Sikaflex....what one?

Allen

Allen

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What sikaflex do I need to secure a solar panel to the roof of my campervan please?
Thanks for the advice.
 
I've been googling and getting conflicting opinions. Now totally confused.
 
Another vote for 512 from me.
 
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Soudal Fix All High Tack Solvent-Free Hybrid Polymer Adhesive White 290ml - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Ultimate strength, anti-mould adhesive and sealant. Extremely strong initial grab that holds firm after one second. High Tack can be used in all weather conditions for interior and exterior bonding on most surfaces. Can also be painted. For almost all surfaces (all...
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I've used this on my sat dish and solar been in place for a few years now
 
512.
But before applying wipe down with something like Sikaflex Aktivator 205 after prepping all surfaces.
Always use a bed of at least 3mm of Sikaflex. Ceramic tile spacers are handy as a guide.
I’m a cack handed so n so. But even with my lack of DIY skills, the panel is still where I put it.
 
SquirrellCook said:
How hard are they to remove when they fail?
Click to expand...
Not something I want to think about. My panel is on with belt and braces.
I’d thought of increasing the size, after looking at my first attempt, I went for a bigger battery bank.
Now, that’s another story .........
 
Don't forget as well as Sika, Stixall etc. adheres to a gelcoat or a coated
finish to steel or aluminium, it'll only be as good as that in turn is
adhering to it's substrate.
 
Personally speaking I tried various Sikaflex products and followed their instructions to the letter and was very disapointed with the results, from then on I have always used Stixall which is cheaper and it sticks like SH*T !

As for sticking a solar panel on the roof of a van, even with the remotest chance of it coming unstuck, as this is the case I would never/ever do such a thing and would always use a permanent form of attachment.
 
My understanding was 512 is more a sealant (it says 'adhesive sealant for caravans and motorhomes' on the tube I have). It has a picture of a motorhome including the roof with various things on it (TV antenna, solar panels). To me that does not imply the sealant is what attaches those things, merely that it seals them.

I used 292i which is more an adhesive (as well as screws into the roof). There's no English on the tube I have, but it looks to be a marine structural adhesive.
 
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The singularly most important matter anyone must bear in mind when they are sticking on a solar panel is to make absolutely certain the adhesive is at the correct thickness and I believe that is 2mm.
 
i used 292i as advised by aandncaravanservices in their solar panel install guide however the roof bolts bit seemed ridiculous to me. The top layer on a motorhome is a very thin sheet, presumably aluminium, glued to an insulation board. If the sikaflex gives way and a solar panel is loose then no way is a roofing bolt going to hold a panel in place screwed into 1mm of aluminium whilst meeting a combined 110mph uplifting headwind as suggested by some folk. Still if it makes people feel better about the limits of a glue that holds aircraft and speedboats together then so be it.
 
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