Gel coat cracks - are they normal

et2,

Yup, spell check strikes again. Perhaps Milady has a MALADY.

wolfe10 wrote:
No, "checking" in the paint is NOT the same as gel coat cracking which is NOT the same as cracks deep into the fiberglass.

You need to verify exactly what "milady" your coach has.

Milady | Definition of milady by Merriam-Webster
www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/milady
noun mi·la·dy \mi-?l?-d?, US also m?-\. Definition of MILADY. 1. : an Englishwoman of noble or gentle birth. 2. : a woman of fashion. ADVERTISEMENT ...

She is called rose. :B

But as I did say after some research it's called crazing. It isn't through to the fiber glass, yet. But it does look to be starting to affect the clear coat in that area of the fine line.

No, "checking" in the paint is NOT the same as gel coat cracking which is NOT the same as cracks deep into the fiberglass.

You need to verify exactly what "milady" your coach has.

Mine has cracks in the dark paint areas only and after talking to several paint guys that seams to be happening to most Motorhomes.

Mike Hohnstein wrote:
Life with a plastic palace, yes it's normal.

Wrong

Stress cracks. Like concrete, there are 2 kinds the kind that has cracks and the kind that will get cracks!
Have a cold beer and consider installing an outside TV. as that seems to get some attention.

Pogoil.

Gel coat cracks are usually caused by the gel coat being applied too thick. When the sun hits that area the resin (gelcoat) expands much more than the FG matrix. This is worse with darker colors because more heat is absorbed. This is usually more noticeable in front and rear caps in the radius where resin tends to be thicker during the layup. The tighter the radius the easier it is for gelcoat to pool. FG layups with 60% FG and 40% resin are ideal. More resin will tend to crack along the lamination's. Gel coat should be less than .020 thick. Stress cracks usually show up around sharp corners large radius tend to distribute the stress minimizing stress fractures. When you return the MH to the dealer for warranty work ask how the gel coat was applied and how thick. They will know this when they repair it. If the gel coat is thin then something is not right in the structure like an unbonded frame member. Hope this helps you find the problem.

The problem with gel cracks is that you cannot tell how deep the crack is without looking at the other side of the panel. You can only see the outside surface and you have to assume that the crack does not go deeper and will allow water to enter the wall structure. It may be common on some coaches, but it is not right. It is a defect and should be corrected before water enters the wall panel and the fiberglass panel starts to delaminate.

Newmar had this problem with their siding and paint. They kept it very quiet and only repaired if owners complained to them. Then offered assistance after warranty was up, this was done for a short period of time and kept that very quiet also. My MH didnt show cracking until it was to late to get help from newmar. when I called them they told me their assistance program was closed. Now the paint is fading. I washed the unit at on an average of once a month and waxed twice a year. The interior of the unit is perfect but the exterior is not. Do they honestly think I will ever buy another product from them? Not in this life time.

Well after some research on the web, it does seem to be common. Yes some can be from stress. Mostly however it seem to be in the dark color Gel Coats ( which mine is) in the places the sun hits it. Many posts about it.

It just looks like a scratch ( but isn't). Not through to the fiberglass panel. It's called crazing.

It is going into service today for a few things. I'll have it looked at.