Hi again,I have not seen any evidence that the awning rails or skirting rails etc are letting in water but because my van is 24 years old I thought I would run a bead of Sikaflex 512 along the outer rail edges rather than wait for the water to get in and end up with a bigger job.I would like to know if the Sikaflex is O.K. for this job or is it just for use as a bedding mastic,thanks in advance Keith.
In my opinion, on an older van, you could be sealing in a problem rather than preventing it. My ancient unit rails had been sealed as you describe and looked fine, but until I removed a screw I had no idea of the rot hiding beneath. The screw head looked normal whilst the threaded part inside was needle thin and rusted, the structural wood was soaking yet there was no sign on the interior panels. The sealant had kept the water in allowing it to do it's damage.
My suggestion would be to do as I am doing and that is to remove a rail and check for damage first and then address it if needed, then replace the rails with a non setting Strip Caulking tape which will also waterproof the screws.
Post last edited on 16/08/2018 10:20:58
------------- Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly!
Thank you I will check because it's a 1994 Vanroyce and looking at U tube videos it is amazing how many screws are rusted and breaking during the removal in all types of van,thank you once again,Keith.