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Old 08-26-2010, 02:55 PM   #1
natemoore
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Pensacola
Posts: 62
Default Why your Gulf Stream Cavalier FEMA trailer has roof leaks

I would not have expect a four year old trailer to have roof leaks, but after having this 2006 Cavalier home for a few weeks and crawling around and under it, I noticed soft paneling in the rear corners. Sure enough, roof leaks.

I removed the shower surround to get to the interior of the walls. The more I removed the worse it got. Wet swollen particleboard beneath the tub, black and spongy 2x2 studs, wet insulation.

I tried the quick fix to the roof: Proflex RV caulk. Didn't stop the leaks.

Finally had to remove the aluminum cap molding on the top rear edge, on both vertical edges near the roof, and both gutter molding on both sides in order to do the forensics necessary to determine the root cause of the leaks.

This is nothing more than poor design and a "screw it, they're FEMA trailers" attitude at the Gulf Stream factory.

Root cause of leaks: they literally cut the corners of the roof rubber and failed to allow for even a 1/4" of overhand on the rear edge. They relied solely on the liquid rubber that they poured on the seams and exposed sheathing to prevent leaks. Roof rubber breaks down and cracks over time.

Additional problem: the underside of the rubber roof membrane is a fiberous fabric, which wicks the water further up under the roof, causing even more damage.

Take a look at the pictures. Both rear corners were like this.
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