Eternabond question - how much will I need?

keefd · 02-23-2021, 02:45 AM

Howdy all,

I'm about to pick up a 2018 Thor Axis 25.2. Happy about that!

For one of my first projects, I want to re-do the sealant on the roof with Eternabond tape. Amazon and a lot of other places sell it, but I have no idea how much I'll need.

Does anyone have a ballpark guess as to how many rolls I should get, and should I get the 2 inch or 4 inch wide tape?

How fast I can get to this project depends on the weather, It's 40F today but will get below freezing this weekend. Or should I just hold off until Spring?

And if anyone recommends against Eternabond, I'm willing to listen but a lot of folks seem to really like it vs regular liquid sealant.
Thanks!

halfprice · 02-23-2021, 03:09 AM

I've been wanting to do the same. Not sure if it has a temp restriction when applying also you need to clean the surface properly

Best way to know how much you need is to climb up there and measure. Do the perimeter, vents, and anything else you feel needs covering

For my 29m I guesstimated 100' that would leave extra

I also plan on placing 1/2" tubing along both sides front to back and under the tape (tape will hold it in place) this will be a make shift rain gutter and hopefully stop the a/c condensation from dripping down on my head

I'd plan to use 4" more coverage and more sticking power

Jerry

Lt Keefer · 02-23-2021, 03:13 AM

I have never used it because of the cost. I was going to do my last coach but once I measured the seams and figured out how much I would need I determined it was cost prohibitive. I use less than a tube of dicor a year to maintain the seams. That's about 5 bucks. It would take at least 50 foot of eternabond and that is over 50 bucks. Then there is the labor to remove the old dicor, clean and install the tape. If I had a coach with a lot of roof leaks, I might go that route, but as a normal routine maintenance task, it's not for me.

ducksface · 02-23-2021, 03:28 AM

Buy the eternabond cleaner also.
Use the four inch. Because you can.
As a percentage of vehicle cost, the eternabond is tiny tiny.
Do one good job.

keefd · 02-23-2021, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducksface

As a percetnage of vehicle cost, the eternabond is tiny tiny.

Especially compared to the cost of leaks!

I'll order the 4 inch wide tape. halfprice, you're right about measuring, but with no experience I had no idea how much I'd need even with measuring with overlap, nooks and crannies, etc.

Also good call on the cleaning and Eternabond cleaner. I'm assuming it's a lot like paint - prep work can make or break the job.

ducksface · 02-23-2021, 03:57 AM

Wait for as warm of a day as you can stand to be on the roof.

keefd · 02-23-2021, 04:08 AM

So doing it while it's snowing this Sunday is a no go? Darn!

Elite Washington · 02-23-2021, 04:16 AM

So for our 32 foot class c I got 4 of the 4x50 rolls. I didn’t need all of it but I wanted to have extra. It does cost a few bucks but is a lot cheaper then leaks and a lot less maintenance then Dicor. With Dicor you can just keep reapplying each year. You will have to replace it at some point.. Besides cleaning you so want to do it in warm weather. It’s much easier to get it to stick. You can do it in the cold but the heat helps.

ducksface · 02-23-2021, 04:24 AM

And a weighted roller.
Buy a length of 2" solid steel stock or check rolling pins on amazon and at the dollar store.
When I put my body weight behind it, it seems nonsensical to care about what a roller weighs, but really or psychologically, I prefer a heavy roller.

And
A roller skate wheel is a very valuable tool for inside corners. Grind it to fit.

Edit:
I just realized I've used my skate wheels for other projects.
So, I orderd four of them for 18 bucks on Amazon.

They be handydandy for lotsa things.

keefd · 02-23-2021, 04:25 AM

I've seen a few youtube videos and reviews that states that it lasts for years - I guess that's not accurate?

I don't mind doing it every year as I'd rather do that than have leaking.

ducksface · 02-23-2021, 04:28 AM

I lead a pretty sheltered life, but I've never seen eternabond fail.

I think the post you read here was regarding dicor and how you can't just keep piling it on.

keefd · 02-23-2021, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducksface

I lead a pretty sheltered life, but I've never seen eternabond fail.

I think the post you read here was regarding dicor and how you can't just keep piling it on.

Ah, got it.

And I do thank all y'all for the advice and information.

Elite Washington · 02-23-2021, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keefd

I've seen a few youtube videos and reviews that states that it lasts for years - I guess that's not accurate?

I don't mind doing it every year as I'd rather do that than have leaking.

Sorry should had been clearer. I meant the Dicor will eventually fail. Typically it gets hard and cracks and that is how you get leaks. The tape should last for years

paulwadley · 02-23-2021, 01:10 PM

Eternabond tape sticks much better the warmer the outside weather is. Prep is key to helping it stick, so it must be as clean as possible. Use a roller to remove all bubbles and work slowly when removing the backing tape. It is extremely sticky and once it is down there is no going back and pulling it up to adjust it.

Paul

Bob Denman · 02-23-2021, 01:31 PM

You might want to PM Judge.
He's a very powerful advocate for it's use...

Travelin' Texans · 02-23-2021, 04:06 PM

Just keep in mind if using it around vents or other protrusions that may need to be replaced at some point, the Eternabond is a giant PITA to remove, depending on how good the prep was when installing it may never come off without damaging the roof membrane. If you think removing some of the old Dicor is bad, you ain't seen nothin' yet!
To be honest if needing 200' of Eternabond I'd check into RV Armor or Flex Armor roof coating. Those companies come to you to prep & spray a lifetime roof coating that you'll never have a leak worry again.

keefd · 02-23-2021, 04:38 PM

I plan to swap out the one vent fan that's not a Max Air for a Max Air vent fan and cover, so that's good info to know.

Almost makes you wonder why RV Armor or Flex Armor isn't a factory thing. Cost cutting, I know, but seems like it would make things so much better.

HarryS · 02-23-2021, 07:43 PM

After watching RV Expert on youtube, I'm not sure I'd suggest Eternabond to replace the dicor for seams. He really knows his stuff, and he doesn't recommend it for general purpose stuff, but for repairing tears and such. I just had to put some down around my plumbing vent, as the TPO roof has a 2 inch tear.

ducksface · 02-23-2021, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryS

After watching RV Expert on youtube, I'm not sure I'd suggest Eternabond to replace the dicor for seams. He really knows his stuff, and he doesn't recommend it for general purpose stuff, but for repairing tears and such. I just had to put some down around my plumbing vent, as the TPO roof has a 2 inch tear.

Did he say why he thought this way?
If he didn't say why not and then back it with facts as to why not, I wouldn't put AN OUNCE of weight on his opinion.

Elite Washington · 02-24-2021, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducksface

Did he say why he thought this way?
If he didn't say why not and then back it with facts as to why not, I wouldn't put AN OUNCE of weight on his opinion.

That’s my thoughts exactly unless he can say why it’s not good and offer a better alternative then it doesn’t mean anything. There are plenty of demonstrations of why eternabond is good. And I have yet to see a negative about using it.

The alternative of Dicor and inspecting but not noticing that hair line crack or that spot that just doesn’t completely seal to the roof that leaks is not a good alternative.

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