As I ponder mounting my solar panels and putting holes in the roof of my 2005 Hawk, I started looking for those great threads I have read on this forum, and digging into which sealants to use. I have again found a “simple” question is not that simple, and that the folks who build these campers for us (FWC and ATC) deserve a LOT of credit for making them as affordable and durable as they are.
First, I think we all have aluminum roofs, right? Either one piece (when did that start?) not. This is not the case with other RV’s. This link talks about how to seal most RV roof types - LINK
I already have a solar plug on my roof (it is a ZAMP SAE connector) – and this thread talks about cutting holes and sealing them too.
SIlaprene is apparently what FWC uses - LINK & LINK
Sikaflex is mentioned often too. Turns out that both Silaprene and Sikaflex are product lines, so finding the RIGHT one for our applications is a bit more challenging. Here is the list of the Sikaflex products - LINK
Browsing through this list, I suspect:
Sikaflex 292i – would be good for bonding stuff
Sikaflex 291LOT – would be a good sealant for very wet areas as it can be used below waterline. Might “flow” better too for a nicer look
Sikaflex 291 – good sealant for high vibration areas
Wow, I just found a summary of sealing products for marine use that agrees 100% with what I just said... LINK
And there are lots of other choices. This list is huge... LINK
So, what are you using?
Vic
First, I think we all have aluminum roofs, right? Either one piece (when did that start?) not. This is not the case with other RV’s. This link talks about how to seal most RV roof types - LINK
I already have a solar plug on my roof (it is a ZAMP SAE connector) – and this thread talks about cutting holes and sealing them too.
SIlaprene is apparently what FWC uses - LINK & LINK
Sikaflex is mentioned often too. Turns out that both Silaprene and Sikaflex are product lines, so finding the RIGHT one for our applications is a bit more challenging. Here is the list of the Sikaflex products - LINK
Browsing through this list, I suspect:
Sikaflex 292i – would be good for bonding stuff
Sikaflex 291LOT – would be a good sealant for very wet areas as it can be used below waterline. Might “flow” better too for a nicer look
Sikaflex 291 – good sealant for high vibration areas
Wow, I just found a summary of sealing products for marine use that agrees 100% with what I just said... LINK
And there are lots of other choices. This list is huge... LINK
So, what are you using?
Vic