Eternabond Camper: The Ultimate Guide To Sealing Your Rv

Eternabond Roof and Leak Repair Tape is a product that can be used to repair an RV or camper roof. It is a sealant tape that is touted to stop any leak or waterproof any roof surface. It is UV-resistant and comes in four colours: tan, grey, black, and white. It can be purchased in various lengths and widths, including two, four, and six inches. While it is expensive, it lasts a long time after installation. The company's website says it will hold up on a roof anywhere between 18 to 36 years. However, it is not easy to remove once installed.

Eternabond vs Dicor

EternaBond and Dicor are two commonly used sealants for RV roofs. Both products are designed to prevent leaks and water damage, but they have distinct characteristics and application methods.

EternaBond is a sealant tape that is UV-resistant and available in different widths, lengths, and colours. It is easy to install and requires a clean surface for effective adhesion. The tape is extremely sticky, allowing only one chance to apply it properly. It is recommended for covering leaks, sealing roof seams, and repairing cuts or tears in the roof surface. Eternabond is long-lasting and can be used in emergencies to seal drain pipes and cracked rooftop fixtures. Removing the tape requires a heat gun or hair dryer to loosen the adhesive.

Dicor, on the other hand, is a self-levelling sealant available in the form of a thick paste. It is suitable for creating watertight seals and can be used on various roofing materials. Dicor is easy to apply with its nozzle, ensuring precise application. It is UV-stable and won't discolour or stain the surface. However, it requires time to dry and form a sealing layer. Dicor is also easier to remove than Eternabond, as it can be scraped off with a plastic putty knife and a heat gun.

Some RV owners prefer to use a combination of both products. Eternabond provides a quick fix and long-lasting protection, while Dicor offers a more traditional sealant approach. When deciding between the two, consider the specific needs of your RV, the level of maintenance you are willing to perform, and the potential challenges of removal in the future.

Eternabond Roofseal

Before applying Eternabond Roofseal, it is critical to ensure that the surface is entirely clean and dry. The tape will not adhere properly if the surface is not clean, and even slight condensation can cause it to fail. You can use a hairdryer to ensure the surface is completely dry.

When applying the tape, peel the back layer off and lay it down, forming to the surface. Avoid pulling or stretching it, as this will reduce its effectiveness. If installing a long section, pull the backing off a small section at a time, sticking it down as you go. Once the tape is laid, you can go back and apply pressure, focusing along the edges to ensure a solid seal. If working on a flat surface, use a steel roller to create a stable and even seal. Allow it to cure for 60 to 90 minutes before checking your final results.

Eternabond prep work

Eternabond is a permanent repair tape that can be used to fix leaks in your camper. It is a simple and effective way to prevent water damage to your camper. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your camper for Eternabond application:

Clean the Surface:

Firstly, identify the area where you will apply the Eternabond tape. It is important to ensure that the surface is entirely clean and dry. You can use a solvent like mineral spirits or acetone on a rag to clean the area. Be careful not to use acetone on a rubber roof as it can damage the material. There are also specialised cleaners available, such as the EternaClean spray cleaner, which is safe to use on rubber roofs. You can also use non-petroleum-based cleaners or a simple mixture of soap and water. Make sure to pay extra attention to areas with mildew or mould.

Remove Old Sealant (if necessary):

If there is old sealant on the surface, you may need to remove it before applying Eternabond. Silicone sealant must be removed as Eternabond will not adhere to it. You can use a hairdryer or heat gun to soften the old sealant and make it easier to scrape off. Be cautious when using a box cutter or razor blade to remove old sealant, as it is easy to accidentally damage your roof.

Prepare the Tape:

EternaBond tape is very sticky, so it is important to have a plan before you start applying it. Cut the tape to the desired length and width, using sharp scissors. The tape is thick and difficult to cut due to its multiple layers, so take your time with this step.

Apply the Tape:

Once the surface is clean and prepared, you can start applying the tape. Remove the release liner from the tape and carefully lay it down on the surface. Use your fingers and a roller to press the tape firmly onto the surface, paying extra attention to nooks and crannies. Go slowly, overlapping by about 1 inch between passes.

Finish and Cure:

After applying the tape, use a roller or your fingers to press the entire length of the tape one more time to ensure a strong bond. The Eternabond tape will fully cure within 24-48 hours.

By following these steps, you will effectively prepare your camper for Eternabond application, ensuring a strong and long-lasting repair.

Eternabond installation

Eternabond Roof and Leak Repair Tape is a micro-sealant tape that can be used to stop leaks and waterproof any roof surface. It is UV-resistant and comes in four colours (tan, grey, black, and white) and various lengths and widths, including two, four, and six inches.

Before installing Eternabond, it is critical to ensure that the surface is entirely clean, otherwise, the tape won't adhere properly. You can use a reasonably priced spray cleaner called EternaClean or a non-petroleum-based cleaner.

To apply the tape, you will need a roof cleaner, a few rags, a sharp pair of scissors, and a small roller. Cut the tape to length, then remove the release liner as you apply it. You only have one chance to put it down, so be careful. After applying the tape, use the roller and your fingers to seal the tape to the surface, paying attention to any nooks or crannies.

The directions that come with the tape recommend sealing the front areas where it is applied with Dicor. This is not mandatory but will ensure high-speed winds and rain don't peel it back.

Eternabond should be rolled out to properly adhere. The seal is effective immediately, but the adhesion will strengthen over time.

Total installation time is around 2.5 hours.

Eternabond pros and cons

Eternabond is a repair tape that has been around for years and is touted as the only micro sealant tape that can stop leaks and waterproof any roof surface. It is UV resistant and comes in four colours (tan, grey, black, and white) and various lengths and widths (including two, four, and six inches). The tape is expensive, retailing at $60 a roll, but it is built to last—the company's website states that it will hold up on your roof anywhere between 18-36 years.

Pros

• Eternabond is long-lasting, with the company promising that it will hold up on your roof for 18-36 years.
• It is easy to install, taking only a few minutes to apply.
• It is very sticky and adheres well to surfaces.
• It can be used to seal cuts or tears in your roof and reseal seams to prevent leaks.
• It can be used in emergencies to seal leaking drain pipes and cracked rooftop fixtures.
• It is versatile and can be used on a range of surfaces, including metals, plastics, rubber, composites, acrylic, fiberglass, concrete, and wood.
• It is UV-resistant and contains UV inhibitors that prevent damage from sunlight exposure.
• It is made in the USA and is NSF-certified safe for potable water.

Cons

• It is expensive, retailing at $60 a roll.
• It can be difficult to cut due to its thickness and multiple layers.
• It is very sticky, which means that you only have one chance to put it down.
• It can be hard to remove if you need to replace a vent cap or skylight, and can add hours of labour to the job.
• It can cause red flags for future buyers, signalling that there may have been a problem with the roof.
• It can start to look dirty along the edges after several years.
• It is not recommended for use as a flashing sealer, as it will make future repairs a nightmare.
• It is not meant for use as a preventive item, but rather as a repair item.
• It is not recommended for use on a new camper, as it may void the warranty.
• It is not meant for use on rubber roofs, as it will need to be recoated around every 10 years, and you cannot recoat over Eternabond.

Frequently asked questions