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How to Inspect and Repair Trailcore Roof Join Leak
How to inspect for and repair leak issues on the Trailcore Product Range
How to inspect for and repair leak issues on the Trailcore Product Range
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<p>Should a suspect leak be identified for a Trailcore Body, the following points need to be inspected and verified for leakage:</p><ul><li><p>Body Roof seals x 4, Extrusion Welds, Rivets<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p></li><li><p>Front wall Rivets &amp; Air Vent</p></li><li><p>Handle corners/welds are in place</p></li><li><p>Rear-door seal is secure and intact&nbsp;</p></li></ul><p><br><br></p>

Should a suspect leak be identified for a Trailcore Body, the following points need to be inspected and verified for leakage:

  • Body Roof seals x 4, Extrusion Welds, Rivets 

  • Front wall Rivets & Air Vent

  • Handle corners/welds are in place

  • Rear-door seal is secure and intact 



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Step 2 of 17

Inspecting Roof Seals

Check all sealed roof joins for pin holes, cracking or joint separation 

Remove or reseal as needed 

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Step 3 of 17

Inspecting Roof Welds

Check roof extrusion welds for any cracks, pin holes or ingress points

Apply sealant as needed 

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<p><em>Example of aged seal showing hairline cracking - remove and reseal</em></p>

Example of aged seal showing hairline cracking - remove and reseal

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<p>If a small section of the seal is damaged, mask around just the damaged section and apply black sealer to the damaged area. </p><p>(Standard spec used by Utemaster is black Sabre Bond SMP60B)</p>

If a small section of the seal is damaged, mask around just the damaged section and apply black sealer to the damaged area.

(Standard spec used by Utemaster is black Sabre Bond SMP60B)

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Step 6 of 17

Leave the seal for 24 hours to fully dry before water testing.

Note: Water can travel along the join before emerging at a different location.

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Step 7 of 17

Remove any roof-mounted accessories, such as a cantilever rack or roof platform.

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Step 8 of 17

Remove the existing sealant from the roof join. Use a craft knife if required and clean away any remaining sealant - recommend using wax and grease remover to assist

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Step 9 of 17

Apply masking tape along both sides of the roof join, leaving a 10 mm gap between the tape.

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Step 10 of 17
<p>Apply surface activator or plastic primer to ensure silicone will adhere to the groove detail</p><p>Caution when applying as discolouration of powdercoated surfaces will occur if touched with solution </p><p><em>Utemaster supplied 3M Sachet Surface Activator</em></p>

Apply surface activator or plastic primer to ensure silicone will adhere to the groove detail

Caution when applying as discolouration of powdercoated surfaces will occur if touched with solution

Utemaster supplied 3M Sachet Surface Activator

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Step 11 of 17

Apply a continuous bead of sealant along the groove.

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Step 12 of 17

Using a rubber or plastic applicator, press the sealant firmly into the groove to ensure full coverage.

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Step 13 of 17

Remove the masking tape by pulling it away from the sealed join while the sealant is still wet.

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Step 14 of 17

Inspect joins for any pin holes or bubbles.

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Step 15 of 17

Allow the sealant to cure for 4 hours before performing a water test.

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Step 16 of 17

Once the repair has passed the water test, reinstall the roof-mounted accessories.

It is recommended to leave the seal to dry for 12 - 24 hours before re-installing roof accessories to prevent these from damaging the seal.

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Step 17 of 17

After any roof mounted accessories are re-fitted, water test again to ensure these have not caused a leak