What did I do wrong?

[NLaudy]

So I installed some Camco cyclone RV tank vents two weeks ago. Was a fairly basic install (I thought).

Well I just went up on my roof to check on things and noticed that the lap sealant didn’t hold up on the plastic. What did I do wrong and what do you recommend for the best way of fixing it? Think I am going to pull it all up and redo it again but I have to order more lap sealant.

The first picture is after I installed the vents. The next two are what it currently looks like. The last picture is the product I used.

Just to give you a little more info. The RV stays at a campground full time. I noticed this right before I left so I took some 100% silicone and put it on to keep out any water until I can properly fix it.

[MR.M]

did you clean first ? need to wipe down with acyetone before applying sealant . roof was dirty so it didn't stick

[NLaudy]

Originally Posted by MR.M

did you clean first ? need to wipe down with acyetone before applying sealant . roof was dirty so it didn't stick

Yeah I cleaned it first but it wasn’t really the roof where it didn’t stick. It didn’t stick to the vent itself and the cover. Thanks for the assistance.

[Flybob]

I would clean and scuff up the flange. If there is mold release on the flange, it will not stick.

[Splitshaft]

Well, maybe you did not do anything wrong if everything was well cleaned of any wax, oil, or grease. I always use Dicor non-leveling 551 lap sealant for that kind of work instead of their 501 product. To each their own.

[babock]

Originally Posted by Splitshaft

Well, maybe you did not do anything wrong if everything was well cleaned of any wax, oil, or grease. I always use Dicor non-leveling 551 lap sealant for that kind of work instead of their 501 product. To each their own.

Yep, that's the stuff that's needed here.

[grumpy0374]

Originally Posted by NLaudy

So I installed some Camco cyclone RV tank vents two weeks ago. Was a fairly basic install (I thought).

Well I just went up on my roof to check on things and noticed that the lap sealant didn’t hold up on the plastic. What did I do wrong and what do you recommend for the best way of fixing it? Think I am going to pull it all up and redo it again but I have to order more lap sealant.

The first picture is after I installed the vents. The next two are what it currently looks like. The last picture is the product I used.

Just to give you a little more info. The RV stays at a campground full time. I noticed this right before I left so I took some 100% silicone and put it on to keep out any water until I can properly fix it.

Before you try to reseal it, you'll have to pull the vent out and clean it thoroughly. You stated you used silicone to temp seal it, and now, nothing will adhear to it unless ALL traces of silicone are removed. Even new silicone will not stick. Any Dicor will simply fall off.

grumpy

[NLaudy]

Originally Posted by grumpy0374

Before you try to reseal it, you'll have to pull the vent out and clean it thoroughly. You stated you used silicone to temp seal it, and now, nothing will adhear to it unless ALL traces of silicone are removed. Even new silicone will not stick. Any Dicor will simply fall off.

grumpy

Thank you everyone for the input!

Grumpy, thanks i wasn’t aware of that. Just to be safe after removing all the silicone and Dicor I will rough up the vent with sandpaper also!

[ICanFixIt]

Originally Posted by NLaudy

Thank you everyone for the input!

Grumpy, thanks i wasn’t aware of that. Just to be safe after removing all the silicone and Dicor I will rough up the vent with sandpaper also!

I don't think you need to remove everything you've done. In the pics it looks as if the dicor adhered to the roof just fine. You're only problem is it didn't adhere to the vent plate for a complete seal. I'd just clean and rough up the roof vent plate and then put eternabond tape over it and the dicor.

[gooiebob]

Looks like you used self leveling Dicor. You need the regular Dicor that doesn't self level. You could apply it right over what you have already done.

[camaraderie]

Since you say it is adhering to the roof...the Dicor Lap Sealant is fine and you'd probably be happier with the non leveling formulation.
For those facing similar maintenance...be aware that Rigs with TPM roofs after 2010 may NOT be compatible with the standard Dicor lap sealants. Here's the flow chart:

[Mch5jdm]

Somewhat off topic but what is the best way to save unused tubes of sealant? I have a small job that will use a few pumps but I don’t want to waste the rest of the tube. Thoughts

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Mch5jdm

Somewhat off topic but what is the best way to save unused tubes of sealant? I have a small job that will use a few pumps but I don’t want to waste the rest of the tube. Thoughts

I've never had a partially used tube of lap sealant but I've sealed every other type of caulking the same way:

Take a piece of Saran or similar wrap. Fold in half and half again, so you have a four layer piece, maybe 3" by 3" or so. Put it over the nozzle and use a rubber band to tightly hold it in place. This is good for months. If there is hardening after prolonged storage, it's often only in the nozzle. Insert a nail or Phillips screwdriver and move the handle in a circular way, so the tip traces out a circle at the base of the nozzle. Eject and discard the stale caulk until fresh caulk comes out.

Larry

[Mch5jdm]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

I've never had a partially used tube of lap sealant but I've sealed every other type of caulking the same way:



Take a piece of Saran or similar wrap. Fold in half and half again, so you have a four layer piece, maybe 3" by 3" or so. Put it over the nozzle and use a rubber band to tightly hold it in place. This is good for months. If there is hardening after prolonged storage, it's often only in the nozzle. Insert a nail or Phillips screwdriver and move the handle in a circular way, so the tip traces out a circle at the base of the nozzle. Eject and discard the stale caulk until fresh caulk comes out.



Larry

Thanks Larry. Would keeping it in the fridge add any benefit?

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Mch5jdm

Thanks Larry. Would keeping it in the fridge add any benefit?

I don't know. I've never tried that.

Larry

[tosh99]

For any "intrusions" on my travel trailer, whether it's on the roof, sides or bottom, I seal with 3M 5200. If it's good enough for below water line intrusions on my boat, it's good enough for the RV! One note of caution though. This stuff is considered a permanent blob.


As for saving contents of tubes, the only thing I ever found that saves well is toothpaste. Everything else I just use it all up after opening it.

[Mch5jdm]

Originally Posted by tosh99

As for saving contents of tubes, the only thing I ever found that saves well is toothpaste. Everything else I just use it all up after opening it.

Ha

[babock]

Originally Posted by Mch5jdm

Thanks Larry. Would keeping it in the fridge add any benefit?

I keep my 3M 5200 in the freezer but I am only buying small quantities with the screw on cap.

[Iwannacamp]

Originally Posted by babock

I keep my 3M 5200 in the freezer but I am only buying small quantities with the screw on cap.

I had an open tube for months and months till I finally used it up.

[onetonford]

Since I have electrical parts around I usually use a wire nut on the tip. They screw on and seal the tip quite well.