Adventures in DIY Roof Repair, Hosted by X-Roughneck

[X-Roughneck]

Well, I knew it was bound to happen.  I finally got bored sitting around the house fresh off a hand operation with one good hand and nothing to do so I decided to knock out a Roof repair of the Seep Leak I have on my Beautiful 2017 Winnebago Aspect 30J.

No better time that the present is my motto.

Plus I have a leak I need to take carE of Now! Before 2nd hand operation next week on the 29th. 

Turns out my Leak (Majority) was from water off AC Condenser, yes it could be rain too, but it rarely rains here. 

As you can see I almost got lulled into a sense of Complacency with my RVPort  metal Reinforced Legs for the wind and top for Hail and Rain.  Sure hope that those 38 Concrete eXpansion joints hold that Glider wing down. 

I threw the dice on this RVPort.

I don't worry about hail or water parked under my American Steel, Joshua Texas.  ) ) ) ) RVPort investment.

Luckily for me I don?t have a 135' Oil Derrick Ladder to Climb as I only got one hand really.  ;D

I always Verify never Trust.  It is my DNA. 

My Beautiful Particle Boarded Beauty that bounces down the highway of life, well..... to be quite honest,..

I blindly trust her about as far as I could throw her. 

My Big Lumbering Beauty, she is a Big Beautiful House Sitting on a Delivery Van Frame, Complete with undersized Co-Stars of Flimsy Suspension Parts Rolling down the Highway for sure!

Delivery Van with a Stretched frame.  Hope the attached the frame extenders were put on at Ford and Not at Winnebago, judging by their Leaky roof seam in my 2017 Winnebago.

I always scrutinize the stuff. I am BIG into safety.  I have my own personal reasons to be eXtremly safe.  :-X 

Yes found a seep leak post trip when I was applying some Cleaning after the most recent trip doing the Tender Loving Care thing. 

I always deep clean the RV by taking everything out and doing a total wipe down and vac when we return from the Latest Adventure. 

I got two 4 Legged Campers, called Chinese Shar Pei. 

My 11 Year old Archie, my 4 Legged boy must have some cat in him? 

Normally with Shar Pei if you can get one to last 8 years on their Carnival Ride, you got super lucky! 

They do not call them the Heart Break Breed For nothing. My "Theory" is he must have a Little Cat in him...much like myself.  ;D 

Figuratively speaking he has to be on #6 of the Final #9th Life by now? IMHO.

We have only been retired for 12 months and replaying the first year, First Chapter, in my mind early this AM. 

In one year since we Purchased our Particle Boarded Beauty we have invited her along to see Custer, South Dakota, Rushmore, Badlands, checked out some of my beautifully Diverse Texas, burned some Great memories on our Grand Daughter Trip 2020 COVID 19.

Imagine having the Grand Canyon to yourself complete with Big Elk as a back drop at the GC visitor center. 

SuRReal Let me tell you. 

5 Cars at the Grand Canyon Parking Lot at 6 am.  Lucky for us I did not Hit that Elk, better yet Lucky he did not move 1 ft away from my Jeep Bumper as we passed at 5:55 AM. 

In 2018 when my wife and I did our Rent car Trip 2018 Grand Canyon Visitor Center reminded me of some Rock Concerts I had been to in the 70s, where some of my Biggest Concert Fish we bagged.

For you Rockers, Imagine, Front Row attendance at the Texas Jam 1, 2, 3 events. 

We camped on out using concrete sidewalks as our Cots to ensure we were in the Mix.  20 ft from stage.  By the Afternoon standing in 6? of water and what ever else. Concerts with 100,000 jammed into a football stadium are memorable.

Finishing out our First year traveling back to Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, Scenic Highway 12, to Arches National Parks, To Durango, Silverton.  We put on 10000 miles on the RV and Broke some stuff and Took a shot to the wallet a few times paying for repairs.

So Getting back to the point of the post. I got to get  busy.

Earlier I started a Sealant Thread because I have only bathtub caulk, recent war stories, and I knew I would get the Answer to the Test without Studying to hard as RV Legends,..

The Heavy Hitting Rockers of RV Hang out (The Motor City John & Gary, etc.) and Plug in Daily to Rock their Masses Of Followers.  The Masters of RV Rock.  The Aerosmiths, the Motly Crue, they drop by to Plug into the 100,000 watt Stack of Amps and Play their RV Rock at VOL 10.

