Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Random thoughts after 2 days on a LD roof (Eternabond)

October 20, 2010, 05:00:59 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 117653

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I spend the last 2 days putting eternabond tape on the main seams (2 side, 1 front) on my 2003 MB.  The caulk was original, but still in very good shape because the previous owner kept it inside much of the time.
 I opted to strip all of the original caulk off, which I know many would consider overkill.  In my case, the original roof had been painted with a self-leveling rubber non-slip surface to fill some dents from a hail storm.  I wanted to get to bare metal as much as possible.  I also believe that for a once-in-a-lifetime job like eternabond, it's best to err of the side of surface preperation.

Random thoughts:

(1) I'm glad my LD is only 26.5' long.

(1.5)  26.5' is longer than you think.
 (2) Caulk sticks to caulk better than it sticks to painted aluminum.  This means you can pull/peel it off of you can get a grip.
 (3) a 5-in-1 paint tool was very helpful for getting a grip and helping peel caulk over screws.  A plastic putty knife was too soft, and a metal putty knife was too thin and sharp.  The 5-in-1 was solid and not too sharp.
 (4) A heat gun actually made things worse.  The caulk tore too easily and I couldn't peel/pull it off in substantial strips.  Heat + scraping left thin layers of caulk on the metal, while pulling left the painted metal clean.
 (5) Heat from inside the coach did make things easier.  I could tell a difference in the afternoons when the interior heated up, and I could tell a difference around the refrigerator vent.

(6) Working from a step ladder was easier than working on the roof.
 (7) A laminate roller works great for rolling the tape.  I had one from a previous counter top job, and they are available at any home improvement store.  The laminate roller is similar to the roller sold on the eternabond site, but much easier to acquire.
 ( 2 50'x4" rolls gives plenty to do both side seams, the front seam twice, and still have enough left over for the vents.
 (9) I'm a young, strong guy and I'm sore after peeling and pulling for 2 days.  Removing all of the caulk is a chore.
 (10) I plan to tackle all of the vents and roof rack mounts in the spring.  That should be easy after handling the main seams.

(11) I'm very glad that this job will last the life of the coach.

Rich '03 MB

Re: Random thoughts after 2 days on a LD roof (Eternabond)

Reply #2 – October 20, 2010, 05:28:19 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 117655

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Hi Dale-

It looks like this (on the bottom, obviously).
 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/PTOPhil/IMG_2747.jpg

I suspect many people have one, and just aren't familiar with the name.

More on intended usage: http://www.ehow.com/how_5123475_use-paint-tool.html 
Rich

Re: Random thoughts after 2 days on a LD roof (Eternabond)

Reply #4 – October 20, 2010, 05:50:31 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 117657

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Larry-
 I saw your very helpful posting this summer, and to be honest I just chickened out when I came to using the vibratory tool.
 I've never used one before, and didn't want to make a mistake on the roof of my LD for a one-time job.  I made that decision back when I thought it was an easier 1 day job .

Your method is definitely the way to go for the future.

Rich

--- In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com, "Larry"  w

Re: Random thoughts after 2 days on a LD roof (Eternabond)

Reply #6 – October 20, 2010, 07:04:19 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 117661

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Larry & Rich, My 26' RB roof needs to be done soon. My son and I are going to tackle it. I think both tools would be handy. I think eternabond is the ticket for me. Thanks for the info.
Dale from Downey.

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