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

["Craig Eldridge" <craig_e@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

The segment and panel seams of the roof are not designed to leak but over 
time any seal make fail due to rough road conditions or something/someone on 
the roof.  It is a simple solution to use a product like Parbond (clear or 
aluminum) which will partly wick away into the panels on the roof.  
Silkaflex is somewhat thicker and is used around vents and some other areas 
and I like it better than Vulkum since it doesn't seem to be as grainey.

Other trailers use various types of rubber roofs which can be punctured.  
Here again, a little caulk of the proper type can be applied or use of 
specific tape products.  I do hear from time to time of rubber roofs on 
travel trailers or motorhomes which have to be replaced in their entirety.  
That does not seem to appeal to me due to cost and having someone else do 
it.

You will have preventative maintenance for the roof no matter which type of 
system you choose.  I would rather chase down a leak and fix it with Parbond 
rather than paying for a new rubber roof.  Some Airstream owners report 
never having a leak throughout years of owning their trailer.