Skylight cracked-repair.. DIY or Dealer

[ddavis662]

The skylight on my 2012 RockWood 2904SS has 3 small cracks along the caulk line.



It's under warranty, but I have seen 1st hand how the local dealership repairs/fixes skylights.
Years back, I had to have the skylight replaced on my 2007 Orbit while it was under warranty.
I wasn't impressed.

I think I could easily repair it by using Eternabond around the skylight, instead of having it replaced.

I'm in the process of getting ready to go "full time" and a trip to the dealership was not in my schedule.

Any thoughts?

[ddavis662]

Oh in case your wondering.
I'm trying to cut down on the heat in the bathroom.
So to block out the direct sunlight, I cut a sheet of "cracked ice white lighting panel", then attached it the the top of the inside section using Velcro.
That is how I found out that there was a leak somewhere around the skylight.

[2Susan]

If it under warranty, could you find another well thought of dealer along your route to replace the skylight?

I was driving in a hailstorm and had a couple pieces of hail punch a hole through the bathroom vent. We added a cover over that vent (so we can travel with the vent open). And the replacement covers are easy to replace.

With the skylight though I think I would want a non-cracked new one rather than a repair. Do you think the increased heat trapped between the skylight and your pebble finish plastic might have contributed to the cracking?

[ddavis662]

If I could remove or completely cover the skylight..... I do it in a second!

Luckily, it was the removing of the inside portion of the skylight, that alerted me to a possible leak.
I knew something was not right, when the water started dripping out of the screw holes as I was removing the screws.

I'm going to get back up there today and apply a small amount of silicone into the cracks, till I figure the route I'm going to take.

Warranties are about like coupons.. There is always a "catch".

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by ddavis662

If I could remove or completely cover the skylight..... I do it in a second!

Luckily, it was the removing of the inside portion of the skylight, that alerted me to a possible leak.
I knew something was not right, when the water started dripping out of the screw holes as I was removing the screws.

I'm going to get back up there today and apply a small amount of silicone into the cracks, till I figure the route I'm going to take.

Warranties are about like coupons.. There is always a "catch".

DO NOT USE SILICONE or RTV. ONLY use Dicor self leveling Lap sealant.

You will NEVER be able to Eternabond the seams because the EB Tape will not stick to silicone. Silicone will also not stick to the existing Dicor.

Big mess that will require extensive repairs ($$$) because of your "fix."

Head to the RV store and get the Dicor and cover the cracks until you can make a more permanent repair. Always carry a NEW tube and caulk gun to temp repair cuts or leaks while traveling.

[ddavis662]

Thanks Herk!
I'll just 1 or 2 day order a roll of Eternabond from Amazon.
Amazon.com: EternaBond RSW-4-50 White Roof Seal: Kitchen & Dining

Maybe the afternoon thunderstorms will hold off for a day or two.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by ddavis662

Thanks Herk!
I'll just 1 or 2 day order a roll of Eternabond from Amazon.
Amazon.com: EternaBond RSW-4-50 White Roof Seal: Kitchen & Dining

Maybe the afternoon thunderstorms will hold off for a day or two.

Perfect, just get the Dicor and fix the leaks before you tape over it.

Let the Dicor "set" (overnight if possible) before you tape it.
Prep the surface with EB Primer spray (or a rag "damp" with Acetone) to remove oxidation from the roof material and to "soften" the surface of the older Dicor.

Use a roller (like a wall paper seam roller) to make sure you have a good bond with the roof, plastic skylight and Dicor sealant.

[golfmedik]

Great info. Thanks guys! I had been dealing with a lot of heat in my bathroom thanks to our skylight too. After our beach trip, I remedied that situation by painting the outside of the skylight with Krylon Fusion Gloss White paint after cleaning it. Still lets in a lot of light but cut down on the heat tremendously. Here is a pic after it was done in the middle of the afternoon.

