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Topic: Uh Oh Trouble on my GV roof ??? (Read 595 times) previous topic - next topic

Uh Oh Trouble on my GV roof ???

On the roof of my 1990 Grand Villa I have developed some bubbles where the fiberglass roof has separated ( delamination ?)  from the roof sheeting. I have been more than diligent watching for leaks so do not think it is water intrusion. Fiberglass cap does not show any cracking and deck below seems to be solid. No mushy. Is this fatal? I can be careful when on the roof so pretty sure i won't cause a hole or crack.  Plan was to upgrade solar but sure do not want to attach anything if the roof and anything on it coming off this fall.

The collective words of wisdom will be appreciated
 
The Starship- 1990 Grandvilla Unihome U300 40ft
6V92 Detroit Diesel w/ 4 spd Allison w/ retarder. Build# 3575 , Foretravel# 17895
The Shuttlecraft- 2015 Ford Explorer
Steve ( N6EKV ) & Lori ( N6JTD ) Faries  w/ Marlee our precious pup.
Patterson CA.

Re: Uh Oh Trouble on my GV roof ???

Reply #1 –
Take the best quality photos that you can manage of the bubbles.  Try different lighting sources that show the questionable areas from all angles.  Try sending a email including the best photos to Xtreme and see what they say.  They are the acknowledged experts in fiberglass repair.

Xtreme Paint & Graphics
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Uh Oh Trouble on my GV roof ???

Reply #2 –
After addressing the bubbles, just use a stud finder to screw the panels directly into the aluminum roof tubing. That's what I did many years ago and no leaks. You do have to seal where you drilled but the roof already has a couple hundred holes in it. When I first installed ours, I called a couple of shops in Sacramento and asked them about the way they attached the panels and they said they screwed the panels down.

I've been in contact this last week with a member who had 2 panels that were glued down, fall off the roof onto the ground.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Uh Oh Trouble on my GV roof ???

Reply #3 –
Is it possible that what you're looking at is an aftermarket rubber membrane or applied coating?
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Uh Oh Trouble on my GV roof ???

Reply #4 –
If it's the OEM roof, I think I would drill a couple of holes in each bubble, inject slow setting laminating epoxy into the void and then put a weight on it for 24 hours. Perhaps some wax paper on top of the bubble before the weight is applied. After the first couple, you should have it down. The total thickness is .400 inches with the thin fiberglass over wood.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Uh Oh Trouble on my GV roof ???

Reply #5 –
Old Toolmaker. I don't thinks so. Years ago when I sold building materials I sold Formica. The surface seems to have the same thickness and characteristics. I know this isn't Formica, just a reference. This is a stock factory roof. I believe it is a formed fibreglass cap that is affixed to the roof structure by adhesives as there are no mechanical fasteners penetrating the roof.  .No treatments. Added note, stored inside all it's life. Not going to panic, lot's of options out there

Will however get a hold of Extreme. Goal for us is to make sure this coach will serve us well until we don't use it anymore. If it needs a roof, small price for this coach
The Starship- 1990 Grandvilla Unihome U300 40ft
6V92 Detroit Diesel w/ 4 spd Allison w/ retarder. Build# 3575 , Foretravel# 17895
The Shuttlecraft- 2015 Ford Explorer
Steve ( N6EKV ) & Lori ( N6JTD ) Faries  w/ Marlee our precious pup.
Patterson CA.

Re: Uh Oh Trouble on my GV roof ???

Reply #6 –
Post what Xtreme recommends for your problem. My guess is some material will have to be removed to get it to lay flat then whatever adhesive is used would have a chance of holding it.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean
 

Re: Uh Oh Trouble on my GV roof ???

Reply #7 –
Quote from: steve31 –
Old Toolmaker. I don't thinks so. Years ago when I sold building materials I sold Formica. The surface seems to have the same thickness and characteristics. I know this isn't Formica, just a reference. This is a stock factory roof.

Oh well.  Hope for the best, plan for the worst.  At least you have a reason for a road trip.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.