Easiest way to remove large skylight

[Fuji]

I have a cracked in several places, large bubble skylight. I have a new replacement in hand. I read the Forest River instructions for replacing the existing skylight, but wondering if anyone has replaced one using a different method. I have seen automotive windshield replacement worker using what appeared to be braided fishing line to cut through the glue and sealant that holds the glass to the frame. I was thinking about having two people, one on each end of the end of the fishing line and "sawing" the skylight and flange loose. If you have any experience with replacing one of these I would be interested to know. I think I will purchase the Sika 252 adhesive. That seems to be a strong bond and going around the edges of the skylight with Eternabond tape. Thanks for any advice!

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by Fuji

I have seen automotive windshield replacement worker using what appeared to be braided fishing line to cut through the glue and sealant that holds the glass to the frame. !

I don't know how to replace it, but that braided fishing line is probably "gigli wire" that is a serrated cutting wire that can cut pipes, wood . https://www.amazon.com/General-Tools...02FYUNGA&psc=1
There are many versions of this wire so shop carefully. The one above is just an example.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

I don't know how to replace it, but that braided fishing line is probably "gigli wire" that is a serrated cutting wire that can cut pipes, wood . https://www.amazon.com/General-Tools...02FYUNGA&psc=1

There are many versions of this wire so shop carefully. The one above is just an example.

Sometimes the roof sealant can be cut with simple dental floss. An often overlooked and effective tool for things like this. Floss will follow the roofing material while cutting the softer sealant.

[Fuji]

I fish a little and "PowerPro" fishing line is Spectra filament braided together to make the line. If the line gets hung on something and you wrap your finger around it and pull, you are likely to nearly cut your finger off. It is incredible strong for its diameter.

[Fuji]

Forest River sent me instructions on how to replace the skylight and I decided to follow those. The factory glue holding the skylight was very hard anyway and I doubt it would cut with the fishing line. FR says to put new adhesive on top of the old. I have already sawn out the old skylight.

[dave961]

I may need to do this someday as mine is cracked in one corner. Can you post the FR instructions or send to me via PM please?

[Fuji]

This thread http://https://www.forestriverforums...nt-144760.html has the instructions attached which are identical to the ones FR sent me. I could not find the two part epoxy that the factory uses, but I wrote the factory about "SikaFlex 221" adhesive which Amazon sells. The factory rep said that would work, they actually use it in a pinch, just the cure time is longer. I'll post back when the job is complete and let you know how it turned out.

[dave961]

Thanks.

[Fuji]

Here is a photo of the new window being installed.

I scuffed the flange of the new window with sandpaper and cleaned all surfaces with alcohol before I applied the SikaFlex adhesive. The wood frame I made was to weight down the skylight flange after I applied the adhesive. I used wax paper between the flange and the frame so the frame would not stick to the skylight. It squeezed the adhesive really well without any additional weight. I will leave like this for another day or two before removing the frame and applying the Eternabond.

[Fuji]

I'm having trouble opening the thread link I posted. Here is another attempt:
https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...nt-144760.html

[Fuji]

The above link works. The instructions are in post #3 I believe.

[Fuji]

Skylight install finished. Everything looks fine. The Sika Flex adhesive seems fully cured so I went over the existing Eternabond tape with new. It seems to have adhered well, I'm unable to pull it apart.


I think I might replace the smaller front ones soon, I think only a matter of time before they need replacement.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by Fuji

This thread http://https://www.forestriverforums...nt-144760.html has the instructions attached which are identical to the ones FR sent me. I could not find the two part epoxy that the factory uses, but I wrote the factory about "SikaFlex 221" adhesive which Amazon sells. The factory rep said that would work, they actually use it in a pinch, just the cure time is longer. I'll post back when the job is complete and let you know how it turned out.

Your link isn’t formatted correctly. It has too many “http” strings in it.

[Fuji]

I fixed it already. Post #10