[ddavis662]

I have a roll of this "Instant Rubber Roof Repair"


It has the black backing.
Think it would hold, If I was to cut it into 3 squares and apply it over the cracks (which would include the existing Dicor/caulk and skylight)?
Or is that type of repair material strictly made to be applied to a rubber roof?
The instructions don't go that far into detail on the repair kit.
Then, would I be able the apply the EB on top of this rubber roof repair?

Sorry for all the questions..
Thus info will help me and possibly someone else down the road.

[ddavis662]

Originally Posted by golfmedik

Great info. Thanks guys! I had been dealing with a lot of heat in my bathroom thanks to our skylight too. After our beach trip, I remedied that situation by painting the outside of the skylight with Krylon Fusion Gloss White paint after cleaning it. Still lets in a lot of light but cut down on the heat tremendously. Here is a pic after it was done in the middle of the afternoon.

Nice work!!
I'm amazed at the amount of heat that is generated inside by the clear skylight.
And why clear?

[golfmedik]

Originally Posted by ddavis662

Nice work!!
I'm amazed at the amount of heat that is generated inside by the clear skylight.
And why clear?

My sentiments exactly! I have no idea! I put up with the clear on my 355 and now on my 365, but after a week in Myrtle Beach, I had to do something. Most people that have painted theirs say they have regretted it because it blacked it out. So I tested the new paint on some plexiglass and found what I was looking for. IT matches the top of the camper from the outside and still lets in a lot of light but significantly reduces heat.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by ddavis662

I have a roll of this "Instant Rubber Roof Repair"


It has the black backing.
Think it would hold, If I was to cut it into 3 squares and apply it over the cracks (which would include the existing Dicor/caulk and skylight)?
Or is that type of repair material strictly made to be applied to a rubber roof?
The instructions don't go that far into detail on the repair kit.
Then, would I be able the apply the EB on top of this rubber roof repair?

Sorry for all the questions..
Thus info will help me and possibly someone else down the road.

The EB will stick to itself if the white part is wiped with primer or a damp acetone rag. Most likely you would be"ok" but I would try it on a scrap of plastic to make sure.

[ddavis662]

Today, I stopped by the dealership to buy 4 tubes of the lap sealant.
I asked about warranty work and they told me they are booked till the middle of August.
So I'm going with a plan to fill in the area between the "dome" and existing lap sealant, to seal the small cracks and to keep that area from holding water.

[ddavis662]

I was surprised to find out that just 1 tube of lap sealant was enough to fill the whole "trough" between the existing sealant and the dome to the skylight.
I guess buying 4 tubes was "over kill"?




Later on, the next step will be to cover the entire area with Eternabond.
I think I'll get the 6" wide roll for this project.

[golfmedik]

Originally Posted by ddavis662

I guess buying 4 tubes was "over kill"?

I am finding out that you can't be too prepared while traveling! Hope it works out well.

[Herk7769]

What is the story of the wires between the inner and outer panels of plastic?

[ddavis662]

Originally Posted by herk7769

What is the story of the wires between the inner and outer panels of plastic?

I guess they are to the light and vent fan, or the lights in the front bed room?
Or who knows, could even be to the exterior running lights?

[ddavis662]

Originally Posted by herk7769

What is the story of the wires between the inner and outer panels of plastic?

Lou, I got to thinking after you asked that question.
Is that insulation to the wiring is UV resistant.?
More than likely not...
So I cover the wire with some flexible conduit.


Oh.. Here is a better image of the frosted panel that I put on top of the interior portion of the skylight.

[Herk7769]

Man that blew me away.

How could they run OEM wires across the skylight! Was the camper bought new or "new to you"? Could it be after market?

[annamarie]

Originally Posted by herk7769

Man that blew me away.

How could they run OEM wires across the skylight! Was the camper bought new or "new to you"? Could it be after market?

I was thinking the same thing Lou. Isn't that dangerous? Especially in the shower mixed with water?