Water between the roof and the aluminum "walking" plates

[Onderweg]

I think i have to check this before something bad will happen (hope it didnt happen yet) :Blush:

Not going up the roof of our camper often but a few days ago i did. On the roof there are aluminum plates, fastened with screws, to enable walking without damaging. Those plates are about 200 cm * 150 cm.

When walking i heard some squelching sounds, which in my opinion means that there is water between the roof and the plates.

Now before taking my hands out of my pockets (sometimes it is better to keep them there because I am not a "handy man") I think it is better to have some information, which i hope you can provide. :thumb:

1. Is it normal practice to fasten those plates with sealant all over or may I expect only sealant on places were it is secured with the screws ?

2. If the plates are fastened with sealant all over how do I remove those plates without damaging the roof itself or bending the plates ?

3. If the roof is damaged what is the best way to proceed ?

4. When returning the plates, should i fasten them with sealant all over or should i only sealant those places were the screws are situated ?

Now it may well be that i have overlooked something important which i have to consider before starting. If so Please.......

Thanks in advance for your reactions

Paul and Ineke

 

[Diabalo]

Hi Paul,

I would have thought just Sikaflex sealent would have been more than enought to fix the plates down. To get them off I would suggest using cheese wire to minimise any damage, but you will have to be careful.
When you put them back on make a circle around the outside of each screw hole with Sikaflex and another bead in from the edge of the plate with a few cross hatchings across. Put a bit of sealent on each screw and once screwed down cap the screw off with a dab on top. For belt and braces put a bead all around the outside edge of the plate.

Good luck:thumb:

 

[Onderweg]

Had the roof checked for moisture today and nothing found.

They explained that the plates are not sealed all over but on certain places so water between the plate and the roof it self is normal.

Paul and Ineke

 

[wasp]

Oh good that is a really fine result, I am so happy you have not got to strip off the plates .Cheers Rob :thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb:

 

[Terry]

Hi Paul I would still follow Diabalo 's advise :thumb:Never take it for granted that the screw holes will not leak Stick them straight down with sikaflex type adhesive
terry
Water in between will freeze ,expand , causing leaks eventualy

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[RogerIvy]

Now before taking my hands out of my pockets (sometimes it is better to keep them there because I am not a "handy man") I think it is better to have some information, which i hope you can provide. :thumb:

Paul, I'm a handy-man but even I didn't try fixing the whole roof when it became apparent that I had a real problem.

See our family blog: Link Removed

Make sure you're totally dry, if you do have a leak it's going to cost you big time.

Rog