RE: [A/S] Leaking Airstreams (was: Digest Number 2439

["DT & BW" <dtbw_1999@xxxxxxxxx>]

Remember that the virtually all the A/S leakage problems are due to age not
design. The 20-30-40 year old A/Ss require some maintenance.  A/Ss are
tested new at the factory in a rain storm chamber to ensure that the joint
sealant is holding as well as all the windows and roof vents.  But after
years of use, even with maintenance, some things will need repairing or
replacing.  The skin joints do require a thin bead of sealant on these older
rigs as well, but that is not a routine process as the proper sealant has a
long life expectancy.  Some of the designs that A/S has used over the years
such as VistaView windows and the wrap around front windows could have been
better, but again, they held up well...far beyond the typical life
expectancy of other brands.  

David