with it,and now its solid and doesnt leak at all,so now i have to put the final internal wall in along with the curtains and blinds,then im complete, The final bill is less than

 

[Joe_5130864]

Joe,

Buy a copy of the Haynes guide "The caravan manual 3rd edition" from Halfords or www.Amazon.co.uk or anywhere else. Preferably if they sell it at discount.

This topic is discussed with a photo story, including the use of tape and mastic.

But in summary, use both. Tape is easy and fast to apply along the seam, and then backing it up with sealant squeezed in the awning rail groves is a good idea.

Robert

fell out with Haynes years ago, never found their manuals very practical for cars.

like the idea of using tape AND tube, makes sense really to get all the little niggly bits

if the rain stays off I'm hoping to have a go today

 

[Joe_5130864]

Hi Joe

Dont know if you are interested,but i have a 1995 van and had eight leaks in the front,this week i have rebuit the front end from the inside,i am 75 percent in completeing,and i will share what i done if you wish,mainly i used a good mastic and screws with brackets and used no more nails with it,and now its solid and doesnt leak at all,so now i have to put the final internal wall in along with the curtains and blinds,then im complete, The final bill is less than