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Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Tue Mar 16, 2021 6:53 amby waterguy1111
I am getting ready to put the aluminum on my new Teardrop. I was just wondering if there is preference to install the sides first or the roof first? Each side will go on as a single sheet and the roof is 2 peices plus some diamond plate up front. All my trim came from Vintage Technologies. (Love that place!)
Thank you!
Ken
Re: Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Tue Mar 16, 2021 9:23 amby tony.latham
I have always installed the roof aluminum first.
But I don't think it matters.
Tony
Re: Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Tue Mar 16, 2021 9:45 amby lfhoward
When I skinned mine I chose the easiest, simplest piece to cut and install first. It helped me build my metal cutting skills and confidence for the more elaborate cuts on later pieces.
Re: Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Tue Mar 16, 2021 10:15 amby Graniterich
I always do the roof first as well
Re: Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Tue Mar 16, 2021 1:09 pmby waterguy1111
Thanks all for the Advice! Much appreciated!!
Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Wed Mar 17, 2021 2:10 pmby ricky herbold
I installed the walls first, only because the location of the screws fastening the exterior plywood were closer to the edge on the sides and I used a router with a flush trim bit. The bearing would have been hitting right on the countersunk screw creating bumps in the metal. The trim will still cover it, but that was my reasoning. Like Tony said. I don’t think it really matters.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Wed Mar 17, 2021 4:35 pmby halfdome, Danny
I install the sides first as I use a flush router trim bit that follows the profile of the trailer.
If I were to do the opposite then I'd be running into where my roof skins overlap each other 2 ".
My skins come 4 ft x 10 ft so I have to run them across the roof for a 5 foot wide teardrop.
Danny
Re: Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Wed Apr 21, 2021 7:44 amby James9324
Hey Danny,
I Would you mind sending a photo of your overlap on the roof? I am having a difficult time locating 5 foot wide aluminum too. I was thinking of an overlap as well. I was also thinking of running a 4 foot wide down the middle of the top and then doing 6 or 8 inch strips on the ends and then doing a trim piece on top of the so the water would still run easily off the roof.
I wouldn't mind seeing a photo of how you did it though.
Much appreciated. You can message it to me or post it, whatever you prefer.
Thank you so much!
James
Re: Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Wed Apr 21, 2021 8:54 amby halfdome, Danny
James9324 wrote:Hey Danny,
I Would you mind sending a photo of your overlap on the roof? I am having a difficult time locating 5 foot wide aluminum too. I was thinking of an overlap as well. I was also thinking of running a 4 foot wide down the middle of the top and then doing 6 or 8 inch strips on the ends and then doing a trim piece on top of the so the water would still run easily off the roof.
I wouldn't mind seeing a photo of how you did it though.
Much appreciated. You can message it to me or post it, whatever you prefer.
Thank you so much!
James
Here you go James.
I apply the skins from the rear where the roof meets the galley then overlap the second skin 2" over the first skin, etc. with 3M VHB tape.
If you start from the front your overlaps will be exposed to freeway driven rain so you'll need to do it as I described for water proofing.
I seal the overlap edge with the aluminum trim (and OSI quad sealant) that's in the picture.
Danny
Re: Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Wed Apr 21, 2021 9:15 amby James9324
So your top piece just lays flat across the bottom piece two inches? Then the trim piece on top of that. What do you use to seal in between the overlaps?
Thanks for the photo
Re: Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Wed Apr 21, 2021 9:38 amby halfdome, Danny
As in my previous post, I use 3M VHB double sided tape to adhere and seal the overlapping joints, sealing the leading edge with aluminum trim and clear OSI Quad caulk, available at Home Depot etc.
Watch this video for more information.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNCY7bfmFik
Danny
Re: Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Wed Apr 21, 2021 3:35 pmby James9324
Would there be any disadvantage to doing the same technique that you used Danny but running the aluminum the same direction as the camper lengthwise? Overlapping the same way and then just using short strips on each side of the middle larger piece?
Re: Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Wed Apr 21, 2021 4:53 pmby halfdome, Danny
With VHB tape you need to clamp the joint for 36 hours.
I clamp with a 2x4 on edge across the width of the roof.
Years ago on previous builds I used 5 foot wide aluminium sheet, a bit heavier guage.
Danny
Re: Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Wed Apr 21, 2021 5:52 pmby James9324
How about a ratchet strap all around he trailer??? Lol
Just a thought.
I would love to use 5 foot wide, but I can't find it.
Re: Exterior Aluminum
Posted:
Wed Apr 21, 2021 8:06 pmby halfdome, Danny
I only have two seams on the topside of my teardrop, one is covered over with the tongue box the other one in my picture.
Going lengthwise like you suggest is more work and more area to seal.
Danny