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Slide out roof repair

Yahoo Message Number: 77992
Slide out roof repair

The seam where the slide out roof meets the vertical piece is allowing water to leak into the coach again. This seam was re-done on all four slide outs 2 years ago. All of the seal material was removed and 2 coats of liquid roof sealant were applied.. The seal material has disintegrated resulting in leaking. I am looking for a better seal material or any ideas on how to fix this problem on a more permanent basis. Am also interested in who could repair this in Texas. We are in the Rio Grand Valley and will be heading north to Colorado next month.

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 77994
Bob,

I would recommend Birdland Coach in Houston. They are very familiar with Country Coaches and do good work.
Speak to Michael @713-682-6323

Fred Compton

2002 Intrigue # 11407

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 77996
What you want for a sealant is Sikaflex, and I believe its the 221 type! It sticks to everything, wear gloves, and stays flexible which is an important property. It comes in white and black. Make sure its fresh, look for the expiration date.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 77999
If near Dallas go to National Rv & Storage in Lewisville, jut had my slide done and they did a great job

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78016
Bob - Sorry to hear of your dilemma. In so many words, I feel your pain. Our bus # is 31349 so it's a close sibling. Sadly, owing to design issues, the seams surrounding your slide out joints can't be sealed effectively for extended periods of time. My own ignorance to this fact has led to many leaks and water damage. This photo gives an idea of the situation: http://muniac.smugmug.com/Maintenance/Bus-Repairs/IMG3487/1101064815_MTsWL-M.jpg Some four years later, I'm still working through this problem albeit to a much lesser extent.
The two areas most prone to leaks are the slide top (three joints under the awning topper) and the bottom corner angles (two joints running parallel to the short side of the slide on each side). The vertical joints (trim runs with screws) also can leak. Thermal expansion and freeze bursting accelerate the breakdown of the caulking's ability to maintain a tight seal. On top of the slide, leaks are especially difficult to spot and locate. Water wicks and travels from its entrance point making for false detection of the true source. As for the slide bottoms, you might not even be aware of leaks in their early stages. I drained about 2 gallons of water out of one of the bedroom slide bottoms before realizing I had a leak. To compound the issue, the plywood used at the factor for slide bottom material isn't exterior grade. Meaning the glue used in the wood will quickly let go in the presence of water resulting in rapid de-lamination. Soaking water brings on mold and mildew in wet wood and carpet.
I've also had water run out from back under the refrigerator and under the floor tile. It was oozing through the grout and eventually found its way out in the rug before it was discovered. To me this is an outrage!!
The message is, "Find and fix leaks early." Since visual inspection methods aren't reliable, I drilled several weep holes on the underside of the slide angles. See this example photo: http://muniac.smugmug.com/Maintenance/Bus-Works/IMG1126/1097979773_gz6Da-M.jpg A small piece of tape can be used to seal these holes if you like. Small amounts of water leaking in will find its way out the weep holes before it does any damage. On the bottom angles, joints face up making them prime candidates for water collection as water runs down the vertical slide and over the joint. Here's a photo of a brand new caulk bead I installed: http://muniac.smugmug.com/Maintenance/Bus-Works/IMG1111/1097976131_7F9gA-M.jpg It also shows the face up joint I'm referring to (8 places total). You'd think this was tight but it leaked like a sieve. 18-20 gauge metal was used here with a conversion coating. The cross sectional area is just too small to provide enough contact area for the caulk. The area between the angle's interior face and the bus panels is a good place for caulk. In my case, the factory did a crappy job with the caulk here which led to catastrophic leaking. The "beauty" caulking on top was fine creating the illusion of a tight joint. Unless you rip off the angles, you can't inspect them and/or properly re-caulk the joints. Proper caulking would require completely cleaning out the old caulk and cleaning all the surfaces. In 8 places the effort to do this shouldn't be taken lightly. The conversion coating used on that metal is also very smooth and doesn't provide for good adhesion either. If you sand it, then you damage the conversion coating which means rust.
As for the slide top joints (3 on each slide) you have SS on the long sides (4 places total). Caulk doesn't adhere well to this either. Owing to bleeding of porous canape material and wind blown water, you'll get puddles of water on your slide tops. The physical thickness of the caulking mass dams the water as it runs toward the low outside corners (4 places total). I've had as much as 5 gallons of water collect up there! If your caulking is tight then this isn't a problem. Again visual inspection is just about useless as small leaks and adhesion failures within the caulking mass can't be seen. Usually leaks are discovered after the water comes in. With the Allure, water can literally run through the bedroom wall slides which soaks your lighting push button panels and eventually runs out onto the rug. Soaking that too. Wooden slide trim that is veneered will become stained and damaged. Repairs are hugely inconvenient. And your lighting control system can go nuts making for what we call the disco bus.
As for the slide tops, I'll be experimenting with roofing tar designed to adhere to metal flashing when we get to Colorado. I think this compound show promise and with proper masking a neat, clean and effective sealing job can be achieved. Lots of options exist here as the surfaces are accessible. As for the other joints, the solution is surprisingly simple. Use a good grade of vinyl tape or some other outdoor rated sealing tape. Here is an example: http://muniac.smugmug.com/Maintenance/Bus-Works/IMG1124/1097979433_iakhr-M.jpg This taping procedure got started by me trying to diagnose where leaks were. It was so effective with sealing joints, it has morphed into a permanent solution. I've since taped all the "up" facing joints which isn't shown in the older photo. The tape also allows you to create a drip edge which conducts water away from places where it would run back under edges (take a close look at the photo). Tape has been in place now for two seasons and remains tight. Visual inspection is easy and repairs quick if they are needed. If you use proper colors and make a neat installation it doesn't become an eye sore. I know others here have done this to seal their slides to good effect. Until CC makes some major changes in their slide design (not likely anytime soon) plan on leaks and/or worrisome maintenance that becomes more of a band aid rather than a solution. It's like taking a pill instead of going to the doctor. Let it also be known that our travels take us into some harsh weather to include hard rains, high winds and bursting freeze ups. The bus is online constantly because we live in it full time.
Finally, the slide leaking situation has been perhaps the most frustrating of design issues I've dealt with. I'd wager it has caused thousands of dollars of damage. And the really frustrating part of it all is some $20 worth of 3M tape would have avoided all of it. I have only my own ignorance to blame but I was too gassed with the lifestyle to pay attention. Per usual, I hope this helps a few folks out there. Good luck and stay dry!

