Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Hello tear droppers,

Back in May I skinned my trailer with 0.040 aluminum sheets, but didn't have time to do the edge/corner moldings before I needed to leave on a multi-month camping/fieldwork expedition. To keep the trailer from leaking, I slathered Sikaflex caulk along the corner seams where aluminum sheets came together (eg. roof to side wall). That has been a good temporary fix and as far as I can tell, it's kept the water out. It is not a permanent seal though, so I would like to get the edge moldings on soon. I have butyl putty tape to go between the aluminum edge moldings and the roof, and I am in the process of cutting the moldings to the right lengths at the moment. Here are my questions:

1) Should I take a razor and remove the Sikaflex before laying down the putty tape and edge moldings? Or can I go right over the top of it with no issues? I do plan on cleaning the surface with alcohol to remove any grease or buildup either way.

2) The butyl putty tape goes along the outside edge of the roof, but not on the wall sides under the L on the aluminum trim. In that case, should I use Sikaflex there, or does the squeeze out from the putty tape take care of the sides?

Thanks for your help!
Lauren

lfhoward wrote:Hello tear droppers,

Back in May I skinned my trailer with 0.040 aluminum sheets, but didn't have time to do the edge/corner moldings before I needed to leave on a multi-month camping/fieldwork expedition. To keep the trailer from leaking, I slathered Sikaflex caulk along the corner seams where aluminum sheets came together (eg. roof to side wall). That has been a good temporary fix and as far as I can tell, it's kept the water out. It is not a permanent seal though, so I would like to get the edge moldings on soon. I have butyl putty tape to go between the aluminum edge moldings and the roof, and I am in the process of cutting the moldings to the right lengths at the moment. Here are my questions:

1) Should I take a razor and remove the Sikaflex before laying down the putty tape and edge moldings? Or can I go right over the top of it with no issues? I do plan on cleaning the surface with alcohol to remove any grease or buildup either way.

2) The butyl putty tape goes along the outside edge of the roof, but not on the wall sides under the L on the aluminum trim. In that case, should I use Sikaflex there, or does the squeeze out from the putty tape take care of the sides?

Thanks for your help!
Lauren

Yes to sealing the bottom (wall side) edge of the trim. as far as removing the old stuff. it depends on if it is interfering with a good flush mount/seal. the trim will be screwed on, providing a mechanical attachment via the screws and trim, so adhesion isn't an issue. it all depends on if it will bother you in a year or not as to if you remove the calking first. unless it is in poor shape, then I would say remove it for sure.

Thanks for the reply, yrock87. I think I will take your advice and remove the excess Sikaflex caulk so the butyl putty tape has maximum adhesion to the aluminum. The thing that's holding me back at the moment is the need to clean sticky residue off the trailer roof that remained when I removed the protective plastic from the aluminum sheets. I have a couple cans of goof off for the purpose. Basically before I can attach the RV edge moldings I have to address both the old caulk and the sticky goo. I'm waiting for a cooler day before I go out and work on that!