CarlCruzin
New Member
With all due respect, that is like asking a screw engineer if his screw will work for this application. My father is an engineer and I know when you ask an engineer a question, you get 10-20 questions back (and about as many conditions) before you get your answer. There are too many variables to get a definitive answer. Even if you asked a mechanical fastener engineer the best method to accomplish the task, they would likely tell you to tear out the ceiling inside the RV, install large amounts of bracing, run extensive tests, etc. Like most DIY projects, we don't have the time, $$$$, or resources to get an engineer's approval or run through their recommended process that a corporate entity requires before accepting liability...That link lets you ask the 3m technical engineer directly. If I had the time, I'd write up both the Z Bracket and Unistrut Panel Mounting details and ask them to validate it.
Personally, I'd always want to use mechanical fasteners. I can just hear the attorney asking me if I really expected those panels to stick on some foam tape. No data sheet is going to get you sympathy in that case.
So most of the time we are left with relying on our own research, reasonable logic, and a little luck. I will likely use some mechanical fasteners also because I agree that it adds peace of mind.
Regarding the lawyer bit, this is what their website says:
- Fast and easy-to-use permanent bonding method provides high strength and long-term durability
- Virtually invisible fastening keeps surfaces smooth
- Can replace mechanical fasteners (rivets, welding, screws) or liquid adhesives
- Gray, 0.062 in (1.6 mm), multi-purpose adhesive and conformable acrylic foam core for good performance in a variety of applications
- Eliminate drilling, grinding, refinishing, screwing, welding and clean-up
- Creates a permanent seal against water, moisture and more
- Pressure sensitive adhesive bonds on contact to provide immediate handling strength
- Allows the use of thinner, lighter weight and dissimilar materials
So I would say in that theoretical scenario: "Yes. According to the manufacturer, it is a suitable method"