Roof Construction

[PaulO]

Does anyone have any knowledge of the construction method on my '98 DSDP's roof? I am guessing it is of transverse aluminum members with thin plywood over them followed by the rubber roof material although I am only surmising this. I have a couple of crunchy soft spots up front and am thinking of repairing. My thoughts were to peel back the rubber and replace the soft plywood in a section or sections. There are no leaks now as far as I can determine but, I believe there were in the past that resulted in the soft plywood. Anyone do this or witness it being done?
Thanks,
Paul

[DandS]

I can vouch that's the way they build roofs now but not sure about 12 years ago. Watched mine go on at the factory last year.

[Luv2go]

Drilled through my roof installing solar panels and found the same thing, first layer was the Brite-Tek roofing, then 9mm decking, then the aluminum rafters with fiberglass batt insulation.

Stewart

[Renden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulO Does anyone have any knowledge of the construction method on my '98 DSDP's roof? I am guessing it is of transverse aluminum members with thin plywood over them followed by the rubber roof material although I am only surmising this. I have a couple of crunchy soft spots up front and am thinking of repairing. My thoughts were to peel back the rubber and replace the soft plywood in a section or sections. There are no leaks now as far as I can determine but, I believe there were in the past that resulted in the soft plywood. Anyone do this or witness it being done? Thanks, Paul

Paul
Brite-Teck is not rubber so prior to peeling back whatever, contact Tech dept at Newmar - this might be costly as in muchos $$$

[DandS]

Paulo - My understanding is that Newmar didn't start using BriteTek until the 2000 model year so you probably do have a rubber roof. Maybe a call to Newmar could confirm that. Either way, there should be a way to repair any damages.

["007"]

You will have the rubber roof unless previous owner had it changed to the Brite Tek roof.
This link will show roof construction and its been made the same as my old 98 & 99 were, hasn't changed.
If its the old rubber roof you will have to be careful when peeling it back it maybe thin and dry.
Hopefully you not get into this situation.
When you replace the stainless steel metal strips use stainless steel screws the old ones may be to rusted anyways.
If your going to use Eterna Bond Tape still replace strips before taping.

[PaulO]

Thanks for the replies. Do the rubber edges go under the end caps and the side curved aluminum pieces? Is the rubber usually glued down to the plywood? Can I get sections of rubber to do a partial repair? Sorry for the further questions but, after looking at the info so generously supplied, it looks like something I might attempt myself.
Paul

["007"]

I would say the rubber is trimmed off after the metal strip is caulked and screwed down.
Everything is screwed down on top of end caps and metal wrap on side walls.
You can replace with new type roof and use ETERNABOND TAPE at seam.
Be careful when it sticks you cannot get it off make sure everything is in place before laying down.
Here is more info on repairing roof.

[DandS]

The roof membrane lays over not under the aluminum trim and end caps, it is secured by the metal strip which is screwed down all around the perimeter. The membrane is trimmed before caulking so the caulk will seal the cut seam line at the edge of the screw strip. I am sure of the procedure since I was up on the scaffold with the workers while they installed mine - actually drove some of the screws myself. Would assume the process hasn't changed in spite of a change in materials used. The membrane is glued down to the plywood substrate.