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Old 06-11-2022, 02:21 AM   #1
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Water Intrusion Not From Roof Seams

I stay on top of roof inspection on our 2017 Forester 3051 but have been puzzled by what appears to be moisture occasionally collecting inside the porch light, a very small bubble in the fiberglass above the entry door and water inside the compartment below.

All of this goes away after a day in the sun and there is no sign of moisture intrusion on the interior.

A few days ago I believe I found the source to be the plastic coping located above the gutter and awning that runs the length of the vehicle. It's not easily visible from the roof or from the ground.

I discovered a 6 foot section of the coping that has come out of the track. See photo.
I can push it back in but the next day it's out again.

It was painted when the full body paint was applied and doesn't have the flexibility that unpainted coping has.

Behind this coping is a row of screws. There is no sealant over the screws and it appears the coping is supposed to keep the water out of this channel. I believe when it rains hard enough that water cannot run off between the awning and the coping fast enough to prevent it from entering the screw channel and seeping into the wall.

My plan is to remove the existing coping, clean the debris from the channel, dab sealant over the screws and replace all of it with a color that will blend in.

I'm unsure of the size (width) that was used and haven't tried to flatten and measure it while on a ladder.

Has anyone else experienced this issue?

Does anyone know what width coping was used?

Does anyone see an issue with dabbing a bit of sealant over each screw while I'm up there?

Which sealant would you recommend? Silicone? Dicor? Something else.

Thanks!
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Old 06-18-2022, 07:18 PM   #2
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Vinyl insert trim, probably 1", doesn't come any bigger based on my research. Measure the gutter width to be sure, remembering you have to pinch the insert trim to get it to seat properly. Possibly 3/4" insert at the smallest. Comes in 100' lengths.

Based on the picture, maybe it's an optical illusion, but it gives the appearance the gutter base is bent, not the vinyl trim, but I guess you would know if there was some impact up there, right? Is this unit recently new to you?

If you're sure it's the trim that needs replaced:

I would test all the screws underneath. Lightly try to tighten them. If loose, back them out, put a dab of Geocel Proflex rv caulk on the thread and tighten but careful not to overnighten. Take care not to buildup a mound of sealant on the screwheads or it will make inserting new trim harder -.when installed it's a crown but clearances are not generous. Whatever Proflex is on the screw threads should give you a seal. I don't recommend rtv or silicone unless you're extremely careful with not overdoing it because those sealants, although effective in this application, are harder to trim once dried if over applied.

While at it, note where the length of gutter is butt jointed. Sometimes this joint, which was sealed at the factory, starts leaking, and allows water where it's not supposed to go.

I had leaks on both sides of my cabover because of a couple loose screws under the insert trim. Luckily a little delamination and not structural. That was 6 years ago.

So, it's possible your issue is associated with the screws under the insert trim if they're loose or a leaky gutter butt joint.

Any seam or wall screw above or adjacent to your porch light, or the porch light seams, could be a cause too. I like to address all possible causes but based on your picture you're on the right track.

If that doesn't fix the problem, let me know.
A few more pictures, with a big picture of the area, afterwards might help.

Get this brand. I replaced all gutter and 4 corners.

RV Designer E461, Heavy Duty Vinyl Insert Trim, 1 inch Wide, 100 foot Roll, White https://a.co/d/e0R1Ra9


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Old 07-03-2022, 10:46 PM   #3
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I was just browsing the forum and saw your detailed reply and link. Thank you very much.

The unit is in storage. I plan to check the screw tightness and other items you suggested when I go tomorrow.

I normally receive an email when someone replies but did not see this one which is the reason for my delayed response.
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Old 07-04-2022, 06:46 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kirk S View Post
I was just browsing the forum and saw your detailed reply and link. Thank you very much.

The unit is in storage. I plan to check the screw tightness and other items you suggested when I go tomorrow.

I normally receive an email when someone replies but did not see this one which is the reason for my delayed response.
Check your "Subscribed" link to see the latest posts on threads you created or replied to

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