Aluminum skin joining/merge trim

[Yankeeka]

I am currently building a 5' wide teardrop trailer and need a trim piece or molding that will provide a weather tight seal between two pieces of aluminum on the roof. I have 4' x 10' aluminum sheets so there will be a seam running the length of the trailer and have looked into h channel aluminum extrusions as well as rubber trim pieces but have not found any specific item that will accomplish what I am looking for. If you know of a good method (other than welding) or a good product/supplier, I would greatly appreciate any leads.

regards
~ksa

[aggie79]

I would just use some 1/16" x 1" wide aluminum strap. Use Sikaflex underneath and fasten through the strap into the aluminum.

I am using 4x10 aluminum on a 5' wide teardrop also. Instead of seaming down the centerline of the teardrop, I will be using transverse seams. I'll overlap the aluminum and use VHB tape (and probably a few fasteners also.

[madjack]

ksa~...my roof is done thataway...I simply lap(2"s) the front over back pieces and do so over a rib...I predrill a screw hole every two inches and lay a heavy bead of sealant(WhiteLightning3600) between them, including a squirt in each screw hole...then just fasten 'em down using #8x1" SS screws from FASTENAL(they're all over)...this works as well(or better) as any kinda molding you can get...............
madjack

[bart]

Aggie,

I have been considering using VHB for seaming my roof as well. (transverse seams) I have used VHB on unfinished aluminum and it is holding well now so I am hoping it lasts a long time. I am wondering if it performs equally on the white prefinished aluminum. (I did not use any other fasteners)

Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.

Bart

[planovet]

I had a seam where my white aluminum roof and the aluminum diamond plate met at the front of my tear. I used a flat insert trim with a white insert. It made for a good transition at the seam. I don't know how it would look for the length of the tear though.

[bart]

Planovet,

That does make an attractive transition. Another good idea I can use.

Bart