Lower Rail - Reseal
When tackling the delamination of the front offside. There was some staining of the wood at floor level approximately mid way under the side window, when measured with a damp metre read 18% (either side of this is normal) it is above the norm (10-16%). The lower rail would have to come off to investigate.
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The damp metre reading, the rail is attached to the other side of this wood. |
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Front offside, the rail runs from the tyre to the awning rail at the front.
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Screw to the front cover cap is removed.
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Under the cap, the plastic insert will have to come off, the nail was removed next.
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The rear cover cap, next and the nail there too.
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Levered the plastic insert to get it out.
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This is the position where the higher than normal damp meter reading was found. Nothing evident from the outside. Removed the screws.
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Then the rail, used a scraper blade from under the rail (so not to damage the finish) and a scrap of wood to hold it away from the side of the caravan as I went along.
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Rail removed. The strip mastic was in good condition, this may have been replaced in the past.
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Closer view. Explanation for damp reading; most probably water getting past the screw.
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Now for the cleanup, used a plastic scraper to remove the bulk of the old mastic.
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The bottom rail, besides providing an attachment for a draft skirt also connects the bottom aluminium piece to the sidewall.
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This shows it a little better. Used white spirit and rags to get the last of the old mastic off.
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The rail cleaned off, strip sealant was applied, then screwed back in place. See [A] below;
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Once screwed down, the cover can be slid into its groove with the aid of some Thetford Seal Lubricant and the brace for the stadies.
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New stainless steel screws were used to secure the cover at the front and back.
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Then the endcaps were screwed back into place.
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[A] Also applied a bead of Seamseal to the space "above" the strip sealant as extra insurance. A cocktail stick dipped in white spirit then gently pushed/turned in the screw holes ensures when you put the screws in they do not "push" the mastic off the rail.
I will put some Sikaflex 512 caravan under the endcaps and over the screws under the plastic cover, but, I will have to get some first!
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Page Created 15th January 2009/ Updated 20th February 2009 | 
