Checking hold down bolts for Roof Air

[Wayne Tull]

Just in case I'm not the only one not getting it, this is at least something to check when cleaning filters.    Since I have had water leaks just about every where but, around the air conditioners I've not paid any attention to them.  Today as the weather has been warming in Iowa I started addressing interior maintenance and thought I would check the bolts.  None were even close to snug and several appeared hard to turn but, were still quite loose.  To those of you who have mentioned this many times I finally got it, now what else hasn't sunk in.....

[Karl Welhart]

Wayne,

These bolts should NOT be tight.  The general rule is that you only tighten to the point were the gasket material is about 1/2-3/8 of an inch thickness.  These bolts are never pulled down completely. This will cause more problems and may cause a leak.

[Wayne Tull]

I replaced the front Roof Air conditioner gasket today since the gasket appeared to be about 1/4-3/8" thick visually when checking the hold down bolts.  However the gasket was only 1/8" when removed and the unit was resting on the hardware not the gasket.   Was fairly easy except for fighting off the Wasp's.  Three cans of Wasp killer later I could start working again.

Also noted about 1/4" or so settling in roof under the air conditioner.  Is that something I should correct (if it can be) or not worry about?

[Karl Welhart]

Wayne,

Yes, I would recommend that you build this area under the unit so that it is even with to roof line.  This depression may encourage water to settle around that seal and leak around the A/C unit.