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neu

Toronto

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Posted: 04/09/23 12:24am

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I've recently discovered a small crack in the front part of the roof of my mobile home (attached photo). Since I'm new to RV maintenance, I need some advice on how to properly fix this crack. What material should I use and what is the best method to repair it? Thanks in advance for your help!

https://postimg.cc/4nSBRj6P

fj12ryder

Platte City, MO

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Posted: 04/09/23 07:28am

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If it were me, I would remove the old caulk, carefully, and get some self-leveling Dicor sealant/caulk. Clean the area good, make sure it's dry, and put down a generous amount of the sealant. Silicone sealant generally isn't a good idea for this type of application as it can make subsequent repairs very difficult.

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Tyler0215

Iowa

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Posted: 04/09/23 08:37am

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Yup. Clean ALL the old caulk off and use Dicor.
NEVER use silicon!

deltabravo

Spokane, WA

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Posted: 04/09/23 08:45am

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Since part of what needs sealed is a vertical surface, you will need the NON SAG version of Dicor.
If you use the "self leveling" kind, it will make a mess and run down the wall.
Self leveling is meant for flat horizontal surfaces only.

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fj12ryder

Platte City, MO

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Posted: 04/09/23 02:03pm

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I've used self-leveling on sloped areas without any problems, and that looked like most of the fracture was on the flat. But granted there is a bit on the edge. Self-leveling isn't like water and run downhill. [emoticon]

But you do have a point.

MFL

Midwest

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Posted: 04/09/23 03:25pm

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Dicor is what I'd use, but either type will work for that repair. Self level would be best choice, but if I had a non-leveling tube already open, that will work too. A little paint thinner on my finger does a good job of leveling, when needed.

Use of painters tape will eliminate most of the messy look. Just remove it before the dicor starts to set up.

Jerry

ernie1

Sacramento,California,USA

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Posted: 04/09/23 04:26pm

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Looks to me that there's more going on than simply a crack appearing. Looks like there's a large and a small crack. Looks like something structural is coming apart and maybe something was never fastened with a screw or bolt. Maybe there was a small crack that occurred awhile back and after a while of exposure to the elements, there might be some structural failure. I think I would check first before trying to seal it up.

neu

Toronto

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Posted: 04/09/23 08:06pm

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Thanks, everybody, for your advices!
I think I will try to go with NON SAG version of Dicor.

dougrainer

Carrolton, Texas

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Posted: 04/10/23 08:09am

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For a crack like that, I remove the old sealant. I then inject URETHANE windhield gasket sealant in the hole to fill the gap. Then use the Dicor over the top. Doug

https://www.amazon.com/Tubes-Dow-Sealant........=urethane+sealant&qid=1681135709&sr=8-12

neu

Toronto

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Posted: 04/10/23 01:02pm

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dougrainer wrote:

Thank you, Doug. Am I understanding correctly that I need to remove this sealant (highlighted in green in the picture)? How should I best do it? Just cut it with a knife?
What are the benefits of using automotive glass sealant to fill cracks like the one I have? It sounds like something from a completely different field of application.