Community Forums

stevechris · 01-11-2016, 12:44 PM

I have a Southwind 2004 not sure what type of roof system but I think it's vinyl. I noticed I have a loose spot approximately 1 foot round. If I tap this area I can see that it is slightly bubbled and has de-bonded. There are no cracks in it and does not appear to be leaking. Does this need to be repaired? and if so how do I do it?

Lued · 01-12-2016, 06:16 AM

I would try cutting a small hole in it, then spraying some 3m headliner adhesive in there, set a bag of sand or ?? to add pressure to it, I like the Dicor self leveling sealant, put a dab on your hole ,and any other cracks in sealant on your roof. Good luck . Roof

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL5qJw397Rc

stevechris · 01-12-2016, 03:26 PM

Thanks the link was very helpful.

chboone · 01-12-2016, 05:17 PM

I would cover the cut you make with Eternabond. Some RV supply stores sell it in short strips so you don't need to buy a full roll.

https://www.eternabond.com/RV-Leak-R...ducts-s/22.htm

Gordon Dewald · 01-12-2016, 06:31 PM

If it has not got a hole in it I would not cut one. Mark the edges of the loose spot and see if it grows. We had some loose spots on the 5er, they were there for 10 years and did not grow.

cb1000rider · 01-12-2016, 06:46 PM

I wouldn't touch it either. I've got a brand new 2015 (Keystone) roof and it's got a few "bond" issues where there are rough spots up there. I'd do exactly what is indicated above - mark it and watch it. The only way I'd cut (and patch) is if it's moving in the wind or otherwise getting larger. I put a gopro on mine and took a video at speed to catch issues....

Gary RVRoamer · 01-14-2016, 07:52 AM

The roof membrane manufacturers all say it is ok if it isn't fully bonded to the substrate. Just make sure the wood substrate is not soft, which would indicate that water has penetrated from somewhere (not necessarily where the bubble is).

If the substrate is soft or the patch is growing in size, I would repair it.

If it's not soft or growing, there is no real issue. If you want to cut a slit and apply new adhesive you can do so, but it's not required.

donnyman · 01-14-2016, 11:55 AM

I entered this post because I have similar problems.

The tape I applied is starting to lift and I am not sure what to do.

I was just about to apply the Dicor liquid roofing when the de-bonded tape caught my eye. not wanting to waste my money I did not proceed any further. can I repair the taped area?

It is plain to see my roof is a mess but I really need only keep the black goop from running down the sides. the picture of the white round spot is a test area and it prompted me to proceed with a partial coating of the black areas which is cracking, though I have no current leaks I wonder if I should wait and just replace everything.

kustom · 01-14-2016, 12:31 PM

watching

Gordon Dewald · 01-15-2016, 08:31 AM

It will not hurt to take preventative measures until you are in a position to replace the roof.

IMO it will depend upon how long you are planning to keep the rig. If you are planning to keep it for a while I would proceed with replacing it sooner rather than later.

donnyman · 01-17-2016, 05:41 AM

Replacing my roof would be my preference, but at $7-8000 I am hesitant.

It is my hope the building I have under construction will be finished soon and will permit major repairs but until then I wish to control the rate of deterioration. another problem is the old sealant repairs are leaking and (I feel) should be peeled off before re-sealing, A lot of work is ahead of me and I am confronted with a lot of conflicting information

The bubbled areas is where the rubber has released from the substrate. the tape to rubber bond seems good.

Gordon Dewald · 01-18-2016, 08:14 AM

If you have (or will have) access to a building and do the work yourself it can be substantially cheaper than 7 - 8000. I replaced the membrane and sheeting on our 5er and the all in cost was less than 2,000. For that I also replaced all of the lights with LED.

phinneyj · 01-19-2016, 12:44 AM

I have the same issue on my Journeys fiberglass roof. No leaks or soft spots. CW quoted me 9 grand. Then a highly respected RV tech I got to know said leave it alone unless it is leaking.

donnyman · 01-19-2016, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phinneyj

I have the same issue on my Journeys fiberglass roof. No leaks or soft spots. CW quoted me 9 grand. Then a highly respected RV tech I got to know said leave it alone unless it is leaking.

Yes That is basically what I will do , except the deterioration is streaking the sides of my unit and I will coat the membrane in a attempt to keep it from further damage. meanwhile I will gather the parts I will need for a complete recover.