Silicone Caulking For Exterior Maintenance

[Stingingfork]

I'm about to replacement my shower box on my 2006 Surveyor SV264 along with the running lights and was planning on sealing them with a high grade of white silicone caulking but recently when looking over some other threads it was stated not to use silicone caulk on RV's. They never stated why it shouldn't be used so could someone explain why I shouldn't be using it to make the exterior watertight around these new fixtures. I recently noticed on one of my upper front lights that I have some slight delamination taking place around the light so I'm sure moisture is getting in somehow and I want to use the best sealant available with the new replacement lights.

[caper]

If you use silicone and need to re-caulk in a few years all the silicone would have to be removed because the new sealant will not adhere to the old silicone.

[Stingingfork]

Originally Posted by caper

If you use silicone and need to re-caulk in a few years all the silicone would have to be removed because the new sealant will not adhere to the old silicone.

Okay so it's not that silicone can't be used but if I'm understanding you correctly it just makes it harder to maintain in the future with any further caulking. What is the next best caulk to use on an RV where I'm having to remove old fixtures like the shower box and reseal for the new one?

[Tiggerdad]

The most recommended sealant for exterior is Dicor self-leveling for horizontal and lap sealant for vertical surfaces. It is not just that silicone presents a problem with resealing but it doesn't hold up as well. A good polyurethane sealant also works well. Proflex is one brand name. Google Dicor for more information, Good luck.

If the shower box you are referring to on the inside. Check some of the GE products made for that use.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Tiggerdad

The most recommended sealant for exterior is Dicor self-leveling for horizontal and lap sealant for vertical surfaces. It is not just that silicone presents a problem with resealing but it doesn't hold up as well. A good polyurethane sealant also works well. Proflex is one brand name. Google Dicor for more information, Good luck.

If the shower box you are referring to on the inside. Check some of the GE products made for that use.

This is great advice.

Dicor Non-Sag Lap Sealant - Product - Camping World

This is all you need for vertical surfaces.
IMO, never use silicone anywhere in the RV.

[Stingingfork]

Thanks for all of the responses, each one added some extra insight into doing the job right the first time. The reason I initially assumed the silicone would be the best choice is that the guaranteed life of the seal is usually around 25 years or so for a good quality silicone caulk. I've read up on both the Dicor and Proflex and either would appear to do the job and I assume that they are more flexible over time than the silicone would be. The shower box is going to be on the exterior so for the flange would you use the butyl tape around the flat area of the flange and then follow-up with the caulk around the outside lip or just use a heavy bead of the caulk for the flange and the outside lip of the flange? Thanks again for your advice.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Stingingfork

The shower box is going to be on the exterior so for the flange would you use the butyl tape around the flat area of the flange and then follow-up with the caulk around the outside lip or just use a heavy bead of the caulk for the flange and the outside lip of the flange? Thanks again for your advice.

That is exactly how to do it. I keep a roll of 1/2 inch butyl tape and a tube of Proflex (as well as a tube of Dicor Self Leveling) in the tool kit at all times.

[Tiggerdad]

Follow Herks advise on the butyl tape. Have a small container of mineral spirits or paint thinner to dip your finger in to smooth the caulk. Polyurethanes skin very quickly and is difficult to smooth over. The mineral spirits or paint thinner will allow you to smooth over if your caulking skills are not very good.

[dfskinner]

RV Leak Repair Tapes & Sealants | EternaBond

Friend introduced me to this product when the front of our trailer started delaminating up top on the front; caught it in time for it not to become a major issue. Used the eternabond to seal the joint going across the top. Traded the trailer in on what we have now, but I swear by this stuff; they have some other products on their website that might help

[Xtrmtj]

If you have a trailer that was used with silicone caulk to seal. Is it fixable to put the correct caulk down and it work?

What would the correct removal process be to remove silicone?

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Xtrmtj

If you have a trailer that was used with silicone caulk to seal. Is it fixable to put the correct caulk down and it work?

What would the correct removal process be to remove silicone?

Unfortunately it is very hard to get the silicone off and nothing will stick to it.
Once you have gone down this road, it is tough to turn around.

[Xtrmtj]

Herk....so do I have no options to remove it?

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Xtrmtj

Herk....so do I have no options to remove it?

Depends on how much I guess, and if what you have is leaking.
There are always options; some pretty extreme.

Pictures of the area would be helpful.

[Crusader]

900

This will out last anything

[EastlakeRoo]

Originally Posted by dfskinner

RV Leak Repair Tapes & Sealants | EternaBond

Friend introduced me to this product when the front of our trailer started delaminating up top on the front; caught it in time for it not to become a major issue. Used the eternabond to seal the joint going across the top. Traded the trailer in on what we have now, but I swear by this stuff; they have some other products on their website that might help

I agree on the EternaBond. Just finished applying the tape to all caulking on the roof while the caulk was still new. Shouldn't have to worry about re-caulking the roof anymore. This is the best preventative measure in my book.

[Tiggerdad]

Try wiping with Acetone or other quick evaporating solvent, alcohol may work but not sure, then apply a sealant like Dicor or Proflex. Dicor and Proflex has enough petroleum distillates to allow them to penetrate surfaces and adhere. Watch closely to make sure it does not come loose over time. Good Luck.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Crusader

900

This will out last anything

The application list does not list rubber or EDPM roof material.

[Xtrmtj]

I have attached a pic of one area I have. I have a ROO and need to seal the bunk end frames really well. The bunk pictured is being replace. But I need to go thru and clean all the silicone I put down in an effort to seal it. I was told by Dave Arbogast RV service just use Silicone, that is what we use. I think I was fed horrible info.

So I need to go and clean everything real good, and seal with a good sealant. What is recommended by all.

Please advise.

[Herk7769]

I use Proflex for everything except the roof.

ProFlex RV Flexible Sealant - Product - Camping World

[jeeplj8]

I have used this on a exterior shower to remove silicone and it worked quite well:
Amazon.com: Motsenbocker 411-45 Silicone Latex Caulk And Foam Sealant Remover: Home Improvement