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Lloyd_A__Leinmi's avatar
Lloyd_A__Leinmi
Explorer
Aug 18, 2016

Old topic -- leaky roof

Good day everyone:
Have an old (1999) R.V., 22' or 24', new dump system, overhauled front end of roof(not sure how far back), all new rubber, drives nice, very clean interior, butttt!! She now has a purrty severe rear roof leak!
Understand a dealership repair will be $3-$6K; would be upside down in a heartbeat! Options seem limited (an understatement!).
Have a dealership replace only a part of the rubber and wood "deck", i.e., have a splice that you know might just leak again (and be out the $1500 to $3K they estimate).
Orrr, try to find someone that "moonlights" R.V. work -- have no idea how to do that, and without knowing them, or have a reference, could be a real nightmare.
Orrr, one of you dear folks have been there, worn out the T-Shirt, (have some well earned input!!!), and advise what products worked and those to stay away from.
Goodness knows, any and all input would be genuinely appreciated.
One final comment (kinda sharing dirty laundry). I've got old (72), and my far, far better half, not much behind. We're keeping it so our oldest son has it to hunt from. He enjoys few things, but this ranks right at the top.

God Bless


Lloyd A. Leinmiller
dullknife44@gmail.com
(316)522-8405
Class C

5 Replies

  • cardtarget's avatar
    cardtarget
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2016
    I replaced the back 11 feet of my RV roof last year (2002 29 foot Coachman Class C). Bought a 12x15 sheet of roof plastic from a local RV repair guy and did the work myself. Pulled the whole roof off back about 12 feet, re-did all the wood and insulation inside, added a new fan, had to replace a lot of the internal curves too with custom wood. It probably took me 8-10 hours of work time and maybe $400 in parts, but I'm confident that section of my RV won't leak for a LONG time. I used eternabond around all of the edges and seams before putting the trim back on. We used it a few times this year in heavy rains with no problems.

    So, it CAN be done cheaply if you have the time and ability to get in there and fix it yourself. That said, if the rot is inside the walls and they are too brittle to repair you might have some serious trouble.

    Good luck!
  • Lloyd_A__Leinmi's avatar
    Lloyd_A__Leinmi
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2016
    Hi Gboop & Gary,
    Thanks so much for your time and input. Can't see where the leak is at, but suspect at least the back 1/3 of the roof underlayment (deck?) is rotten. There is some indication (wrinkled walcovering) in the area where the ceiling and wall meet; I would objectively classify it as minimal to moderate. Will the Eternabond adhere to a soggy surface? Would the option of hiring a carpenter to remove the affected rubber top and decking be plausible, assuming I could find one up to the task?
    I would not sell it without telling the potential buyer(s) of the problem. Now I know this question can only be answered in a wild(!) guess, but what would be a realistic price for my old beast? Less than 70K miles, engine and drive-train solid, coach & truck bodies straight, interior very clean (never been smoked in), new tires all around, new dump system, no generator (I fried it, stupid, stupid, stupid -- and costly!!).
    Know I'm asking a lot, so will understand if you decline. Again, sincerely apreciate your help.

    God Bless

    Lloyd A. Leinmiller
  • garyhaupt's avatar
    garyhaupt
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2016
    I had just written a whole bunch and realized...this is going to cost you just a lot of money, no matter what you do.

    If you can figure out where the leak is? Eternabond tape. Lots of it. And get it right..you can't just pull it up and do it again. Once down...it likes to stay down.

    Get a moisture meter from your local Lowe's or Home Depot. Check to see just where you have wet to where you have dry. If it's in your walls and floor?

    If it's just the back wall? You can buy stuff that paints on and stops rot and seems to harden up the existing wood.

    http://www.pcepoxy.com/our-products/wood-repair/pc-rot-terminator.php

    If you have done the moisture meter thing and it's walls and floor AND the back wall? Throw it away.


    Gary Haupt
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2016
    Welcome to the forum.

    Google, Eternabond and Dicor Self Leveling Caulk. They're both excellent products for eliminating roof leaks.

    Also, you may want to remove your email address and phone number from your post.

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