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mikebol's avatar
mikebol
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013

Roof Hail Damage - Truth or Fiction

We had some light hail damage to our 5er this spring but no roof leaks or visible damage that I could see. I know I may not know what to look for but the roof looks pretty good in my estimation.

Anyway, the adjuster suggested I take it to the RV place to have it looked at. They want to replace the roof which I fully expected them to suggest ... but he went on to explain why.

Here is where I'm asking ... Truth or Fiction?

The service manager said that the new rubber roofs have a coating on them that, once hit by hail, will over time cause the roof material to break down and leak. He showed me pictures of the roof which I've seen, I've been up there, that had some mildew here and there and said that was due to lack of this coating.

To me, this sounds like normal sun exposure and mildew ... normal behavior for any rubber surface when not conditioned and sealed every so often.

So, is the service manager's statements factual or should I just buy a good roof cleaner and sealer and put the insurance money in the savings account for any future repairs?

Thanks! Mike
Seeking Advice
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Aug 23, 2013
    2012Coleman wrote:
    westend wrote:
    I would think the over-riding factor would be if the roof sustained the light hail storm without significant damage or if there is going to be a problem in the future. How the OP spends/doesn't spend his money is his business.

    I would assume that EPDM is very tolerant of light hail. Age of the material would affect durability. An alternative to a full new roof may be to use a good coating system now and forgo the replacement.
    Give me a break - it was said in jest... Ease up a little will ya?
    I'm sorry, but my post was not directed or had any reference to what you had posted. If I reference someone else's post, I will use the quote function as I have in this post.
    That's about as "easy" as I get. No worries.;)
  • 2012Coleman's avatar
    2012Coleman
    Explorer II
    Aug 23, 2013
    westend wrote:
    I would think the over-riding factor would be if the roof sustained the light hail storm without significant damage or if there is going to be a problem in the future. How the OP spends/doesn't spend his money is his business.

    I would assume that EPDM is very tolerant of light hail. Age of the material would affect durability. An alternative to a full new roof may be to use a good coating system now and forgo the replacement.
    Give me a break - it was said in jest... Ease up a little will ya?
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Aug 23, 2013
    Hi Guys

    OK here is what I was told by a service guy in Rapid City SD.
    The hail will not damage, more or less on size, the TPO or EDPM roof material but will dent the sub roof plywood, dimples, separating the adhesive from the roof material and the plywood. So later on as you travel down the road this separation will continue as you drive hence the big bubbles you sometimes see on other rigs as you pass by them.

    That is what I was informed but I do not personally have a clue but sound good.

    JimR
  • martipr's avatar
    martipr
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2013
    sljkansas wrote:
    We had a bad hail storm here a couple of years ago that my buddy's toy hauler was hit hard. took out 3 vent covers and the skylight in the kitchen. He had a mobile RV tech come out and replace the vent covers and skylight and inspected the roof. You could see little dimples in the roof. He told him the when the hail hits, it can puncture the membrane and you won't see it unless you get down and look close at it. Sure enough at each dimple if you took you fingers and pulled on the membrane a little you would see the silt in the membrane. Insurance CO. paid for complete roof repair including new decking, about $17K for the repairs. So yes have the double check the roof.


    Just had the roof, decking and ladder (tree damage) on my 30'TT. $8790.00 Insurance paid all but $195.00 deductible.
  • Mocoondo's avatar
    Mocoondo
    Explorer II
    Aug 22, 2013
    mikebol wrote:
    Westend - That's my current plan; find a good cleaner, sealer product for the roof and apply that this fall. The whole notion of a "coating" on the rubber roof just seems like snake oil to me.

    Mocoondo - that was my line of thinking too. If the dealer does a half-baked job, I may be in for more trouble.


    Food for thought: You may want to consider taking your unit to a couple other RV facilities and without telling them anything about the hail or the concerns, just ask them to evaluate the roof and get their opinion as to whether it needs replaced or not. Any legitimate shop will be honest with you.

    To me, if someone strolls in with a coach telling me about an insurance adjuster with an open checkbook and a hailstorm, why of course I would be happy to replace that roof of yours! :)

    I've worked with EPDM roofs for years and I am completely unaware of some mysterious roof coating that could be invisibly compromised by a dime sized hailstone.
  • mikebol's avatar
    mikebol
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2013
    Westend - That's my current plan; find a good cleaner, sealer product for the roof and apply that this fall. The whole notion of a "coating" on the rubber roof just seems like snake oil to me.

    Mocoondo - that was my line of thinking too. If the dealer does a half-baked job, I may be in for more trouble.
  • Mocoondo's avatar
    Mocoondo
    Explorer II
    Aug 22, 2013
    mikebol wrote:
    Mocoondo, that's my line of thinking as well ... the hail we received had some larger pieces but most was dime sized or smaller.


    Dime sized? Heck, I would never even think about replacing the roof if that was all you got. Dime size is practically nothing. I'd be worried more about having a new "aftermarket" roof installed causing more problems than the most minor of blemishes that dimesized hail stones may have made.

    I've only loosely followed this thread, but if you make an insurance claim, they will cut you a check for the damages. Put the money in savings toward a new roof 15 years from now, if you even have the unit that long.

    Naturally, your roof, your rules, but I would never consider subjecting my roof to a teardown and replacement if there was no obvious damage.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2013
    I would think the over-riding factor would be if the roof sustained the light hail storm without significant damage or if there is going to be a problem in the future. How the OP spends/doesn't spend his money is his business.

    I would assume that EPDM is very tolerant of light hail. Age of the material would affect durability. An alternative to a full new roof may be to use a good coating system now and forgo the replacement.
  • mikebol's avatar
    mikebol
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2013
    Burning a whole in my pocket? Definitely not. At my age, the pockets have several layers of fire retardant.

    If it starts leaking I'll be footing the bill either way. As I see it I'm just getting a few years of insurance premiums back ... and I've paid many and have more to go.

    Thank you for you thoughts though.

    Mike
  • 2012Coleman's avatar
    2012Coleman
    Explorer II
    Aug 22, 2013
    Sounds like a case of insurance money burning a hole in your pocket. I would replace the roof via insurance regardless of selling or keeping it. If you decide to sell, the the new roof would be a great selling feature. You still have peace of mind that the new roof will bring as long as you own it. Imagine down the road if not doing it and it starts leaking. You want to foot that bill?

    Edit: Read your last - good decision!

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