Another Eternabond Question

[Danimal]

i am wondering how long this tape will last on the roof of a camper
and if there are any tricks that have been learned when installing the tape
i am thinking of putting this tape on all of the seams of my new 5th wheel
in the spring, i will be putting vent covers on all of the vents as well ( after putting on the tape )
any input would be great

PS. also wondering about warranty issues when using this tape

thanks

dan

[grhodes50]

I'm thinking of doing the same. Eternabond claims their tape is good for 10 years. I don't believe there will be any adverse warranty issues as long as it's applied according to directions.

Good Luck and Happy Camping!

[realebill]

i applied it according to the eternabond instructions.no problems so far

EternaBond Leak Repair Installation Instructions

[Willis]

I did my whole roof last fall. One thing I learned in a couple of places where I had tried to wrap the Eternabond around a sharp angle is I got small gaps where it had failed to stick. Such areas can be fixed by just cutting the tape were it gapped and pushing it back down. The take-away is the Eternabond doesn't stick well if it is stretched too much over awkwardly shaped areas. Otherwise it is a sticky monster!

I can't tell you of course how long it's going to last, but I feel much better now that I did it. I applied the Eternabond directly over the existing Dicor sealant which was still mostly in great shape. I cleaned the areas where I applied the tape with acetone. I used 8" tape on the end seams and 4" tape elsewhere.

Some before and after photos:

[Herk7769]

Every time I see your pictures I can't get over what a great job you did. I have several sized rolls, primer spray, and a wallpaper roller in my "to do" box for when we get to Florida.

[Danimal]

i have to agree, that is a nice job and great pictures
thanks for the input

dan

[Willis]

You can see it best on the last photo, but one small detail that I thought worth the effort was to "shingle" the tape layers. That is, the first layers are applied from the rear of the area and added toward the front like roof shingles so while moving there are fewer seams exposed to driving rain. Maybe it makes no difference, but it takes no additional effort and gives an overall neater job as well.

BTW, I used 8" tape on the front and back seams.

[mjones12]

Where's the best place to buy it? Also, I saw a post saying the Eternabond will not adhere to silicone. The ladder on my unit has big sticky globs of white sealant where it attaches to the top. Looks like white silicone, but I'm not sure.

[Herk7769]

I bought all my materials here:
Eternabond RoofSeal Roof Repair Tape, RV Roof Repair Tape, Miracle RV Roof Tape

The price was great and shipment was fast.

As to the white caulk. You will need to test it. Eternal bond WILL NOT adhere to silicon based materials. This includes the white surface of the tape itself! You must treat the surface of the applied tape with primer before you add the next layer of tape. This is discussed at length in the directions. You may get away with priming the ladder attachments prior to application, but I would try to remove as much of the suspect material as possible.

If it is the self leveling stuff they use on our seams, there is no worry. Just clean with acetone (or the Eternabond primer) and apply.

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by herk7769

I bought all my materials here:
Eternabond RoofSeal Roof Repair Tape, RV Roof Repair Tape, Miracle RV Roof Tape

The price was great and shipment was fast.

As to the white caulk. You will need to test it. Eternal bond WILL NOT adhere to silicon based materials. This includes the white surface of the tape itself! You must treat the surface of the applied tape with primer before you add the next layer of tape. This is discussed at length in the directions. You may get away with priming the ladder attachments prior to application, but I would try to remove as much of the suspect material as possible.

If it is the self leveling stuff they use on our seams, there is no worry. Just clean with acetone (or the Eternabond primer) and apply.

Thanks, Herk. I think mine might be the self-leveling stuff; it's just a lot whiter than what I saw in Willis' photos. I've since learned that it comes in several colors. Thanks again for the info.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by mjones12

Thanks, Herk. I think mine might be the self-leveling stuff; it's just a lot whiter than what I saw in Willis' photos. I've since learned that it comes in several colors. Thanks again for the info.

My camper is only 2 years old and the self leveling sealer is pretty grungy. I have three cans of primer spray and will do the entire roof once I get where its warm.

[grhodes50]

Originally Posted by mjones12

Thanks, Herk. I think mine might be the self-leveling stuff; it's just a lot whiter than what I saw in Willis' photos. I've since learned that it comes in several colors. Thanks again for the info.

All caulking on the roof should be Dicor Self Leveling Sealant. This is the only type of caulk that should be used on the roof. It's stays white for a while but will turn a dark grey as it gets dirty. You need to clean the caulk with a solvent that's not harmful to your rubber roof before applying the Eternabond tape. I bought some from my dealer, 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner. It cost about $31.50 for a quart, but I bet you can find it at Lowes or Home Depot cheaper. I also think that Eternabond sells a cleaner as well as the primer for use before applying the tape.

You can also buy most of these products online at Tweetys or RV Wholesalers.

Hope this helps.

[frankm]

Originally Posted by herk7769

.....You must treat the surface of the applied tape with primer before you add the next layer of tape. This is discussed at length in the directions.

Could you not use acetone? Or do the directions recommend against using acetone to clean the white surface of the tape?

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by frankm

Could you not use acetone? Or do the directions recommend against using acetone to clean the white surface of the tape?

I answered this in post#9 below.