Hi,
New to caravans, 3 years, but after 2 Covid years,need advice. Swift Challenger 2010 and just noticed that front gutter coming away at one end. Do I need to remove, clean and reseal and if so, what sealant/adhesive to use.
Thanks in advance,
Chris.
Hi,
Thanks for info.
I`ve started removing old "chewing gum" and unable to find Sika 522 so have sika all-in-one, hope this fits the bill.
Will now put my shoes on and get to work and think about trip in June down to Spain.
Hope that wherever you goo you stay covid free and enjoy your holiday.
Chris.
Now looked at spec fo 522 and see that it is silicone based whereas the all in one is polyurethane.
I suspect the old stuff I`m trying to scrape of is a poly mastic, hence chewing gum consistency and difficulty in removing. I`ll order some 522 online and take all in one back to shop.
In the meantime I`ll try to remove as much gunge as possible.
Have a goo day and thank you,
Chris.
White spirit is good at softening up the gunge but will then leave a white residue that needs removing so that the new sealant sticks well. Use methylated spirits to do that.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
No problem, it won't take you that long Chris. Another tip, use new stainless steel screws to refit it if you can, and if any of them won't tighten up you may well have some more work to do inside.
Dave
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
Hi,
Thanks for the encouragement.
No sign of any damp in the van despite its age, 12 years. We`ve had it for almost 4 years but due to delay in getting French number plates, 6 months, and then Covid not done too many miles/trips, excluding very long trip to Lisbon. I suspect the sealant has been replaced before, but long time ago and was cracking and hardening causing it to lift at both ends. White spirit works well, it`s me that needs the overhaul. easy to forget that what you did 50 years ago now takes a bit/lot longer.
I don`t suppose that spending all year round outdoors without protection is the best way to care for it. Winter temp here often at -10 and summer at +35 even +40 occasionally.
Enough chat, I`ll get back to work.
Chris.
Oooh, nice part of France, we had +41 on our last trip and one of the front windows delaminated in the heat. Being outside allows the air to get round it and dry things periodically. Quite a few wood rotting problems are caused because it never dries out properly.
Often folk use the wrong sealant to do a quick fix and the result is a long term bodge, bath silicone is a common misiake, readily available and cheap but isn't up to the job long term but there are so many good specialist sealants like Sikka around that will last more than 10 years.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
Quite right. The Lot department is beautiful but roads appalling, and driving worse.
Outdoors and therefor well ventilated. Outside looks a bit grotty with leaves etc but inside as good as new.
I`ve never put a car in a garage and same result. Not necessarily good for paintwork but no wet bits to go rusty.
Now back to the white spirit. Ordered Sika 522 online which should arrive tomorrow.
Chris.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Front gutter
via mobile 27/3/2022 at 10:08am
No problem, it won't take you that long Chris. Another tip, use new stainless steel screws to refit it if you can, and if any of them won't tighten up you may well have some more work to do inside.
