More water leaks.

Frankbrownlee74
Frankbrownlee74 Forum Participant Posts: 6
edited October 2017 in Caravans #1

Hello everyone a bit more advice please I have an old 1991 Elddis & when away the day after storm Brian. Got set up put the awning up no problem it peed down Sunday night & I had two water leaks.

I thought it was the awning at first but on closer inspection it's coming from behind the side rail where awning slides into, clearly the tension on the awning poles is causing a small gap for water to run down. I have done a little research & people seem to recommend silka flex I see the are a couple of choices 512 & 221 can anyone shed some light on this for me or is there a even better product ? obviously I need something incredibly strong & flexibil I do not want to do this job more than once thanks any advice would be appreciated thanks Frank..... 

Comments

  • wellmad
    wellmad Forum Participant Posts: 14
    edited November 2017 #2

    Hi sika flex is a good product. I have had experience with a product called Tiger Seal in my job (motor trade) once cured it is flexible & extremely strong. As with any of these types of sealer/adhesive everything must be clean & dry.

    Hope this is of some help Richard

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2017 #3

    Are you going to take off the awning rail, and reseal it, or just run a seal above and below it?  Different jobs will need different sealant.  

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited November 2017 #4

    From another forum using my friend goggle (other friends available):

    According to the C. A. K. Tanks Ltd Catalogue which sells both, it says that 512 has very similar properties to 221, but has improved bond strength and cure times

     

    Another view:

     

    I personally would not use Sika 512 for sealing around windows, etc. It is an ADHESIVE as well as a sealant and if ever you needed to remove the window you may well have trouble.

    I think it is intended to permanently fix items such as solar panels rather than seal joints.

    I believe you need a SEALANT for what you are proposing, I personally use Hodgsons Seamseal CV which never fully hardens. You should be able to find an equivalent Sika if that is the brand you want.

    http://www.hodgsonsealants.com/product/10164/seamseal-cv-380ml-x-24 

  • Frankbrownlee74
    Frankbrownlee74 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited November 2017 #5

     That's a bit of a coincidence as I am a self employed tech myself. I have used Tiger seal in the past I myself am not a fan,  but it's like most things a friend of mine in the trade swears by it. My logic is when I tention the awning poles the awning in affect is try to pull the rail of the caravan so I am trying to find the strongest adhesive/sealent possible as silka flex is designed for that perpos I'll have to go with just not sure what one to use thanks for your reply Frank. 

     

     

  • Frankbrownlee74
    Frankbrownlee74 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited November 2017 #6

    Yes doing a proper job as the rail must be under so much pressure when awnings up & tensioned. 

    I so looking forward to getting all the old sealent off not. Just looking for the best & strongest sealant for the job. I see there are 2 types of silka flex are they similar or is one stronger not sure..? 

  • Frankbrownlee74
    Frankbrownlee74 Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited November 2017 #7

    I will take that on board thank you for your advice. 

  • chrisn7
    chrisn7 Forum Participant Posts: 72
    edited November 2017 #8

    It shouldn't be possible for the awning rail to part company sufficient to create a gap. Caravans of that era often used plated rather than stainless screws, so these rust.

    Be prepared to find that some of these have rusted sufficiently to lose tension, and may even break the heads off when you try to remove them.

    Consequently expect to have drill some new holes in the rail, and of course use stainless screws.

    Take care of the rail too, as they are very wobbly and easily bent when not attached

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