Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I received my roof edge molding today, insert style. Do you dry fit it to get the curve worked in it before you apply putty tape? should the putty tape cover the side edge as well as the roof portion? I don't want any leaks and only want to do it once.

Kaz wrote:I received my roof edge molding today, insert style. Do you dry fit it to get the curve worked in it before you apply putty tape? should the putty tape cover the side edge as well as the roof portion? I don't want any leaks and only want to do it once.

I always dry fit mine. The tape needs to be on both sides of the roof/wall. Cut anything that squeeges out with a plastic knife.

T

I used plumbers dope from a squeeze tube and only on the top because that’s where the screws are. Built my teardrop in 2002 and it has been in some very hard rains and there has been no leak problems in 12 years that it’s been on the road. Just the way I did it. Oh, also preformed it before installing it for good.

I put tape just on roof side that way if water does get in it can escape down side wall so things don't stay wet and rot

I just put one strip of putty tape under the moulding, on the top. I believe it overlapped the roof / side joint slightly. Also, a small amount of caulk on the underside of every screw head. The moulding bends so easily I didn't dry fit it. Oh, and after removing the squeezed out putty tape, I ran a nice thin line of clear caulk, on the roof, against the moulding where the putty squeezed out. My idea was to always have two layers of caulk / gasket / whatever to keep the water out.

Also, a small amount of caulk on the underside of every screw head.

This is good practice, but it is even better to take it further.

Over time the putty can move and or shrink, or if installed on a cool day; compress/settle in hot weather. What can happen is that the trim can become loose. The screws stay as placed, but the trim is no longer as snug. When this happens, the screw head will still be sealed, but water can get under the trim and follow the screw threads into the wood.

The best solution is after installing everything, remove a couple screws at a time and inject sealant into the screw hole. Re-install the screws and both the threads, and screw head will new be sealed, and will stay sealed even if the trim becomes loose or the putty shrinks.

Rob