At 02:18 PM 3/16/2012, you wrote:

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78030
I know that some people on this site take pride in their problem solving ability and see these issues as a challenge: but after a couple of years of fighting the leaks we took our coach to Oregon Motor Coach in Eugene and we have been leak free for going on three years.

Dan 2006 Allure 31348

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78032
Sometimes its better to throw some $$$ at it than fight with it.

Steve & Jane

1998 Intrigue

#10557

______

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78202
I have 2005 Country coach Inspire 330 and am having fits with water leaks on the bedroom slide Driver's side and over the kitchen slide. I live relatively close to Lewisville and would appreciate further details about National RV Thanks

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78203
Just a side note to the slide repairs. I did the buskote thing to my roof last summer. y skylite had been leaking so I ordered along with my buskote their seam sealant. It repaired my skylite. So far so good.

Tom Coomes
2005 Inspire
51177

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78210
I removed the slide toppers and cleaned the three joints on each slide out top with alcohal and covered them with Eternabond tape about two years ago and all seems to be fine.
Derrel Letulle 05 inspire 51187

Later,
Derrel

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78212
I did the same thing about 7 months ago. So far, so good.

Larry, 03 Allure, 30856

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78214
Call 469-277-1330 and ask for Eddie Braley, they will do a great job.

Ray G

02 Affinity 6123

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78217
I just came from Texas Country Coach near Bandera and had them do work on my coach. Among the things I done was to replace the slide seals. They've done work on CC's. In fact while I was there, 2 CC's came in for service work. They don't do chassis or engine work. Labor rates are very good. $60 to $65 per hour. pete

2000 40' Magna #5892
Pete
 2000 40'  Magna #5892  CAT C-10

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78225
Thanks to all that responded to my posting on slide out roof repair. I understand the problem much better and feel more confident to proceed. Have made an appointment with National Indoor Storage. They understood the problem.

Bob Mussman

2006 Allure 31434

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78906
Good information, thanks Scott. I'm anxious to hear what type of sealing material you find to be most effective. I am considering using some type of non-curing butyl tape for the horizontal surfaces.

