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 > Roof Opinions Please

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SpeedRacer350

Wine Country, CA

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Posted: 05/29/23 01:13pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I just got my truck camper out of storage for 2 years, and the roof looks horrible. It was under a breathable cover, and I've always cleaned and conditioned it with Camco products. The camper is a 2017 model year Wolf Creek 840 that lives in California bay area good weather.

The roof covering looks like its starting to break down, and it's covered in dark moldy looking spots. Is that normal? I hope it's not time to replace already!

The dicor looks cracked, but seems pliable and solid. Is it time to reapply a little on top of the old? Does it need a complete remove and replace? Or does it look good for now?

roof spots

cracked dicor

roof material breaking down

thanks in advance for your informed opinions.

* This post was last edited 05/29/23 02:24pm by SpeedRacer350 *   View edit history


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QCMan

Independent Republic of Horry

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Posted: 05/29/23 01:55pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

The roof looks like an EDPM material. It has a white layer that gradually sheds off exposing the black substrate. Usually indicates end of life for roof if there is more black than white.
As far s the Dicor, it at least needs a cleaning and another layer to seal it.
Where is the vinyl that you show as breaking down?


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SpeedRacer350

Wine Country, CA

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Posted: 05/29/23 02:06pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I thought the roof was covered in a vinyl material. Whatever it is, I'm disappointed that it only lasts 6 years, covered, in a mild climate.

MFL

Midwest

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Posted: 05/29/23 03:27pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

The roof should not look like that, in only 6 years, unless the cleaning product caused a breakdown, possibly salt water air? The cover may not have been as breathable as advertised? These roof types often carry a 12 year warranty, and can last up to 20 years, in the right conditions.

The Dicor does not look bad for the age, but does need to be cleaned, and a light layer added.

My FW was bought new in Aug 2012. It sits outside, in the midwest year around, gets tree sap, bird cr@p, road dirt, and covered with ice/snow all Winter. I've washed it 4-5 times, added a protectant once. I have added fresh Dicor, as needed, but my roof looks way better than yours.

Something seems to be causing yours to deteriorate prematurely.

Jerry





Boomerweps

Hills of PA

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Posted: 05/29/23 03:36pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Check Utube for videos on RV roof cleaning.
I’d want to kill any mold first, clean it well, then decide if it needs coated.
I’ve heard nothing but great things about Henry’s Tropicool coating.


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SpeedRacer350

Wine Country, CA

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Posted: 05/29/23 07:18pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I went out and cleaned the roof today, and it looks a little better. I have cleaned it at least twice a year with Camco Rubber Roof Cleaner/Conditioner and my soft RV wash brush. Maybe I cleaned it too much? Also, I think the cover (which is breathable) allowed mold or whatever to grow, and that's what wrecked the top white layer of the roof. What's remaining feels solid, but just looks bad.

So, I think I'll lightly reapply the Dicor and roll on some Henry Tropi-Cool 100% Silicone coating. Does that sound like a good plan?

Chum lee

Albuquerque, NM

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Posted: 05/30/23 07:13am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

The biggest question: "Does it leak?" If so, find the leak(s) and fix them, . . . now. It's normal to scrape off/replace cracked sealant every few years. Depending on the original roof material, once cleaned, there are numerous coatings that can be applied to your existing roof to extend the life and improve the appearance. Youtube/Google are your friends.

Chum lee

MrWizard

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Posted: 05/31/23 02:49am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Henry's is good stuff , I've used it on several RVs,


I can explain it to you.
But I Can Not understand it for you !

....

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ScottG

Bothell Wa.

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Posted: 05/31/23 11:36am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Clean a spot. If the black lifts away then there's nothing wrong with it other than being dirty, which doesn't hurt it at all.

Thermoguy

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Posted: 06/01/23 10:58am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Even if the black is exposed, if it is not leaking, it still is working. The worst thing you can do is put a coating on and have it start peeling. That is what has happened to mine, the person before me had a coating applied and it has been peeling ever since. I couldn't coat it if I wanted as I can't get all the peel off. Mine looks ugly, but works. I have asked multiple reputable service centers and they all say don't coat it. Just live with the bad color.

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