Question Awning Maintenance

[Bob K4TAX]

The deed is done!!!!!

I purchased a can of Flex Seal black liquid. The area covered was originally black in color. I used a 3" roller to apply two coats, a day apart to allow for drying, to the area where the awning material joins the roof {C channel} of our TT. I rolled it on for the length of the awning, ~16 ft, and a distance outward of about 10". Thus when the awning is rolled and secured, the exposed area of the material will be that area covered by Flex Seal. I made sure it won't lap back on itself, thus the 10" of coverage. I used Mineral Spirits to prepare and clean the area before applying Flex Seal.

There is evidence underneath the awning where the Flex Seal penetrated the fabric thus filling the spiderweb-like cracks. The pin holes are no more. All looks very good.

Now to see how this approach holds up over time. Sure was easy enough to do and the total cost was about $35 for material and rollers.

All of the documentation I found indicated this is a good solution. They did caution DO NOT USE the spray-on Flex Seal for this process.

F Y I - A ready-to-install replacement awning from Rec Pro is about $149 for the material fabricated and finished.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Thanks to all that supplied suggestions.

I gave the awning edge at the trailer to the roller out about 12" where I rolled & brushed on two coats of Flex Seal. This was on June 14. I gave it a good inspection today. It looks and feels GREAT! I know this is a very short time for the evaluation of the results.

I hope it lasts a couple of more years at which time I likely won't need the awning or trailer.

 

[GeorgeD]

Before using "Flex Seal", I would suggest you do a lot of research! There are a lot of negative comments from "RV'ers", about it breaking down, no real "UV" protection, & actually not being waterproof!
Before potentially ruining it, I would research other products.
There is a very strong "tape" product that folks use in lieu of dicor sealant, "EternaBond", which is waterproof & flexible. That might be a solution!
Or replacement!
Good Luck!

I have this tape on my unit. It works well. Its very sticky and if it sticks to itself, cut that portion off. Have someone helppaid $100 for a 50 foot, six inch wide roll. But so far its worth its money.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Before using "Flex Seal", I would suggest you do a lot of research! There are a lot of negative comments from "RV'ers", about it breaking down, no real "UV" protection, & actually not being waterproof!
Before potentially ruining it, I would research other products.
There is a very strong "tape" product that folks use in lieu of dicor sealant, "EternaBond", which is waterproof & flexible. That might be a solution!
Or replacement!
Good Luck!

I don't find that many of the comments are supported by actual data. The Flex Seal product is designed to be waterproof. My experience is in a residential setting, and I find that it is waterproof. And it states it does provide UV protection. Again, in a residential setting, I did not find any deterioration from UV and direct sunlight.

Clearly from my research, the statement DO NOT USE THE SPRAY for flexible surfaces. Perhaps that is the source of the negative comments.

As to EternaBond tape, I carry this for situations where physical repair such as torn roof material exists. Due to the weight and thickness of the tape, I would not want to use this on the awning.

I state my position based on my research of what I consider to be factual conditions and tests.

 

[Jabber Jaw]

I don't find that many of the comments are supported by actual data. The Flex Seal product is designed to be waterproof. My experience is in a residential setting, and I find that it is waterproof. And it states it does provide UV protection. Again, in a residential setting, I did not find any deterioration from UV and direct sunlight.

Clearly from my research, the statement DO NOT USE THE SPRAY for flexible surfaces. Perhaps that is the source of the negative comments.

As to EternaBond tape, I carry this for situations where physical repair such as torn roof material exists. Due to the weight and thickness of the tape, I would not want to use this on the awning.

I state my position based on my research of what I consider to be factual conditions and tests.

OPPS! Excuse me for offering a solution!

 

[Bob K4TAX]

You stated, "I would suggest you do a lot of research!". I did exactly as you suggested. I did a lot of research including personally applying and evaluating the material in a test area for another application. I found it to be waterproof after 5+ years of application. As to UV protection, I have no verifiable way to measure this. It is still there, 5 years later, and performing as expected.

I see nothing "frowny" about this. Sorry that I agreed with you and seemingly the result is not satisfactory.
Bob

 

[Jabber Jaw]

You stated, "I would suggest you do a lot of research!". I did exactly as you suggested. I did a lot of research including personally applying and evaluating the material in a test area for another application. I found it to be waterproof after 5+ years of application. As to UV protection, I have no verifiable way to measure this. It is still there, 5 years later, and performing as expected.

I see nothing "frowny" about this. Sorry that I agreed with you and seemingly the result is not satisfactory.
Bob

I apologize! Guess I misunderstood the intent of the comment!

 

[AbdRahim]

I would be interested to hear how that holds up after 6 months to a year in the sun - live experience.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

I would be interested to hear how that holds up after 6 months to a year in the sun - live experience.

I'll be glad to post on the topic. Our TT is outside and is exposed to the sun, wind, rain, sleet, snow, hail, ice, and about anything else that comes along.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

I'm very pleased with the results of the Flex Seal that I applied to our awning. It has been sitting outside for 6 months now. In looking at the awning area today, looks just like the day I applied it. I used the black Flex Seal in a quart can. I brushed and rolled it on for some 12" out from the awning attachment point. I applied 3 different applications to assure all the pin holes and crevices were filled.

Today I got our trailer ready to go camping. Checked and repacked wheel bearings, and adjusted the brakes, checked all lights inside and out, filled the water system, ran the air conditioner, checked the battery, and tire pressure. Now it needs a bath and wax job. Any volunteers?

Bob