I am considering using liquid rubber to seal the joints on the roof of my caravan but conflicting utube videos and other posts that say that the products that they use are the best and to stay away from this type of product or that type of product that I am totally confused as to which product to use. Has anyone actually used liquid rubber and how has it stood up to the weather and what are the drawbacks of this sealant. Any information will be appreciated.
Black-Pete
Mein said
03:15 AM Jan 12, 2025
I've used both products on caravans, and canvas annexes. Both products provide 100% water proofing and both are highly flexible (Davco K10 claims to have 500% elasticity). I changed to Davco when Emer Clad's price increased significantly.
I have found that the only effective permanent seal is "Butyl Tape" over the joins - expensive, but not as expensive as water damage. It is particularly effective when solid-core panels meet at roof and walls.
On a closer inspection of the van I haven't found any leaks on the actual roof of the van but have found 7 areas where water has been getting in on the walls of the van. Looks like I will have to strip all the vents etc on the walls and reseal. Thanks to those who replied and I will keep in mind your comments if I have to also do the roof area.
Black-Pete
Brodie Allen said
05:52 PM Jan 21, 2025
Possum3 wrote:
I have found that the only effective permanent seal is "Butyl Tape" over the joins - expensive, but not as expensive as water damage. It is particularly effective when solid-core panels meet at roof and walls.
I am considering using liquid rubber to seal the joints on the roof of my caravan but conflicting utube videos and other posts that say that the products that they use are the best and to stay away from this type of product or that type of product that I am totally confused as to which product to use. Has anyone actually used liquid rubber and how has it stood up to the weather and what are the drawbacks of this sealant. Any information will be appreciated.
Black-Pete
I've used both products on caravans, and canvas annexes. Both products provide 100% water proofing and both are highly flexible (Davco K10 claims to have 500% elasticity). I changed to Davco when Emer Clad's price increased significantly.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/davco-20l-grey-k10-plus-waterproofing-agent_p0960051
https://www.inspirationspaint.com.au/171422-emer-clad-facade-satin-white-15l
www.theboatwarehouse.com.au/clearance/butyl-sealing-tape-white-10m-x-20mm-roll/
Black-Pete
I don't know if the tape here referred to is the same (I suspect that it is) but I have had great success with a product called
Eterna Tape. I had a very leaky Jayco and after spending many Sunday afternoons up on the roof making a bloody mess
with silastic, I decided to bite the bullet and get the Eterna tape.
I took great care to pencil line exactly where the edge was to go so that it would look nice and neat - and you have to be careful
that as you lay it down it is in the correct position because there is NO moving it and if you try you will get a crinkle that looks unprofessional.
For weeping cracks I use a product that is best bought from Amazon for pricing (I have used it for many years in the marine industry)
called Captain Tolleys Creeping Crack Cure. It runs into a crack by capillary action and when dry it is like silastic - you can stretch
a strip of it like a rubber band. Fantastic for cracks/splits up to about 1 mm at most. Sometimes you might have to retreat to build
up a seal. Sealing around windows a specialty - just run a knife under the rubber seal (on the outside) and follow with the little
spout on the crack cure into the gap.
Don't worry about runs - they wipe up with water.
Very clever stuff.
When all else fails read the instructions!
B
Presto!