How to Repair the Sky Light on a Camper

How to Repair the Sky Light on a Camper

rv,rving image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

RV skylights provide ambient light in the interior of the rig. RV skylights, made of PVC, erode and break down over time from the exposure to UV rays from the sun. Yellowing, cracking and compromising of the waterproof epoxy makes the skylights less attractive and more leaky. Repairing the epoxy or yellowing of the RV restores the luster and weatherproofing. Going through the repair process extends the life of the RV skylight.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Step stool or short ladder
  • Scraper or utility knife
  • Bucket
  • Scrubbing sponge
  • Dishwasher detergent
  • Warm water
  • Paper towels or absorbent material
  • Epoxy and glue gun
  • Power drill
Step 1
Visually inspect the edges of the skylight on the inside of the RV for cracks, dried sections, or shrinkage.
Step 2
Scrape away the eroded epoxy with the utility knife or scraper, taking care not to cut into the RV roof. Use a fluid movement in one direction to scrape away the broken down epoxy.
Step 3
Visually inspect the RV skylight on the exterior for epoxy erosion. Scrape away the epoxy with the utility knife or scraper. Fill the bucket with warm water and one to two tablespoons of detergent. Fill the bucket halfway, so it is easy to carry up the ladder.
Step 4
Wash the skylight with the abrasive side of the sponge with the warm water and soap. Use a gentle motion to remove the yellow residue formed on the RV skylight. Rinse the skylight off with non-soapy water. Dry the skylight with the paper towel or absorbent material.
Step 5
Epoxy the edges and exterior of the skylight, starting with the roof section first. Go around the skylight and replace the scraped away epoxy with fresh new epoxy. Allow it to dry.
Step 6
Go inside the RV and epoxy the edges of the skylight, replacing the scraped away epoxy. Let the epoxy dry.
Step 7
Visually inspect the epoxy after it has had time to dry. Carefully scrape and cut away excess, but not so much to remove it from the around the edges.

Tips & Warnings

 
Use caution when scraping old epoxy away to not cut into the roof of the RV. Use a fluid and gentle motion to remove old epoxy.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

Write for Trails.com
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