During a big wind storm this past weekend, a LARGE branch broke off one of the trees we were parked near. It fell onto the overcab, and the result is 6 holes in the one-piece rubber roof on my 2008 Arctic Fox 811. None of the holes actually penetrated thru to the inside of the camper, but at least one or two of the puncture wounds did appear to damage the underlying 2-by roof structure. And since it rained immediately after the wind storm came thru, I have no doubt there is some water in there which will need to be cleaned up. The repair will be handled by insurance.
My question is this: are there better alternatives to the one-piece rubber that I may/should consider for the repair? I did some Google'ing and found a few sites and YouTube videos, but if there are folks here who have FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE with an alternative, and would be willing to share wisdom/advice/etc., it would be greatly appreciated. I figure I have about 1 week until the repair work begins.
Any roof will leak when a heavy branch lands on it. Mine might not, but it really depends on the weight, and if branches are pointed down.
I recoated my EPDM roof with Herculiner white bedliner, that is a little tougher and slip resistant than the EPDM, but still not tree proof.
Aluminum roofs where replaced with EPDM because EPDM leaks less, and had less warranty headaches.
If the insurance will replace the roof with a new 1 piece of rubber roof, and replace any wet insulation, or damaged interior parts, then I would go with that. However if they accept the $4,500 replacement cost and say "Your deductible is $500, if you do not want to repair it here, then we will provide you a settlement of $3,500 you can fix it anyway you desire." Then you can take the $3,500 and run, or pay the shop $500 and have it fixed to factory new condition.
What I would do is seek a settlement and then spend $750 to coat the roof with Herculiner yourself. Having a company like Rino liner install a spray on roof might cost $3,500, and the washing process might let more water into the existing leaks.
Also some bedliners are not as flexible as Herculiner. When I was putting on my new roof last April, I used a coffee cup, and a month later removed the dried on 1/8" thick Herculiner from that cup, it is still flexible.
For now, I would store it indoors, or keep a tarp on it to prevent any more water damage. You could even cover the roof holes with duct tape, that will not damage it, and should keep the water out.
Quote: Aluminum roofs where replaced with EPDM because EPDM leaks less, and had less warranty headaches.
I really doubt that was the reason for the change to EPDM. The big reason is it is less expensive to install because lower material cost, handling is easier (only requires one person), installation is more forgiving and installation is quicker.
I really like the one piece aluminum roof, especially with the backroads and low branches I deal with on a regular basis, but I think the EPDM would survive just as well based on the few branches I've pulled across my 5th wheel and TT roof over the years.
I think the biggest difference is the aluminum will last the life of the camper which can be 30+ years if properly maintained. Where as the EPDM roof is only good for 12-15 years.
Personnally, I don't think fighting with the insurance company over the cost difference nor convincing the repair shop the extra hassle of the aluminum is worth the effort.
Also, I would imagine the repair shop will want to splice the EPDM only as far back as necessary to repair the damage. They will not want to replace the entire roof.
Good luck with the repairs.
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2004.5 Ram 3500 4x4 Quad-Cab SRW CTD 6-spd, XD9000 winch
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DW (homemaker), 1 DD @ Clemson in Civil Eng (Dec 2013) w/SIL, 1 DD Tech Grad (home but employed), 2 DFs (meow)
The one piece aluminum roof on our Adventurer is one of the single greatest reasons we hang on to this camper.
It puzzles me that Mfrs got away from aluminum roofs...they are much more robust than the alternatives.
It must be a co$t savings to the Mfr...no other good reason.
B
2006 Chevy D/A CC
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I have had two aluminum roofed RV's and never had a problem with either one. Have had to patch the rubber roof 6 times in as many years on my present one.
2011 F-350 CC Lariat 4X4 Dually Diesel
2012 Big Country 3450TS 5th Wheel
The repair shop I talked to said they greatly prefer to pull off the entire rubber roof and reinstall a new one. I have no idea if the insurance company will pony up the $$$ to cover that. I'll find out early next week.
I will have to research aluminum roofs a bit more. It's not an option I had even considered. And I very much doubt the local shop has very much (if any) experience wjth. But I'll ask.
All of the holes are in the overhead portion of the camper. I almost wonder if specifically asking the repair shop to remove the rubber roof only as far back as there is damage might be the better approach? There are probably 6-8 vents, antennas, AC unit, etc. That would have to be cut around if they pulled the whole roof. And maybe I'm just asking for trouble pulling the roof from those current water tight areas (risking a future leak if they do pull it) just to have a one-piece replacement roof.
By the way...thanks all who have taken the time to reply with suggestions. I really appreciate the feedback from fellow RV owners.
Looks like this is a good replacement Here. Maybe you can find something like this in your area. No sure if the Insurance Co. would be on board however.
I know my Rhino liner in my truck takes a beating and has never got any holes in it.
I would not want them to just peel it back and replace just the damaged section. At that point you have just introduced another seam on your roof to have problems with. I'm with the repair place, I would want it pulled off and all replaced.
I would also want it all taken off so they can check for any other water damage that might have happened after the tree limb. If you just peel back the small section there might be more water damage under the remaining section.
Just IMO
Butch
2011 F350 KR 4X4 CC LB SRW
2012 Northern Lite 10 2 CDSE
2008 Custom Weld 17' Boat
2010 Can-Am 650XT Outlander Max
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