Chateau roof repair

[JGallagher]

The 2017 Chateau 23U had only 2700 miles on it when we purchased it in January, but based on what I found today, the previous owner must have stored it on the bottom of a lake! I was on a ladder today cleaning the cab and found a soft spot in the corner where the cab meets the roof.
Not being able to leave well enough alone, I started to explore the roof junction that Camping World had so helpfully covered in mounds of Dicor.
What happened is the screws have rusted and the trim strip had lifted up. So far, I don't see any evidence of damage to the roof. However, every screw of the 10 that I have uncovered and removed has been rotted/rusted out.
Fortunately, there are no signs of water intrusion in the interior ceiling.

At this point, I will remove the trim strip and look to replace the screws with stainless steel.
However, I do not know how long the screws should be. Any help is appreciated. I do not want to purchase screws so long that they will penetrate the ceiling!

I'll seal the trim strip with Dicor unless others with more experience suggest otherwise.
Thank you.
James

[RudDer1]

Sorry to hear this. I usually take a screw with me to a hardware store to match up new ones to the old. Sorry I can't help much more. Looks like you've got a good handle in it.

[JGallagher]

I would do that (take screw to hardware store) but the heads just came off and the body is rusted out. I do not know how long they should be...

[Pete'sMH]

At the risk of opening up another can of worms you might take one out of the other side for comparison. On the other hand you probably won’t be able to get the rusted ones out so maybe if you’ll be just adding new it won’t matter if they are the same, Take heed to do frequent detailed inspections for possible leaks regularly. Water is relentless. I spend an hour or two every three or four months and rarely fail to find something needing attention. Good luck!

[JGallagher]

Hi Pete,
I've removed 10 screws so far, all rusted and unable to determine length.
In fact, you can see them in the attached photo if you look closely enough.

Yes, I was and am aware about opening the proverbial can of worms!
I just want to be sure to purchase the correct length of screw for the repair,.
Thank you.

[abjbrtd]

Looks like you've got a bigger job than replacing the screws and resealing.

You need to find where the water is getting in, could be feet away from the screws.
Any thing sticking thru the roof, ac, fridge, vents etc could be the source.

If you can feel the broken off screw then you should be able to get some "vicegrips" on the stub and screw it out.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-10-Inc...1&sr=8-34&th=1

[Travelin' Texans]

Take the interior trim off your roof vent, you can then determine the amount of attic space, possibly the thickness of the roof decking & choosing screw length from your exact needs.
If guessing a length of between 1" to 1 1/4" wouldn't be an issue.

[JGallagher]

I just now found a good screw. Length is 1".
Off to Home Depot for some new ones, perhaps they come in Stainless Steel.
Thanks to all for your help.
James

[blw2]

mine leaked form that area.... the rot was down in the little side wing wall directly behind the passenger door. Found it when I noticed the metal trim along the bottom edge of that wall.
Removed the snaps in the upholstery on that wall on the inside...just inside my house door, to reveal a few screws. That upholstered panel comes right off to reveal the wall itself. Found some rot there. Not to alarm you, hopefully yours isn't...but It was a bugger of a mess, and I'm sure it had been leaking the day it left the factory

[flipper003]

If you haven't gotten them already, use stainless steel. I have learned through the years that any screws/bolts exposed to weather on a house/RV/whatever are
well worth the extra cost (which is not much really). Very easy to match.

[Msdpok]

I would have gone to Ace Hardware or another hardware store, they carry a better assortment of screws and fasteners! Make sure to get quality sealant and plug each screw hole, then after drilling through trim strip only fill with sealant the screw strip down. Just saying, more is better!

[JGallagher]

I actually ended up at Ace Hardware and purchased some SS screws.
Also, lots of dicor to seal things up.
Thanks for all of your tips.