The roof leaks!

[MiaMadison]

We recently bought our used Hitch Hiker II. We live at the Grand Canyon and a few days ago we had horrible rain storms. Went to check the RV and the roof had leaked!!! We have also been trying to identify an odor in the RV (not pet,not cigarettes, not nasty-smelling...just an odor). Now we think it might be in the ceiling from a past leaky roof. The ceiling in the leaky area is a little wrinkled (the all paper). GROAN! What should we do now??? Can we remove the panel in the ceiling and replace the insulation in there? What should we get to put on the roof to stop further leaks when it rains? Our Camper's World store just went through a tornado last wee in Bellmont, AZ. It is gone! Mia

[RichR]

Maybe a time to give hh a call and make a trip to Kansas(chunte)

[Ray,IN]

Locating the leak source is difficult, but must be done successfully or any repairs are wasted money. I think the best leak detection method is http://www.rvleaks.com/ , it costs over $100, but well worth the expense IMO. I agree, removing ceiling panels and drying out any water soaked areas are a must. To leave it alone means mold and mildew problems are a reality.
If you know where leak sources are, Eternabond is the best remedy for flat surfaces, Dicor sealant is best for abuting surfaces or corners, they make both self-leveling and vertical application types to suit your need.

[Jerry2291]

Well i have to ask seeings that I'm kinda new to RVing.Wouldn't it just be easier and cheaper to just coat the whole roof and then fix any panels on the inside?This is a big concern for me also"Roof leaks".I don't have any yet,but I'm sure the day will come.
Jerry

[Ray,IN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry2291 Well i have to ask seeings that I'm kinda new to RVing.Wouldn't it just be easier and cheaper to just coat the whole roof and then fix any panels on the inside?This is a big concern for me also"Roof leaks".I don't have any yet,but I'm sure the day will come. Jerry

Coating the whole roof may not seal the leak point, and give a false sense of eliminating the leak. For instance, when our 5er was 2 days old I discovered a water leak. Using the SealTech system the dealer body shop found that leak (at the roof/wall junction), over 14' from where I found water inside. They then discovered 3 more tiny leaks. They sealed all the leaks with Dicor sealant. Perhaps the sealant cost was $9 for one tube, and the SealTech use was $110 at the time. Of course it cost me nothing. Just to buy enough Liquid-Roof to coat the entire EPDM roof is near $300.