Aluminum tape at seams for extra protection?

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Aluminum tape at seams for extra protection?

Postby cfiiman » Fri Jun 15, 2018 7:15 am

Hi everyone,

As I continue my build I just finished skinning the outside and am ready for the aluminum. In addition to varnishing the wood for extra protection I had a thought and wanted to see if it was a good idea or not. I was thinking of putting aluminum tape over every seam. So where the roof meets the sides, and where the bottom meets the trailer. The way I see it is if any water gets behind the aluminum it would not be able to enter any seam. I can't see why this would be a bad idea but that is why I thought I'd ask first as I'm new to trailer building, thanks!!!
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Re: Aluminum tape at seams for extra protection?

Postby OP827 » Fri Jun 15, 2018 10:52 am

Fiberglass tape/strips with epoxy seem to be a better option, I think. Epoxy will actually seal the plywood pores, while aluminum tape will cover them, but moisture will still be able to go around and under the tape and still damage the plywood since the water could be trapped under the skin and may not quickly evaporate.
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Re: Aluminum tape at seams for extra protection?

Postby tony.latham » Fri Jun 15, 2018 11:48 am

I like the idea since you are already sealing the wood.

I fiberglassed the ceiling/walls using bias cut tape on my first build and it was difficult to get it to lay flat on the corner.

T
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Re: Aluminum tape at seams for extra protection?

Postby greygoos » Fri Jun 15, 2018 12:43 pm

I have used window flashing tape before putting on the skins.
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Re: Aluminum tape at seams for extra protection?

Postby cfiiman » Fri Jun 15, 2018 4:45 pm

Thanks everyone for the replies. I thought about that flashing tape, but it looked a little thick to me. I really like the aluminum tape because it sticks really well and is very thin. Thanks for the ideas.
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