Post by margo on Jul 9, 2012 9:33:39 GMT
What are the opinions for resealing a caravan using modern materials?
I’m not interested in cheap so called specialist sealers and definitely not going near silicone sealers. Sikaflex seems to be the preferred choice but to do the job properly you would need a substantial amount of the stuff plus it is very messy to use not to mention expensive – and at the end of the day it is still simply a sealant that has a limited life.
I am thinking of something different – Neoprene. I’m looking at getting hold of some closed cell neoprene strip say 3mm thick to the width of, or thereabouts of the rail. It is fully water and UV resistant as far as I know no it will never degrade and it is very cost effective. I can buy this in 100 meter rolls so each rail can have a one piece continuous run. I may use Sikaflex along the seam but I suspect it won’t be necessary. I would also use countersunk stainless steel screws and small amounts of exterior grade duct tape to cover the screw heads topped with a new rubber insert strip. My thinking is this would be a clean repair (once all the old sealer has been cleaned away) and any future removal of the rail will be very easy to do.
I’m not interested in cheap so called specialist sealers and definitely not going near silicone sealers. Sikaflex seems to be the preferred choice but to do the job properly you would need a substantial amount of the stuff plus it is very messy to use not to mention expensive – and at the end of the day it is still simply a sealant that has a limited life.
I am thinking of something different – Neoprene. I’m looking at getting hold of some closed cell neoprene strip say 3mm thick to the width of, or thereabouts of the rail. It is fully water and UV resistant as far as I know no it will never degrade and it is very cost effective. I can buy this in 100 meter rolls so each rail can have a one piece continuous run. I may use Sikaflex along the seam but I suspect it won’t be necessary. I would also use countersunk stainless steel screws and small amounts of exterior grade duct tape to cover the screw heads topped with a new rubber insert strip. My thinking is this would be a clean repair (once all the old sealer has been cleaned away) and any future removal of the rail will be very easy to do.
