beerman5050
Newfoundland
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We own a 2004 Coachman Sportscoach Elite 40' motorhome and yesterday we had a leak at the front of the roof by the TV. When I got on the roof to check I found numerous cracks in the fiberglass roof. These cracks were around the vents, fantastic fan, antenna, etc. Some were a foot long and some were shorter and they all started from the vents etc and extended outward. For example there are about 10 cracks around the fantastic fan. I had checked the roof about a month ago and there were no cracks in it at that time. Has anyone else had this happen? What would be the best way to repair the roof? Thanks for any response.
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javaseuf
Southern Cal
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Joined: 03/30/2005
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I would bet that those are stress cracks in the gel-cote and not cracks in the actual fiberglass that go all the way through.
The problem will be stopping the cracks from getting larger.
Every crack will need a small hole drilled at it's end to stop further cracking and then the easiest way to finish the surface would be to fill, sand and then paint.
Steve
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Merlin44
We are in Tucson, AZ this year
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javaseuf wrote:I would bet that those are stress cracks in the gel-cote and not cracks in the actual fiberglass that go all the way through.
The problem will be stopping the cracks from getting larger.
Every crack will need a small hole drilled at it's end to stop further cracking and then the easiest way to finish the surface would be to fill, sand and then paint.
Just courious. Do you mean, to drill all the way through the roof or just part way?
1998 American Eagle,40ft,325 Cummins engine,1 slide.
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APP
Charlotte, NC
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Joined: 12/11/2003
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For a quick fix to stop the leak, CampingWorld sells ProRV Sealant in a can that can be applied with a paint brush. This stuff gets down in the crack and creates a good seal. It might only last a year or two. I have used it for a leak in our fiberglass roof.
Good Luck!
Al
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chastho
arkansas
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The clearance lights are where leaks in the front usually come from.
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beerman5050
Newfoundland
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Thanks for the replies. I would not like to drill holes in my roof if it is just stress cracks in the gel-cote. Then I'd have to repair holes insread of surface cracks. I'm hoping that no more cracks appear and the ones there now do not go any further. It looks bad. Is this normal for a fiberglass roof? Is there any way to cover the cracks?
Thanks chastho, I will certaintly check my clearance lights for the leak. I did notice that there was water on the inside of the lens on all my clearance lights in front. I have removed my front tv and will spray with my water hose to see if I can locate the leak. Maybe someone knows of a better way to find and locate a leak.
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bobkinfl
Ormond Beach FL
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javaseuif is probably right about non-leaking cracks, but they may not be in the gel-coat, they may simply be in the clear coat paint. I had/have that problem in my 2000 National SeaBreeze and at first thought it was gel-coat, but I took a couple of flakes to a fiberglass shop and they diagnosed clear-coat paint. I bought some shop quality clear coat, cleaned, sanded and stopped them for a while. Now I just pick off the flakes and wax the 'bare' fiberglass. So look for yiour leaks around seams and gaskets. As mentioned, the clearance lights or the top of the windshield are good candidates.
livin' and lovin' the retired life in Fl. And travellin' in our MH.
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Geozzz
South Jersey
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Try one of the Sealtech dealers for leak testing.
Kathy & George Zimm
Mickleton NJ
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imgoin4it
Alamogordo, NM USA
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I do not know about Coachman, but most manufacturers I am aware of have a 10 year warranty on their roofs. If the fiber glass roof is what is cracking it may be under warranty. If your roof is leaking and it is not as the result of seal/ caulk material, I would be checking on the warranty.
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kix
Racy Point, Florida USA
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To check for a leak here's what I've done.
Set a large as possible box fan in the entry door and use plastic to close off the rest of the doorway. Tape the plastic in place. close all windows and vents and seal any other opening where the air blown in by the fan may escape. Turn the fan on to "pressurize" the coach interior. Spray a soapy water solution on the outside in the area where you suspect a leak and look for bubbles.
KIX
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