Roof flashing

[breid19]

Has anybody tried using aluminum roof flashing and rivets (a la airstreams) to skin a TD? The material I found at home depot is probably not at thick as .040" but it may work.

thanks

bill

[john]

I did. I concluded the stuff would be just as water tight as thicker aluminum. not to mention lighter. Of course, some people don't use a backing behind their 040 in which case they come out lighter. A backing is necessary with aluminum this thin.

You're right about the thickness; it is much thinner. I chose to glue it directly on painted hardboard with henry's. I also glued the 2" laps of aluminum together with Henrys, though, I kept aluminum-strip-with-screws-over-the-seams in mind if problems were to arise. There have been no problems yet. If you choose to go this route avoid rolls with any hint of dents or corrosion. I ended up haveing to polish mine to remove corrosion damage. After the Henry's dryed the aluminum was left with a hammered look like shower glass and kind of reminded me of some satelights when the sun shines on them in space.

The aluminum was cheap and has worked well, though, I only used it on my sides. The aluminum over the roof hatch was a shade thicker and came in 24" rolls. The HD rolls maxed out at 20" and wouldn't work with my 5' trailer (they left no lap). Anyway, the 24" aluminum roll was only $7.50 and I glued the laps with windshield glue.

Click the build link below and check out the album for pics of what the aluminum looks like in the real world of camping.