EternaBond Sealer Tape Project

[Rustic Eagle]

I purchased a 50ft roll of 4" EternaBond sealer tape (comes in 6" wide as well) last year with the intent of covering some of the critical TT seams, well..., finally got to it a couple of weeks ago while camping.

The two main areas that I wanted to use the EternaBond was on the front/rear roof seams where it joins with the front/rear end walls. In my case only the front Filon wall cap had a top radius that joined with the flat roof surface, the rear wall didn't have a top radius like some TT models.

I wasn't experiencing any leaks, so this was a "preventative modification" that would provide a long lasting solution in lieu of caulking.

All my caulking was in good shape, so I didn't have to remove any compromised caulking (not sticking to surface material, etc.) prior to applying the EnternaBond tape over the existing caulking. I cleaned all surfaces with lacquer thinner applied to a cloth, then wiped the surface over with a damp cloth (water). I found pre-cutting the EnternaBond tape to the lengths required made it easier to handle while applying it to the specific area(s)..., especially when removing the film covering the "sticky side" during the application process.

As I was applying the tape to the surface I used a 1" wide roller to put pressure on the tape that in turn activated the adhesive. Be aware that once you start putting pressure on the tape it won't come back up without a fight! I applied some Dicor self-leveling caulk along the leading "wind" edge of the tape, and around the tape over-lapping areas (wasn't necessary).

Front Roof/Cap seam:





Rear Roof/Wall trim seams:



While I was at it, I also removed the original OEM tape from the slide seam and replaced it with EnternaBond. There were a couple of spots where the screw heads where working their way through the tape, so thought I better address this before it became a problem. This was a little more of a project because I had to use a hot hair dryer to work up the old tape, and it took about an hour to get it all up. The new EnternaBond tape is a little dirty because the pic was taken a week later at a different CG.



I decided not to apply EnternaBond around the vents, skylight, etc., thinking if I should have to replace these items for any reason it will be easier to deal with the caulking.

Next project.., remove old caulking, and re-seal my marker lights because the existing caulking has hardened and is showing signs of cracking.

Bob

[Jayco 228]

Nice work!

[Crabman]

Looks like Bob`s been "work camping"! Nice job, should last as long as you do.

[clutch]

Your roof looks good. Nothing like taking care of things before you have an emergency.

[jamoke]

Good job, thanks for the photos.

[clubhouse]

While installing MaxxAir II ventcovers this weekend, I made a small puncture in the Alpha-Ply TPO roof. About a 1/4"x1/4" puncture. It was the classic screw driver in the back pocket mistake.

Anyway, I have seen lots of mention on Enterna Bond, decided this is how i am going to patch the puncture and thought while I am at it I may as well apply a strip of over the front a rear cap. Been searching eternabond on forum and came across Eagles write up.

Like Rustic Eagle, my current caulking is still water tight. Its is a bit of an ugly grey now from road dirt getting stuck to it. I want to simply apply a stip right over the exisitng caulking.

Would this be an issue? I don't really want to remove the old stuff if I can avoid it.

@ Rustic Eagle -- you mentioned you left you existing caulking in place but cleaned it first. How is it holding up a 18 months later? Anythink you would do differntly? Do you still think the lap sealant on the "wind edge" was necessary?

Anyone else apply of ther top of existing sealant? Any issues? Rustic Eagle was very clear with how he prepped the are -- what do you do if anything?

Any advice is appreciated.

[eldermike]

Last two campers I have purchased new and they never left the dealership without a full Eternabond tape job. No leaks, no worries.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by clubhouse

snip.....@ Rustic Eagle -- you mentioned you left you existing caulking in place but cleaned it first. How is it holding up a 18 months later? Anythink you would do differntly? Do you still think the lap sealant on the "wind edge" was necessary?....snip

Clubhouse,

The Eternabond is holding up extremely well! One of the best PM tasks that I could have done, especially considering the age of my TT.

Yes, I believe the Dicor caulking along the leading edge is recommended. A friend of mine did the same Eternabond project on his TT a few years ago without the caulking and he experienced some tape "edge lifting" a few months after applying the Eternabond. I also remember reading something at the Eternabond website about applying the caulking in this type of application.

