New Caulking

[PDupuis]

We own a 2016 Jayco 34RSBS. We use an ADCO RV cover from October through May. We have never had any water leak issues nor have we ever washed our roof. The roof is kept clean of debris (leaves, twigs). There doesn’t appear to be any cracks in the grout lines. Given its age, should we be taking any steps to ensure no future roof leakage problems?

[TCNashville]

I inspect my roof caulking 3-4 times a year. After awhile the Dicor will begin to crack. I've touched mine up many times over the years. In fact, I got so tired of touching up the caulk, I decided to apply Eternabond tape over about 70% of my roof caulking. Now I don't have to worry about it. Clean the old caulk really well and you can apply the tape right over the caulk.

[PDupuis]

Thanks for the reply!!
Do you own a Jayco travel trailer? Which model and year?

[RogerR]

My Dicor had started to crack although not clear through. I looked at taping over the caulk but did not think I would get good adhesion due to the lumpiness of the caulk. Using a heat gun and a plastic scraper from Menards ($1.99) it came off in places very easily and in others slowly and with a lot of work. I eventually took off more than 5 pounds of caulk and tape in place. Looks a lot smother than trying to put it over the caulk. I did discover a broken screw and a place where the caulk did not adhere at all.
If you don't mind the work I think removal is the best long term solution.

[PDupuis]

Hi Roger,

Thanks for your input.

Can I ask you what model and year of Jayco travel trailer that you own?

[RogerR]

I have it all in my signature 17 195rb. So the Dicor was only about 4.5 years old and cracked. Some is under the vent covers I installed the year after I bought it and that Dicor is soft, pliable and uncracked.