So after reading my original post and reply below, is there a "special" sealant removal chemical used by manufactureres which does not destroy the bond or not? I must admit, there are some brand new caravans out there that look decidedly secondhand because of the amount of excess sealant, and the grime it attracts. Just like any type of product, sealant technology continues to be developed, and Polyurethane sealants are the latest type and provide a greater level of effectiveness and increased durability which leads to it being long-lasting compared to the other types of sealants on the market.

By far the most popular and highly rated caravan sealant is the Sikaflex 512. It’s an all-purpose adhesive and sealant that’s been designed especially for caravan, motorhome or trailer repairs. Nobody wants to buy a product that isn’t easy to use, and caravan sealant is no different. You should avoid buying a sealant that takes too much difficulty and time to install correctly because this can be extremely frustrating, especially if you’re using it on an awkward surface such as the roof. When leaks are left untreated, they can cause wood to rot and metal to corrode and rust. This can lead to very costly repairs needing to be carried out. Whereas this can be avoided by using caravan sealant to fix leaks while they are just a minor issue. Locating Leaks Silicone sealants are by far the most popular leak fixing solution around the world. A major step-up from caulking compounds, silicone sealants offer immense strength and elasticity, keeping your leaks fixed for much longer periods of time. It is important that you choose the right ‘cure’, though. Acetic cure silicone sealants are anti-fungal in nature and very good for interior applications involving ceramic and glass. For exterior fixes, use a neutral cure variant that does not corrode the aluminium body of your caravan.A high tear resistance means that it will be long-lasting so you won’t need to replace it as frequently. You don’t want to spend time always worrying whether your sealant is still working. Curing Time We come across many caravan owners struggling with their leaking caravan roofs trying to find a solution to fix it cost-effectively, efficiently and safely. Especially when using Liquid Rubber with Premathane you will achieve an ideal coating for your mobile home.

Polyurethane sealants, the latest in the line of caravan sealants, offer the ultimate level of protection and durability. Their increasing popularity may also be accredited to the fact that they work great with fibreglass panels, the stuff that most modern caravans are made of. Additionally, PU sealants are UV resistant, and can be sanded and painted over, unlike silicone sealants. Coachman use a liquid solution to remove excess sealant, have a word with your dealer, they may sell you some.The ACETIC silicones release acid while curing, and while it gives superior bonding to certain surfaces like ceramic and glass, it can cause corrosion to the painted and powdercoated surface and soft metals like the aluminium. We do NOT recommend ACETIC for Caravan and motorhome sealing

Silicone sealant removers are most useful here as they work at breaking down the sealant and allowing you to remove it with ease. Here are 5 useful sealants to give your roofs, windows and awnings the rubber sealing that they need. If you need to detail any joins, corners, junctions screw holes etc. use of Geo-textile bandage is recommended. This will allow extra re-enforcement to those areas that need that little extra care. Leaks on the inside can be a lot easier to find than you may think, once you know what to look for. There will usually be tell-tale signs either on the ceiling or the walls in the form of water stains. It may be that you trace the leak from the caravan’s exterior. The Hodgsons Seamseal CV is an easy to use caravan sealant that leaves an excellent finish and is ideal for resealing a range of joints. It also offers excellent value for the money when you compare the price per 100 ml.The Soundaseal RV 61 is a highly rated caravan sealant which the brand state is used by many major manufacturers in the UK. The chemically neutral hybrid polymer is designed for interior or exterior use and forms a strong yet elastic bond that resists the effect of vibration. New sealer will simply not bond to old, it will always be a totallly different individual item and will not achieve anything. According to the brand, you can use this caravan sealant for roof vents, skylights, TV aerials, windows strips and much more. Before application, the surface must be clean, dry and free of any oil, grease or old sealant. For many years caravans were sealed using a a Butyl Rubber / Mastic or sometimes known in Australia as Caulking compound. Below is a list of the best sealant for caravans that are easy to use and suitable for interior or exterior use. The Best Sealant For Caravans

The next step is to prepare the area for repair. Make sure to clean the area thoroughly before you begin. This will help to ensure that the repair will be successful. If the area is not clean, the repair may not adhere properly. If you have excess silicone sealant which you want to remove in your caravan, there’s a product available which allows you to do this successfully and safely. Before applying any of the sealants listed above, you will want to ensure the surface is clean, dry and free of any grease or oil. Depending upon the application, many of the sealants can also be sanded down and painted over. After all the old material is removed, inspect the surface of the roof. If there are any nails or screws left, remove them. Use a sandpaper to sand the surface of the roof to remove any residue from the old material. Vacuum any dust and debris from the surface.If you have decided to only use Liquid Rubber, you would then do a second coat of Liquid Rubber and once again leave it to dry for at least 48 hours. During the settling period and cure time, some sealer will ooze from the compressed joint and as Dustydog has suggested, it forms an all important edge seal. Using Liquid Rubber waterproofing membrane in conjunction with Premathane Top Coat you will be able to achieve a waterproofing membrane that is not only easy to apply but also looks good. Removing old material from a caravan roof is a critical part of any repair job. The process requires a few basic tools and a steady hand. This type of sealant displays excellent adhesion, chemical and weathering properties, as well as the added advantage over traditional silicone in that it is both sand-able and paintable. Interestingly, it is also anti fungal.