antenna tripod install

[GADGET71]

I think I may have posted this question before but "WHAT is the correct way to seal up the feet on an antenna tripod on the roof?  My tripod did not come with self sealing pads, I guess, just metal feet.
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Toyota Dyna specifications

[Talos4]

There's a couple of ways to do it.

1. You should be able to go to a store tha sells antennas and tripods and pick up the sealing kit separately.

2. Use a thick piece of rubber (~1/4"-3/8" thick) between the shingles and the foot. Get tube of good quality exterior grade urethane caulk (Vulkem / Limestone)

(NO SILICONE!!) Silicone caulk does not weather very well.  The biggest reeason, it does not react well to the asphalt in the shingles.  The asphalt will break down the silicone leading to failure.


Put a couple of dabs on the underside of the rubber pad. press onto the shingle.
make sure there is a fair amount of oozage.
 
Put a couple of dabs on the top side then mount the feet.
Same oozage

The pressure from tightening the bolts will spead the caulk to fill the voids creating a waterproof seal.

If your uncertain if you put enough caulk on, put another bead over the bolt heads and then caulk around the feet

This is how mine and hundreds of others have been installed.

Or you can do what most people do. Slobber it up with roofing cement and hope it doesn't leak

[GADGET71]

Talos-

Thanks for the help on this question.  what type of rubber did you use(tire rubber, not foam rubber I would assume).  Any suggestions as to where to buy the rubber and caulk that you mentioned.  I went to the hardware store, could not find what you were referring to.
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Yamaha SHS-10 specifications

[Talos4]

I've heard of people using absorbtion/isolation pads for bench top power tools.  They are approximately the size of tripod feet.

These should be available at any place that sells bench top tools.  Home Depot, Lowes, Sears, etc.

You could also use an old tire and cut pieces to size.

As far as the caulk, any urethane caulk intended for exterior use will be fine. Just don't use silicone or a latex based caulk. The brand name I mentioned is just what I have available through work.

[mhz40]

A- Drill holes
B- Fill holes with good quality caulk
C- Leave a dime sized blob of caulk on top of each hole
D- Mount tripod

I've used this method many times over the years and have never-ever-ever had a problem.  IMO, padding the feet and caulking around them are just creating a larger area for a seal failure.  Just seal it at the source of the leak (the lag screw), not around it.

You should also consider grounding methods...