sealant for roof bolts

[Mwood]

The rain has arrived in CA and the roof is leaking pretty bad.

I was expecting this, just didn't know how bad it would be.
the previous owner(s) of my van did some shoddy work installing solar panels and there is what looks like flex seal all over the bolts that hold the panel brackets on and the bolts that hold the top to the lift mechanism on the outside.

I am looking into replacing the top because it is sagging and mushrooming everywhere and i have a feeling it has been leaking a long time.

In the mean time - would sikaflex or something similar be able to seal up the bolts so that it at least doesn't leak? the bolts will be submerged in a 1/2" pool of water when it rains.

I can strip away the current seal job with a wire wheel and use whatever product to bury the bolts/holes so that water cant get in. open to other suggestions..

also - if anyone has a line on an EB top - just the fiberglass - I am interested.

[gahamby]

There is a lot of non-marine grade wood encased in a SMB pop-top roof. If it's saturated and rotting you will be pouring in good sealant after bad. Nothing is going to adhere to a damp surface very well. Reef out the old caulking and get the top as dry as possible. I know that doesn't look good at the moment. Maybe throw a tarp over the van. Saturate the holes with marine epoxy. Sikaflex is a good bedding compound. I like 3M 5200.
It sounds like the PO's Flex Seal job was an attempt to avoid anything like a real fix.

[Mwood]

Originally Posted by gahamby

There is a lot of non-marine grade wood encased in a SMB pop-top roof. If it's saturated and rotting you will be pouring in good sealant after bad. Nothing is going to adhere to a damp surface very well. Reef out the old caulking and get the top as dry as possible. I know that doesn't look good at the moment. Maybe throw a tarp over the van. Saturate the holes with marine epoxy. Sikaflex is a good bedding compound. I like 3M 5200.
It sounds like the PO's Flex Seal job was an attempt to avoid anything like a real fix.

yeah thats right, and Im also trying to figure out a quick fix for now unfortunately. I have a tarp on it now.
I want to replace the whole top for that reason, It would be nice to have something solid to work with. 3m 4200 and 5200 look promising.

thanks

[1der]

A new Colorado Camper Van top would be an awesome up grade to consider especially if you are planning to use the van a lot. Highly recommended and a game changer in so many ways.

While most SMB take offs are sold complete w canvas and lift, I may have a line on an EB SMB top only (no lift/canvas but complete headliner), if it is still available. I will know later today.

[Mwood]

Originally Posted by 1der

A new Colorado Camper Van top would be an awesome up grade to consider especially if you are planning to use the van a lot. Highly recommended and a game changer in so many ways.

While most SMB take offs are sold complete w canvas and lift, I may have a line on an EB SMB top only (no lift/canvas but complete headliner), if it is still available. I will know later today.

I think a new ccv top is out of my price range

that used top would be huge, thanks for looking into it

I could also potentially buy a full takeoff depending on the price.

[dhally]

One caution - I think Flex Seal is silicone based. Nothing will stick to it, including more Flex Seal. And it is hard to remove. This is based on my memory.

One method I've read for removing silicone caulk residue (don't know if it works for flex seal) is to use mineral spirits paint thinner to soften it, then rub it off with a clean rag. Repeat 100x to fully remove...

[BCam]

I'd try Eternabond tape. You can cut pieces to in any shape and size to cover your bolt heads. You can cover them individually or in strips. It can also cover cracks, holes, etc. It will seal much better than any caulk since there will be an impermeable covering. It's used all the time by RV owners to seal the edges of roof vents, etc. The downside is it's a pain to remove the sticky residue that's left after it's peeled off, but it doesn't sound like that's a concern for you:

https://www.hbfuller.com/en/brands/eternabond

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=eternabon..._ts-doa-p_3_10

Good luck.

[Mwood]

Originally Posted by BCam

I'd try Eternabond tape. You can cut pieces to in any shape and size to cover your bolt heads. You can cover them individually or in strips. It can also cover cracks, holes, etc. It will seal much better than any caulk since there will be an impermeable covering. It's used all the time by RV owners to seal the edges of roof vents, etc. The downside is it's a pain to remove the sticky residue that's left after it's peeled off, but it doesn't sound like that's a concern for you:

https://www.hbfuller.com/en/brands/eternabond

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=eternabon..._ts-doa-p_3_10

Good luck.

that product looks promising thanks for posting it

Best
Mitch

[ss4010]

To seal the through roof fittings, I've used with success:

"3M Adhesive Sealant Fast Cure 4200 (05260) – Semi-Permanent Flexible Sealant for Boats and Marine Applications – White – "

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's polyurethane based, meaning moisture cures it. There are several different formulations all of which are intended for marine applications.

[BCam]

Originally Posted by Mwood

that product looks promising thanks for posting it

Best
Mitch

Here's a picture of what Eternabond looks like on an RV roof: