Sealing a fiberglass roof

[firenfix]

I have a 93 Brave with a fiberglass roof. I don't have any leaks but there are some minor hairline cracks (maybe surface) in the fiberglass. I would like to seal the entire area while the roof is still solid, recommendations?

[Gary RVRoamer]

Most any of the RV roof coat products would work. Or just put some caulk or Eternabond tape over the cracks.

If it's just surface crazing, Dicor makes a thickish paint for fiberglass roofs that would surely seal tiny surface cracks. It's easy enough to apply after a thorough cleaning - I used it on mine last year when the original roof paint got chalky.

[firenfix]

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

Most any of the RV roof coat products would work. Or just put some caulk or Eternabond tape over the cracks.

If it's just surface crazing, Dicor makes a thickish paint for fiberglass roofs that would surely seal tiny surface cracks. It's easy enough to apply after a thorough cleaning - I used it on mine last year when the original roof paint got chalky.

Thanks Gary, I'm really looking to protect more than repair so the Dicor may just be the answer!

[vettenuts]

You could also check into Imron paint that they use on boats.

[Clayobx]

Imron is super expensive and not for amateur use. Most likely what your seeing is crazing in the urethane paint and Fiberglas under laminate. Most instances it purely cosmetic. Probably what Gary has suggested from Dicor will be user friendly. Main thing is proper prep to insure a good bond no matter what allowable product you use.

[jfran304]

If you plan on keeping the coach for a long time this is one option.

RV Roof Sprayed Sealant

Jon

[keymastr]

When fiberglass panels are made they are made in a mold. The outside of the part is the first thing that is sprayed into the mold so it is a little like painting your car before there is a car and then building the car on the paint. Gel coat is sprayed into the mold in whatever color is desired for the finished part and then layers of resin and glass mat are either hand laid or sprayed through a chopper gun to give the part it's strength. If the gel coat is sprayed a little too thick it can have some surface cracking or crazing but rarely do those cracks go beyond the gel and so are usually just cosmetic.


It is a fairly labor intensive job to paint the roof properly since you must strip any grease or wax first, remove old caulking and then etch the surface, (scotch brite pads work well), so the paint will have a mechanical means of holding on to the glass. That will prevent it from peeling in a couple years. Once you have done that it is pretty easy to paint, and it will probably never need anything but a bath and to check sealant around vents and seams.


I have used Awl-Grip on a number of boats and it can be brushed and rolled to look like it was sprayed and will withstand anything you can throw at it. very tough stuff.

[docj]

Originally Posted by firenfix

Thanks Gary, I'm really looking to protect more than repair so the Dicor may just be the answer!

We had the Dicor put on two years ago and it's held up well. No more chalking stains on the paint. Nice smooth surface.