Gary

06 Intrigue 12068

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78911
Hi this is my first time to jump in !!! I have a 06 Intrigue also and have been the gamutwith roof repairs .the biggest problem was cc did not use any primer before caulking the seams ??so the sealant failed to bond to the fiberglass and the stainless steel trim piecesThe first step is to roll back the slide out awning and then start removing all old caulk and pull all the edge strips here you have to be careful so you don't ruin themafter all is removed they need to be cleaned of any remaining material as well as the sides and top of the slide out is this something that you will do your self ? if so you want to use a product made bysikaflex they make the adhesive and you will need a special primer i used 227 and since I'm not home will have to wait a few day's to let you know what primer to useIf you are close to the northwest you might want to talk with Oregon Motor coachthis is not a new problem with certain years of cc so they will also have some goodadvice for you ! if you do this properly it will last a long time Denny06 Intrigue --- On Mon, 4/30/12, lostinamericaspan>2013 wrote:From: lostinamerica2013 Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Slide out roof repairTo: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.comDate: Monday, April 30, 2012, 2:49 PM
Good information, thanks Scott. I'm anxious to hear what type of sealing material you find to be most effective. I am considering using some type of non-curing butyl tape for the horizontal surfaces.
Gary

06 Intrigue 12068

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78931




Gary,

We installed Dicor sealing tape on our slides. It's worked great for three years now and counting, If you use the white tape it can be painted. We bought it at Camping World.
Prior to installation of the tape, on one memorable rainy night , we had water running down the inside of windows and dripping out of electrical outlets on the wall.

Dennis Clayton, 2006 Inspire #51581



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From: lostinamerica2013

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, April 30, 2012 4:49 PM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Slide out roof repair

Good information, thanks Scott. I'm anxious to hear what type of sealing material you find to be most effective. I am considering using some type of non-curing butyl tape for the horizontal surfaces.

Gary

06 Intrigue 12068





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Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78935
We too have used the dicor tape on all our slide seams and no more water leaks... It has been 2+ years and still good... Would suggest this fix at is the easiest and seems to work the best.

Ken Mikkelson

2005 Inspire 51494

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78943
2a. Re: Slide out roof repair

Posted by: "Dennis Clayton"d_c_clayton@... d_c_clayton Date: Tue May 1, 2012 11:30 pm ((PDT))

Gary,

We installed Dicor sealing tape on our slides. It's worked great for three years now and counting, If you use the white tape it can be painted. We bought it at Camping World.
Prior to installation of the tape, on one memorable rainy night , we had water running down the inside of windows and dripping out of electrical outlets on the wall.

Dennis Clayton, 2006 Inspire #51581 =====================================================================
But WHERE did you install the tape? In lieu of the rubber gaskets that came with the coach? On the coach itself? Tell us more!!

Ken Harrison

2004 Allure #31035

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78961
Ken,

We applied the tape over the existing caulk on the top and side seams of the two front slides. I installed and painted the side seams and had JR's RV repair in Sedro Wooly, WA install the tape on the top. They said they didn't have to remove the toppers. Somehow one guy was able to snake the tape under the toppers and press it down. They had tall work stands which would make it a little easier.
. Our bedroom slide does not appear to have any seams and it has not leaked.
The rubber gaskets attached to the coach body did not need any repair.

Dennis Clayton, 2006 Inspire, #51581



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From: Ken Harrison

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, May 3, 2012 1:55 AM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Slide out roof repair

2a. Re: Slide out roof repair

Posted by: "Dennis Clayton"d_c_clayton@... d_c_clayton Date: Tue May 1, 2012 11:30 pm ((PDT))

Gary,

We installed Dicor sealing tape on our slides. It's worked great for three years now and counting, If you use the white tape it can be painted. We bought it at Camping World.
Prior to installation of the tape, on one memorable rainy night , we had water running down the inside of windows and dripping out of electrical outlets on the wall.

Dennis Clayton, 2006 Inspire #51581 =====================================================================
But WHERE did you install the tape? In lieu of the rubber gaskets that came with the coach? On the coach itself? Tell us more!!

Ken Harrison

2004 Allure #31035

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Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78963
Hi Dennis:

I'm interested in the procedure you used for painting tape? Also, any chance you can get us a few pictures? TIA

Gil B

'05 Inspire
51322

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78969
Gill B

I used a good polyurethane black paint from West Marine. I painted it on with a brush. Not fancy, but better than a white stripe on my slides black sides. Any other color would be hard to match.
Found out the white tape can be painted when I painted the roof and painted over the tape I put on the cap seams. Also, found out the paint flakes off of the silver/aluminum tape that I put over the seams on the skylight. However, the white Dicor tape has held the paint for over three years now. When painted it shines like painted fiberglass.

Dennis Clayton, 2006 Inspire # . 51581



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From: gilbourdon

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, May 3, 2012 5:13 PM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Slide out roof repair

Hi Dennis:

I'm interested in the procedure you used for painting tape? Also, any chance you can get us a few pictures? TIA

Gil B

'05 Inspire
51322

[/color][/font][/size]

Re: Slide out roof repair

Reply #24 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79073
The area was cleaned and Sikaflex sealeant applied. than covered with the tape.

Bob Mussman

Allure 470 31434