Air Bubble While Driving

[RomperStomper]

I have a 2004 525 TBS Coachman. While hittin the interstate with the wife following she noticed a huge bubble in the roof. After our trip I climbed on top and noticed some wrinkles in the rubber. I am planning on fixing this issue by injecting some glue under the roof using a syringe, and using a bakers roller to roll out the glue, patch it, and put something heavy on it while it sets up. The only problem is I am limited on time (going to Unicoi St Park this Tuesday) and I do not have enough time to order anything online and complete the repair before we leave. Does anyone know what type of glue/sealant compatible with a EPMD roof that I can get from somewhere like Home Depot or Lowes. I went to Campers World and they do not carry any type of glue usable in a syringe. I picked up some Gorilla Glue from HD, but I am not sure it is compatible with the rubber roof. It states it's solvent free but not recommended for polyethylene or polypropylene plastics. I need to get started on this ASAP! Any help will really be appreciated! Thanks

[Campinfan]

RomperStomper wrote:

shadows4 wrote:
Where on the roof is the bubble? Maybe find where the air is getting under the rubber and seal the leak? Eternabond?

I am not so sure that it is air getting underneath. I also thought it might be air getting in somehow and tried to recreate the wind with my leaf blower on any and every seam with no luck. I read somewhere that the air flow over the roof causes a low pressure that pulls the dis-bonded areas of the roof up.

I was going to mention the "lift" effect. I have heard that many times before. I a no engineer so I can't tell you if it is true but I think it is.

[TXiceman]

DO NOT use Gorilla Glue. It expands as it cures and dries.

Ken

[Anmacc2]

Bemoulli Principle! I remembered the concept from physics but couldn't remember the name of it. It is the force the wind creates passing over an object that pulls the object up. It is why you see the tops on convertibles looking like the inside of the car is filling with air or used to see the old vinyl tops on cars riding down the highway looking inflated but the driver never knew because they laid back down at slower speeds. Back to the air bubble.... If your membrane roof is that dis-bonded, to use your word for it, then I don't think there is a quick fix. If your roof is original and ten years old then I'm sorry to say that at this point you might just have to replace it. It dis-bonds usually because it shrinks and pulls itself away as it moves across. If that is the case then lifting this membrane and regluing it is a stop gap measure and it will occur again pretty quickly. If you have the skill to pull it back then you have the skill to replace it. If you're paying to have it reglued it would be worth checking the price point to have it replaced instead. The membrane isn't cheap but the labor is where the money is spent.

[laknox]

RomperStomper wrote:

shadows4 wrote:
Where on the roof is the bubble? Maybe find where the air is getting under the rubber and seal the leak? Eternabond?

I am not so sure that it is air getting underneath. I also thought it might be air getting in somehow and tried to recreate the wind with my leaf blower on any and every seam with no luck. I read somewhere that the air flow over the roof causes a low pressure that pulls the dis-bonded areas of the roof up.

Bernoulli Principle, which is what gives planes' wings their lift.

Lyle

[RomperStomper]

Anmacc2 wrote:
If it is truly an air bubble with no water underneath then your plan to fix it is good. However getting it done before your trip might not be as imperative. Fixing it right is better in the long run than fixing it fast. The next thing to remember is that you have to get the air out before you roll it to spread the glue or else the air will push under other areas and cause more separation. The right fix is to cut open the blister, glue down the membrane, seal over the cut. With time blisters do occur. Eventually leading to needing a new roof. Nursing it is okay unless you nurse it too long because water intrusion is destructive.

Ya, I probably need to remove the fwd seam and pull the roof back and re-glue it and re-seal. Right now I am looking for a "quick fix," my concern is the roof pulling up from the seams and tearing on the trip.

[RomperStomper]

shadows4 wrote:
Where on the roof is the bubble? Maybe find where the air is getting under the rubber and seal the leak? Eternabond?

I am not so sure that it is air getting underneath. I also thought it might be air getting in somehow and tried to recreate the wind with my leaf blower on any and every seam with no luck. I read somewhere that the air flow over the roof causes a low pressure that pulls the dis-bonded areas of the roof up.

[Anmacc2]

If it is truly an air bubble with no water underneath then your plan to fix it is good. However getting it done before your trip might not be as imperative. Fixing it right is better in the long run than fixing it fast. The next thing to remember is that you have to get the air out before you roll it to spread the glue or else the air will push under other areas and cause more separation. The right fix is to cut open the blister, glue down the membrane, seal over the cut. With time blisters do occur. Eventually leading to needing a new roof. Nursing it is okay unless you nurse it too long because water intrusion is destructive.

[shadows4]

Where on the roof is the bubble? Maybe find where the air is getting under the rubber and seal the leak? Eternabond?

[RomperStomper]

shepstone wrote:
Can you get into a dealer nearby and see what they recommend / have in stock that is suitable ?

One of the employee's at campers world recommended a boat shop. He said they use glue for fiberglass? I guess I could call a dealer and ask them.

[shepstone]

Can you get into a dealer nearby and see what they recommend / have in stock that is suitable ?