Got a leak in my '79 Tradesman roof...

[HLYWTR]

I have a 1979 Dodge Tradesman, fully camperised van. I have a number of issues I wanna discuss in here but this is the most pressing since I live on the rainy west coast.

There is a slow drip that occurs from around the vent above the kitchen, when it rains. It was patched (poorly) by the guy that owned it before me using some sort of gel stuff and then what looked like roofing tar. When I got up there, it turned out there was a crack in the fiberglass roof almost all the way around the vent about 1 inch away from the vent. I peeled it off since it wasn't functioning and then refilled with a poxy that is a little more weather proof than silicone.

Turns out I missed a spot though and I am still getting drips when it rains.

My questions are:

- What have been your solutions to this problem?
- Is there a "go-to" water sealing product for a fiber glass roof?

Let's start with that.
I am new here as well, so, hello all.

-HLYWTR

 

[Donedirtcheap]

Welcome.
I would use Dicor self leveling. Its used on RV roofs and works very well. Remove as much of the other stuff as possible and be sure the area is clean. Cover all the screws and seams and it will flow out and self level. If you ever need to remove the vent it can be removed without chiseling it. It stays sort of soft but is very durable.

It also comes in a non leveling form that is used on vertical areas around windows etc.

 

[HLYWTR]

DTC,
Thank you so much for the info. I will look into Dicor!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Check out post #3 for a re-inforcement trick at your vent....

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-w...gh-top-causing-leaks?highlight=leak+roof+vent

 

[SoulRaven]

Greetings!

The thread Bindi&Us recommended also discusses the rope trick which can fix you up until better repairs can be made.

Cheers!

The CamperVan_Man

 

[HLYWTR]

So I put a good solid layer of the Henry's brand all weather roof repair on my van roof this afternoon. After all the research and considering the climate and condition of my roof, I found this to be the best option.

The first rainfall is tomorrow...I will let you know how it pans out...

Thanks again everyone.

-J

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Good luck...hope your rig stays dry inside.

 

[Lucky mike]

in a pinch you can use rubberized spray undercoating it will stop a leak fast......I also keep a tube of black jack sealer which can be put down on a leak while it wet or under water....best 5 bucks ever spent in an emergency is priceless

 

[HLYWTR]

It seems we are dry for now! One item off the check list!

 

[HLYWTR]

I spoke too soon, looks like a few rainfalls later and we still have the same problem...

I will slather another layer of that poxy on there... This is beyond me....

 

[SoulRaven]

I spoke too soon, looks like a few rainfalls later and we still have the same problem...

I will slather another layer of that poxy on there... This is beyond me....

Greetings!

If you're stationary, an inverted dollar store dish pan might get you through the night.

Auto parts stores sometimes carry rolls of gasket material.

Closed cell foam yoga mats or sleep mats can also make excellent gasket material.

Short of replacing the gasket, you're probably fighting an uphill battle... Replacing gaskets has always worked well for me, patches and sealants not so much.

Cheers!

The CamperVan_Man