Sunroof reseal adequate?

[Andy Bramhall]

Had a slight sunroof leak last year with drops of water coming in through the grill around the internal edges - see pic.

The garage that repaired it just stripped out and then renewed the line of sealant where the sunroof meets the moho roof and I haven't had any problems since then. It did look rather worn and like it definitely needed renewing.

However - I read recently that to properly repair a leaking sunroof requires the whole unit to be removed and then reinserted and fully resealed - and that not doing that could mean that water leaks sideways into the roof itself - even if it doesn't seem to be coming through to the interior of the moho.

Obviously not wanting to do that unless absolutely necessary. All thoughts gratefully received!

Big cheers,

Andy Bramhall

 

[funflair]

So you mean that they just resealed around the outside, that is not a proper job in my opinion if it was leaking it should really be removed and resealed properly.

Martin

 

[Andy Bramhall]

Thanks Martin. What's the thinking behind that? Is it true that water can leak into the roof itself?

 

[TheBig1]

there is only one way to repair a leaking skylight and that involves removing the skylight and the failed sealant and reinstall with new mastic. bodging with a bead of sealant is only ever a temporary fix till it can be done properly

 

[pappajohn]

Half a job and who knows what they used?
Maybe just silicon bathroom sealer from B&Q... Silicon sealer's not good enough and won't last.
It's not a difficult job to remove, clean up and reseal properly.

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[Andy Bramhall]

I was wondering whether the sunroof might have some kind of cavity designed to intentionally draw any leaking water into that grill and stop it from travelling into any roof space?

 

[TheBig1]

Thanks Martin. What's the thinking behind that? Is it true that water can leak into the roof itself?

yes as there is a gap somewhere in the mastic and adding a bead of sealant just masks the real problem

 

[Andy Bramhall]

That's helpful to hear. Thanks. Any idea how much it would cost to get a proper reseal?

Also - is it true that water can travel into the roof space?

 

[TheBig1]

I was wondering whether the sunroof might have some kind of cavity designed to intentionally draw any leaking water into that grill and stop it from travelling into any roof space?

no, just a hole cut through the roof and a plastic frame mastic and screws

 

[TheBig1]

That's helpful to hear. Thanks. Any idea how much it would cost to get a proper reseal?

about an hour in a workshop plus £20 materials. or 2 hours diy

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[Andy Bramhall]

no, just a hole cut through the roof and a plastic frame mastic and screws

Any idea how much it would cost to get a proper reseal?
Also - is it true that water can travel into the roof space?

 

[Andy Bramhall]

Cheers

 

[Sundowners]

As Martin said------ just replacing the sealant without removing the skylight is not really a proper job------ do you have any idea what sealant they used??--- if your van has a timber frame it will rot incredibly fast------ don't ask how I know!!!!!!!!!

 

[TheBig1]

Any idea how much it would cost to get a proper reseal?
Also - is it true that water can travel into the roof space?

yes water will find the easiest way out and that can be following wires and dripping from light fittings etc

 

[Andy Bramhall]

As Martin said------ just replacing the sealant without removing the skylight is not really a proper job------ do you have any idea what sealant they used??--- if your van has a timber frame it will rot incredibly fast------ don't ask how I know!!!!!!!!!

It's a 2007 A-class Niesmann-Bischoff Arto - so what sort of frame would that be?

Is it possible for water to be leaking into roof space where it could be doing real damage?

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[TheBig1]

i believe at that age it would include timber. it may be leaking but may not right now. seals often let go when they dry out in warm weather. the next rain sees water penetrating

 

[funflair]

It shouldn't find it's way into the roof of an Arto as it is 2 skins of alloy bonded to a foam core so it will most likely go straight through, still not a good idea though.

I thought you had an Arto but your profile says Tribute still
Martin

 

[Andy Bramhall]

Need to get that profile changed!

That's good to hear about the frame. Thanks Martin. I'll just get it taken out and properly reinserted and resealed...

 

[pappajohn]

I was wondering whether the sunroof might have some kind of cavity designed to intentionally draw any leaking water into that grill and stop it from travelling into any roof space?

No, it's there for ventilation only.
If water gets in it can get between the roof skin and insulating form core.
There will also be a wooden frame on the roof light cutout to give it strength. Once that gets soaked it will start to rot.
Best option is get the roof light removed and resealed properly, as said, it's not difficult.

Edit.... Didn't realise it was alloy bonded.
Fiberglass/foam/ply sandwich will let water in.

 

[funflair]

i believe at that age it would include timber. it may be leaking but may not right now. seals often let go when they dry out in warm weather. the next rain sees water penetrating

I think post 2000 the Arto was all alloy but still not worth taking the risk.

martin

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[Andy Bramhall]

Will do. Many thanks!

 

[Sundowners]

I hope they sealed it with silicone------- two minutes and it will all be off---- sikaflex would be much harder!!!!

 

[TerryL]

Just about to tackle the same job on my Bolero. What type sikaflex does anyone recommend?

 

[Sundowners]

I would not not use sikaflex personally----- I would use the 'putty' like stuff that comes on a roll-------- someone will even be able to tell you what it's called!!!!!!!-------- I have found that sikaflex and similar products can start to form a skin before you are ready!!!! --------- also it makes it much harder to remove in the future_----------------+ just my opinion!!

 

[mitzimad]

I would not not use sikaflex personally----- I would use the 'putty' like stuff that comes on a roll-------- someone will even be able to tell you what it's called!!!!!!!-------- I have found that sikaflex and similar products can start to form a skin before you are ready!!!! --------- also it makes it much harder to remove in the future_----------------+ just my opinion!!

ribbon mastic
https://magnummotorhomes.co.uk/wp-c...Sealing-Strip-B-20mm-x-2mm-x-22.5m-243801.jpg

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[Sundowners]

That's the stuff---- better to use when it is warm and dry,------ so get it done during the summer!!!!!!

 

[Terry]

I only use Puraflex 40 from toolstation.... sealing strips always leak, it's what the manufacturers use - hence they always end up leaking. I've never had one leak bedded on puraflex.

 

[tonyidle]

I only use Puraflex 40 from toolstation.... sealing strips always leak, it's what the manufacturers use - hence they always end up leaking. I've never had one leak bedded on puraflex.

And I haven't had one bedded on strip mastic .

 

[KUSKUS]

My Rapido developed a leak and I removed the whole lot , cleaned the old mastic off and resealed with W4 mastic sealing strip , not easy to remove the old stuff but all ok now.
Total cost about £12 , Cant imagine what dealers would charge!

 

[Bart]

We got our resealed at a dealer 2 hrs labour & 2 tubes sealer, £180 later. Luckily done under warranty the the place we bought it from paid.

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