How do I repair roof cracks (2 Viewers)

[pwilmo]

I was spring cleaning the 5years old Kontiki roof and once clean I noticed 3 or 4 cracks about 2" long, not crazing, but definite cracks.. probably thumbnail thickness width.
From other posts Sikaflex seems appropriate, but which one?, I've seen 512 and 221 mentioned.
Or should I repair with marine filler as mentioned in one post
I have searched and studied similar posts to my question but I would still appreciate some guidance from you more experienced motorhomers.

 

[Peter JohnsCross MH]

If the crack is right through the roof I would think that you would need GRP filler to bond the edges, if its just the gelcoat than just refill with gelcoat.

I am not an expert on this subject but if no-one else comes along by all means ring Glenn in our workshop and ask him

Peter

 

[American Dream]

Hopefully it's just the gelcoat as Peter says.Certainly make a temporary repair to seal it for now.

What you don't want to do is repair it if any water has seeped down the glass strands.(Osmosis I seem to remember they called it on the course) until it is thoroughly dry.

It needs to be well dry first otherwise the first frost will expand the water into ice and lift it again.

Make sure the job's well done.

If in doubt.see a professional grp repairer.

Good Luck

Steve.

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[Terry]

Hi depending on what finish you want - Tiger seal or caravan seal will be OK, do not use Sikaflex as it lets go on plastic ! eventually . You could always stick a large sheet of ali over the whole lot :thumb: this would also look good and strengthen the roof for walking on.
terry

 

[madbluemad]

Hi, if I were you I would give Lnda at Stateside Tuning a ring. They have a good stock of Roof Repair materials and gave me excelllent advice whn I damaged my roof.

Its just a telephone call.

Jim

 

[vwalan]

hi, first it may be a good idea to investigate why its cracked. may need supporting or strengthening. sticking sealants on will not stop further cracking or strengthen the roof. because of its awkwardness to get under side repaired it may need drilling at each end of the crack and patch repair from above .with care it can be done to a good finish.speak to a fibre glass specialist as previously said. cracks in fibre glass are usually caused by impact damage or stress.
cheers alan.

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[pwilmo]

Roof cracks

Thankyou all for your advice. I'm worried now!
... First step I will be buying a damp meter, from Amazon (seen one at £15.00 that has excellent reviews), assess water /damp damage. Then I will seek professional advice as I suspect sikaflex is only temporary.
Once again, many thanks to all who took time to help me.

 

[kimbowbill]

Hi

i dont want to scare you but..... we had a small leak last year, tried all different products, even sealed all the area, to cut a long story short and may of damp nights and full saucepans later, we had to take half of the roof off, you wouldnt believe all the tiny holes in the roof, ones we couldn't see from above, only until the rotten wood was out, i looked like a cullander, i dont know where your based but we took ours to chesterfield carvavan repairs, they were fantasitc, told us our budget and they did fantasic job, we have had aliminium roof supports put in which will last forever and all the outer frame replaced with the same. my advice to you, inspect very carefully, all your roof, not just area where water is coming in, thye used a special paint all over the roof to prevent further ingress, i can find out the name if you want, its £50 a tin but it will seal your roof for good.

 

[pwilmo]

ooohhh dear

Doesn't sound good does it? I am in Norfolk, Kings Lynn, but I will definately investigate the lead you have given me.
Thankyou for taking the time to write.

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[davec122]

sealing a Leaky roof

Hi i have just repaired the leaky roof on my Lunar newstar 48 with Eternabond it seriously seals leaks....or it has on mine,
it comes on a roll from 4 inches to 4 feet wide,
i did initially have a problem finding a supplier in the uk but after a lot of googling i managed to find one they are on url

www.repairproducts.co.uk its quite expensive stuff a 1.5 metre roll 4 inches wide was £ 18.50 but if you value your roof and your motorhome its well worth it,

 

[Shore-is-Good]

Hi

they used a special paint all over the roof to prevent further ingress, i can find out the name if you want, its £50 a tin but it will seal your roof for good.

Was it 'Elastomeric' by chance? They use it to paint house roofs in the tropics. It turns into an impermeable rubber coating when dry. Elastomeric is, of course the generic name. It will be sold under differing trade names.

 

[aba]

there was a similar thread yesterday about re-sealing i think

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