Roof oxidation

[JVR]

2006 Essex roof gelcote is oxidized and powdering, when washed it looks like diluted milk running off. The result is white waterspots all over the coach. Anyone else have this problem.

I'm considering sanding the white gelcote and painting it, any suggestion will be appreciated.
Thanks,
JVR

[Dav5942]

Definietly a big draw back to fiberglas roofs. They must be maintained. Many boat manufacturers paint their fiberglas hulls to minimize upkeep effort. We found that with regular wash/wax the gelcoat stayed good on the boat, but went with Newmar's BriteTEK, which requires minimal maintenance, on the RV.

["007"]

Here is a thread that maybe of interest.

More roof tips.

If all else fails try this.

[two2go]

I agree with the bit about getting too old to go up on the roof and work it by hand. But, I have washed the roof with a stiff brush and detergent and then put on a coat of the 303 Protectant each of the three years I have owned this coach. The 303 is not too hard to use, spray on and wipe, and is "supposed" to provide UV protection. I'm not going for a gloss shine, just trying to preserve the fiberglass.

We just met a couple whose coach with an aluminum roof was damaged in a hail storm. They had the roof repaired by spraying on a heavy coat of white pickup bed liner after the dents were filled in. It looked good and it seems logical that the liner material might hold up well. It certainly held up in my last truck for over 7 years.

[DutchBoy]

I also looked into having the Rhino Liner installed on my roof. Here in AZ the sealant on the seams, vents & skylights dries up quickly & requires regular attention. After doing some research, I decided that the bed liner was too heavy to be installed so high up. My concern was mostly having that much weight on the roof, plus getting caught in a high cross wind, as we often get. I went with this product, and after a year or so, I'm pleased with it. No more caulking, and the only maintance is a once a year washing. Also, the warranty is pretty good. Here's the link: RV Roofing Solutions

DutchBoy

[RUFINIT]

On my 06 Essex, the clear coat, not gel coat, is coming off. Talked to a painter and he said he would sand it down, repaint and put two coats of clear coat on. It is mostly on the front above the windshield and over to the side seams.

I have heard of others with the same problem. Newmar was taking care of it when under warranty, but mine is nearly 5 years old, so no warranty.

[bcbounders]

Originally Posted by RUFINIT

On my 06 Essex, the clear coat, not gel coat, is coming off. Talked to a painter and he said he would sand it down, repaint and put two coats of clear coat on. It is mostly on the front above the windshield and over to the side seams.

I have heard of others with the same problem. Newmar was taking care of it when under warranty, but mine is nearly 5 years old, so no warranty.

Joe,

I'd be curious to know what the cost estimate was for the work to sand, repaint and re-clear coat that area was for your coach. My 05 MADP is beginning to show signs of the clear coat peeling and I'd like to know what I might be in for.

[Norm4015]

Originally Posted by RUFINIT

On my 06 Essex, the clear coat, not gel coat, is coming off. Talked to a painter and he said he would sand it down, repaint and put two coats of clear coat on. It is mostly on the front above the windshield and over to the side seams.

I have heard of others with the same problem. Newmar was taking care of it when under warranty, but mine is nearly 5 years old, so no warranty.

My 2005 Dutch Star had the clear coat peeling off the tops of the front and rear caps and along the side radiuses (between the fiberglass roof and the sidewalls). Newmar told me they would eat 60% of the cost to repaint it if I would pay 40%. I had Newmar do the work. They told me they were giving the same deal to all out of warranty motorhomes.

[RUFINIT]

Interesting. Will check into that. Although we are west coasters, we plan on going east for the International next year.

[JVR]

After using 3M cleaner and wax for gel-cote the roof shines like new, but after washing, the water spots on the paint are unchanged. The problem is not from the roof but from the local water supply.
We washed the coach and rinsed with local water, but followed up with a rinse using a hand sprayer filled with distilled water and blew it off with a leaf blower and it looks perfect.
Oh well, the roof needed a little TLC anyway.
JVR

[RUFINIT]

Originally Posted by bcbounders

Joe,

I'd be curious to know what the cost estimate was for the work to sand, repaint and re-clear coat that area was for your coach. My 05 MADP is beginning to show signs of the clear coat peeling and I'd like to know what I might be in for.

John,

I don't have an estimate yet. Waiting for the mobile painting guy to arrive in the desert. Was too hot last year when I asked him to do it. He suggested waiting for cooler days. When he gets here i will get a number and post it.

[PoetryJoe]

Originally Posted by JVR

After using 3M cleaner and wax for gel-cote the roof shines like new, but after washing, the water spots on the paint are unchanged. The problem is not from the roof but from the local water supply.
We washed the coach and rinsed with local water, but followed up with a rinse using a hand sprayer filled with distilled water and blew it off with a leaf blower and it looks perfect.
Oh well, the roof needed a little TLC anyway.
JVR

JVR - which products did you use? I am going to follow your footsteps and want to use the same products.

Thanks,
Joe

[bcbounders]

Originally Posted by RUFINIT

John,

I don't have an estimate yet. Waiting for the mobile painting guy to arrive in the desert. Was too hot last year when I asked him to do it. He suggested waiting for cooler days. When he gets here i will get a number and post it.

Great. Thanks!

[rcatter]

What is the 303 product that keeps getting mentioned? Thanks