FLOATING THE ALUMINUM SKIN AT THE SIDES

[ralaco]

I had planned to float my roof and the skin at the sides too.

Is there any problem to not use any glue at the sides?


As, there is some discussion about to float or glue the top skin but nothing about the sides.

I’m thinking the door trim the porch light the side lights, the water filler device and the corner molding around the whole shape will hold the aluminum skin in place.


Raul

[Guest]

Raul,
The talk about floating the skins is because previous builders have stated that their skins that were glued down had popped loose from the glue because of expansion and contraction.
Tony Cooper and Geron are trying a carpet adhesive that seems to have a good elastivity when cured. Time will tell...
Although my sidewalls will be glassed wood, my roof will be a metal skin.
My objective to finding an adhesive that won't pop loose is to eliminate the possibility of oil canning of the skin.
I think Gage floated all of his skins... Check with him and get his thoughts on this matter.

[TonyCooper]

I have a feeling if you use .060 you won't get oil canning.

[Denny Unfried]

I floated all of the .040" aluminum on mine and it lays flat with no ripples and could be polished. Of course the birch underneath has several coats of spar marine varnish in case of moisture. I also installed all of the trim twice. Once to fit and then filled all of the screw holes and underside of the trim with silicon. The trim along the bottom sides wern't sealed to allow any moisture to drain out.

Denny