Leaking roof windows?

[gt40]

I have seen 2 A frames that have had tape around the roof windows and was wondering if this is normal.

gt40

[Jeep4Two]

It may be the special sealant tape that has been used by some instead of the less reliable caulk.

[backpacker3]

I bought a roll of the clear Duck Tape and plan to do my roof windows this summer. So far, the caulking is looking very good.

[Jeep4Two]

I'm not sure, but I don't think that clear packing tape will hold up very long.

There are threads here somewhere demonstrating a special sealing tape that is great for the windows. The name of the stuff alludes me at the moment. I'm sure someone will chime in.

[daveinpickerington]

Past thread: http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...per-17547.html

Tape mentioned by Jeep4Two:
3M PREFERRED CONVERTER Extreme Sealing Tape, W 2 In, L 5 Yd - Film Tape - 15D133|4412N - Grainger Industrial Supply

[backpacker3]

The tape I bought is a clear tape made for outdoor use and is supposed to be waterproof. The only differance I can see from the 3M Brand is the price, a lot less money and if it does the job, I come out with a few dollars in my pocket. I was skeptical also but Duck Tape is a brand name not to be confused with gray duct tape. Two differant items. Thanks form your concern though.

[Jeep4Two]

Got a link for what you are going to use? I'm familiar with the Duck brand.

[Jeep4Two]

Is it maybe this?


http://duckbrand.com/products/duck-t...lear-duck-tape

[Pooneil]

Originally Posted by backpacker3

The only differance I can see from the 3M Brand is the price.

I wouldn't be too sure about that. 3M products are engineered with specific characteristics for specific purposes while outdoor Duck Tape is a generic product. The tape itself being water proof does not mean the adhesive is as long lasting nor that tape material is as durable to abrasion or sunlight. Both of these are significant factors in the performance of the material for the specific purpose.

Please note I haven't personally compared the two nor claim that 3M is the only sound way to solve a particular problem. Only that my experience with buying and using 3M products, particularly thier commercial and industrial products, is that they are well made and well used for the intended purpose. They get those high prices from commercial custoemers by being a high performance product.

[gt40]

One I saw had clear tape that was about 1/8" thick and 2" wide and felt like rubber. It didn't look good, but it did look like it worked well.

gt40

[rawlus]

Originally Posted by backpacker3

The tape I bought is a clear tape made for outdoor use and is supposed to be waterproof. The only differance I can see from the 3M Brand is the price, a lot less money and if it does the job, I come out with a few dollars in my pocket.

The 3M branded product used by the factory for sealing window seams in addition to caulking them, and which some users are applying themselves or having their dealer apply as an extra precaution against leaking, in no way resembles the clear Duck brand tape you are considering using. The 3M product isn't a tape at all really, it's a soft 80mil thick membrane with a special adhesive on one side and a peel-away backer on the other. My concern with a tape-based product is, if it does not perfectly seal the area being covered, it will do exactly the opposite of what you intend, which is to say, trap moisture beneath it, against caulking you can no longer maintain.

I'm fine with people improvising solutions and coming up with new ways to solve problems, but I'd recommend against this one merely to keep a few dollars in your pocket.