Forum Discussion

time4usnow's avatar
time4usnow
Explorer
Oct 11, 2014

roof damage

We recently purchased a 2002 Holiday Rambler Presidential fiver and have completely remodeled it. I purposely wanted this one so that I wouldn't feel guilty taking everything out and decorating it the way I wanted. The floor was fine, everything works great, and now it looks like King Ranch came in and remodeled. We spent our 25th anniversary in it at the beach and it was great. When we got home, my husband had to go up on the roof which he has done before to check everything out. Only this time he noticed a place and checked it and there is a substantial place where the ladder is that shows signs of rot. We are in a situation now where we put more money in this older camper that we dearly love or we trade for a newer model. Our problem with trading is we finally go this one looking the way we want it to and do not want to go through that again. Needing help. I'm thinking that the frame is aluminum and the roof should be as well correct? What about the beams, are they? I've looked all over the internet, but I'm having trouble where it is older. Suggestions welcome.
  • retispcsi's avatar
    retispcsi
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2014
    If you decide to fix the roof check out rhino lining or line x. They do roofs and the product really good. Just make sure they remove the ac and vents first for a complete job.
  • shadows4's avatar
    shadows4
    Explorer III
    Oct 11, 2014
    time4usnow wrote:
    He is actually very handy. 4 houses under his belt and two rv remodels, just never an rv roof.


    If your husband is that handy an RV roof will be no problem.

    We had ours replaced last year. Had the 5er in for delamination work. The shop said because of the way the previous owner repaired the 5er was the cause of our delamination and in the process ruined the roof.

    Anyway he made us a heck of an offer. Since he already had part of the roof off he quoted us $4000 to replace. He said he normally would get about $6000 for a roof on a 30ft trailer.

    Parts were about $1500 if memory serves me correct.

    If you like the trailer that much, I would do what I could to keep it. Good luck, let us know what you do. John
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2014
    You may be able to just repair the area that's bad and not redo the whole roof. Who cares if it has a slice or seam in it. When the Dicor flows on, nothing matters and as long as its sealed that's all that matters.

    You may be able to remove the necessary items and peel the membrane away as needed, replace the panel and re lay the membrane. On the other hand you may find that the damage has moved down into the walls etc.
  • time4usnow's avatar
    time4usnow
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2014
    He is actually very handy. 4 houses under his belt and two rv remodels, just never an rv roof.
  • dezl_dr's avatar
    dezl_dr
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2014
    I checked on a new roof once. 100 dollars a foot labor plus parts. If everything else is good and you like it, have a roof put on with all new plywood. I did my own but I'd not suggest that unless you have a dry place to do it and have the time, tools and knowledge to do it. Mine had aluminum radius sides that wasn't so easy to work with.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Oct 11, 2014
    Is he sure it is rot, and is he sure it leaked?
    Some roofs are thin OSB, and it can break down, and be soft.

    This is not something that can be repaired from the inside. If you are handy with tools and carpentry you can likely replace the roof for about $4,000.

    Is there a roof vent near the area, you may be able to see into the roof structure and see how much damage there is.
  • time4usnow's avatar
    time4usnow
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2014
    Thanks for all of the replies. We really do not want to sink that much more into this unit, but we are going to try and investigate where the water is coming from and how much is actually damaged. This unit is supposed to have an aluminum frame, 10 ply roof, and 6 ply sidewalls. I'm hoping for the best but not real sure that will be the case. Its definitely not made it to the inside as the ceilings are fine.
  • RAS43's avatar
    RAS43
    Explorer III
    Oct 11, 2014
    If there is a soft spot that usually means that the roof decking, which is usually OSB or particle board or plywood, is rotten. It can't be fixed from the inside. But poncho62 is correct-you need to find and fix the leak to stop the damage.
    I just went through a roof replacement due to an accident involving a tree limb. The entire rubber membrane was replaced along with one 4x8 panel, the satelite dish, 1 roof vent and a plumbing vent. Everything on the roof was removed and reinstalled. This was done in a shop that repairs RV's and heavy trucks/trailers. They also installed 1/8" luan paneling over the decking for a smooth finish as pulling off the rubber membrane from the original decking leaves a rough finish. Cost was around $9100 which included about about $600 in damaged parts and $350 to clean the ceiling due to water staining. Labor hours were 58 @$110 per hour, the biggest cost of course.
    It's a very expensive repair but if you really love the unit replacing the roof may be the way to go. You may not find a better unit.
  • poncho62's avatar
    poncho62
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2014
    First you have to find out if and where it is leaking. Get that sealed up....If you can do that, you may be able to repair it from the inside with much less cost.
  • kennethwooster's avatar
    kennethwooster
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2014
    I would put a new roof on if you love it that much. The roof is expensive, but just part of maintaince. It will need new decking, (which is probably what is rotten( and new rubber roof. It is pretty expensive.

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