Last week I was able to inspect my roof (snow finally melting) and the Eternabond tape looks great.

Wouldn't do anything differently...., except I will do it a lot sooner when I purchase my next TT.

Bob

[s1njin]

How soon? Picking up my new one next month.

[Rustic Eagle]

If I purchased a new TT tomorrow, I personally would wait until the Jayco 2-year warranty was up. But one thing for sure, during the 2-year warranty I would inspect my TT thoroughly every spring/fall (like I always have) and add caulking as needed.

The only reason I would hold back on applying the Eternabond during the warranty period is because I don't want it to become an issue during a potential roof warranty service claim. If Jayco would in writing state that I can use Eternabond in lieu of caulking during the 2-year warranty period, I would apply it as soon as I took delivery of the TT.

Bob

[norty1]

Some Jayco dealers will do it on a new one.

[s1njin]

Can somebody give me the Amazon link of the caulk I'm supposed to have handy should I find a brittle run of it on my camper this year?

[eldermike]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

If I purchased a new TT tomorrow, I personally would wait until the Jayco 2-year warranty was up. But one thing for sure, during the 2-year warranty I would inspect my TT thoroughly every spring/fall (like I always have) and add caulking as needed.

The only reason I would hold back on applying the Eternabond during the warranty period is because I don't want it to become an issue during a potential roof warranty service claim. If Jayco would in writing state that I can use Eternabond in lieu of caulking during the 2-year warranty period, I would apply it as soon as I took delivery of the TT.

Bob

I hear you, however, I don't think it's worth the risk. Most caulking issues are spotted after a leak. Inspections of roofs is a general thing just like any roof inspection. You could judge the caulking to be in good shape and have one spot that's not so good and have a leak and damage. I would rather prevent damage than be covered by insurance.

[Rustic Eagle]

I don't have the Amazon link, but I use the following Dicor products:

Dicor 501 LSW (white) Self-Leveling Lap Sealant for horizontal surfaces like TPO and EPDM roofing material surfaces.

Dicor 551 LSW (white) Non-Leveling/Non-Sag Lap Sealant for vertical surfaces.

Note: Jayco uses at least three different types of roofing material (model specific), confirm the actual material installed on your roof before purchasing a Self-Leveling Lap Sealant thus insuring material compatibility. If you can't find the roofing material data with your owners documents, contact Jayco with your VIN in hand.

Bob

[SpeedBump]

Just curious what surface Jayco has that lap sealant wouldn't work on. First I've ever heard of that.

[Rustic Eagle]

SpeedBump,

I believe the Alpha-Ply roofing material requires a specific type of Self-Leveling/Lap Sealant (in lieu of Dicor 501) sealant because it's membrane composition is different then the conventional EPDM rubber materials. The Alpha-Ply membrane is a combination of plastic and rubber..., it's like having the characteristics of both EPDM and TPO materials.

Bob

[Rustic Eagle]

Well, just completed an Eternabond project today on my BIL's Rockwood Signitiure Series TT.

What I found interesting with the rear roof/cap seam was the stink pipe was dead center along the seam...., not good planning IMO. The two ladder mounts were rather close as well.

The roof/cap trim covers under the caulking were rather tall as well, so I had to overlap two strips of 4" tape to insure adequate contact with the roof/cap surfaces.

Rear seam:







Front seam:



I may add another overlapping 4" tape run on the front seam...., not comfortable with the amount of tape connect on the front fiberglas cap in a couple of spots.

Also, you may have noticed that Eternabond has added a couple of colors to their tape product line.

Bob

[Threebutchers]

Nice work, Bob....was it leaking?

[Rustic Eagle]

Yes..., summer 2012 while camping as a group we got hit with a nasty storm and BIL developed two leaks (new TT). We checked the roof and the factory caulk job was terrible, so we went out and purchased a couple tubes of Dicor and re-caulked the TT at the CG.

We stopped the leaks and BIL decided it's time to order some Eternabond....., he finally did last month. BIL doesn't do ladders or heights, so I took it on.

Bob

[Brownie]

Nice job, Bob! (As usual)