To Seal or Not to Seal?

[Arne]

Gage told me how he did it, but I don't know what kind of glue he used. He glued the aluminum, the put the tear out in the hot calif. sun and the glue which held the panels in place during the build cracked and the alum was then free to float, only being held on by the trim, so it didn't buckle because of expansion.

[alffink]

You got it Arne

You basically want the aluminum to be a like a sticky-note, to temporarily hang on the wall, while the trim is put in place, then let the aluminum expand in the sun, it will soon be floating.

I even used strips of 3" painters tape over the edges to make sure things stayed aligned, if it started to float before the trim was in place
(I was working in my driveway in So Cal, warm sun even at Christmas that year, heck, most every year)

[madjack]

Gage told me how he did it, but I don't know what kind of glue he used. He glued the aluminum, the put the tear out in the hot calif. sun and the glue which held the panels in place during the build cracked and the alum was then free to float, only being held on by the trim, so it didn't buckle because of expansion.

IIRC, Gage used a cheap contact cement(probably a water based CA approved version)...once finished and placed in the SoCa sunshine the AL expanded and broke loose allowing it to float freely...I am sure Gage can be more specific about it.........
madjack

p.s. I allow all my Al to free float, using a (very)few strategically placed staples from an air stapler to hold the side and top in place until the trim, ect. can be installed...these staples are placed in areas which will be covered and hidden by the trim..........MJ

[Muggnz]

In the near future, when I place the ali on mine. I plan on using strops over the top to hold the roof in place. With clamps around the doors & hatch opening for the sides.

david