I knew there had to be some RV Great Products out there.  Lots of Get Rich Quick Training. 

I read all the Peanut Gallery Replies and to my Surprise, "The Bar" fellow Peanut Gallery Member came in and with his 6 years of Pain and Agony Story about his Leak, and how he Finally Went Double Live Gonzo, just like Derek St Homes (Fronted Ted Nugent Band) did When He Belted the Lyrics of ?Dog Eat Dog?.

The Bar and others members here sparked my DIY spirit.  So here we go. I have to get this complete before the 29 SEP because I get my bad hand fixed, so I have the Burning desire to Repair this OEM Factory Line Shame.
--
Drift Alert: Every Day I heard Not Derek St Holmes Belting the Lyrics a VOL #10, but SCREAMED/Sang not him but the Paired Big Caterpillar Motors with Straight Pipe coming off the Turbos, No Muffled Screaming Cats at Max #10 VOLUME. 

I just did a Tim Allen, 1970s, Who Whot.  Scream, Tool Time!!!!

Detroit< Motor City Diesel Motors.  American Screaming Raw Power. Goose Flesh!

I had that song playing in my head talking that first step out the dog house daily when I was a kid, in my Fresh Greasy Pants and Shirt, taking a walk on the wild side.

The Memories, alot great!  What a Carnival Ride it was.  I do love adventures.  RV adventures a lot more!!!
--
I am going to get out and see that Space X Shot in Florida.  Elon Musk Just Applied for his Resort License at Boca Chica Texas. 

My sister Lives in Orlando Florida, so I am thinking about Grand Son Adventure 2021, see a Space-X Shot was thinking Theme Park.  Who Knows?

Just for Fun and Sharing I putting a few pics on the board and chronicle my repair. I can?t wait for somebody to chime in and point out how I am doing it wrong.
That is the Fun or RV forum though.

As you can see by the photos the materials to do the project are few and I am going to have about $100 into it? 

Best of all, when I am done I will have a roof that does not soak up my ac Condenser swat thru the crack where front caps are glued on by OEM poor assembly line workers. 

Unfortunately yours are probably leaking too and you are just to lazy to do anything about it. Only Joking!

Wonder how all these old RVs start smelling like Mold?  One day I will figure it out.  Hum? I do have a Theory, but that is another Manifesto.

I am guess I am victim of a Beer Thirty SNAFU.  Much Like BA with his TT Factory Lemon.

My solution I chose to go at it with are mix of book theory, practical applications, I came up with this hybrid solution. 

Entertainment For the Rockers. 

I loved it when he Fronted: Ted Nugent. The much Talented: Derek St Holmes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9wS4RyW74Q

 

[X-Roughneck]

The Material List

As Shown

Gloves, Goggles, Rope to tie off tool holder!

Doubtful but I have dremel waiting in the wings, but today I am going to eXamine the entire seam and going to sculpt my geocel caulk base to ensure a slope not a cliff that will act as a base for my 4" Eterna Bond Tape that I am going to SQuish on top after 24 Hour Cure.

I plan on working the edges first with about a 10" piece as I hear from the The Bar this Eterna Bonds could have been named Super Glue tape.  Short Pieces to Get the tape to look Square from the people looking at it.

 

[X-Roughneck]

Well I got up there and really looked you could see the leak.  Think I probably had a seep going on the other side too.

I had Lulled myself into a FALSE sense of security with the RVPort Shielding my Roof. 

I was in Estes Park and Ran AC for 2 Weeks back in April...Some of that AC Run ofg Right in that crack.

Judging by the back I will only have to deal with the corners as they have a block of reinforcement along the seam so it should be pretty easy.

I like "The Bar" theory about covering the seam with the terna Bond.  That is the band aid that will cover the seam that will probably crack.  The Patch of Eterna bond approx 2" each side of the crack will be able to sheilda the crack from Water penetration even if the caulk fails.

I am going to piece the corners diff that what I had originally planned.  I need to make sure that water Cascade run off goes to a free fall not routed back on to the Slide Topper to sit and form a new seep.

Last pice shows the top of the Sirius Antenna.  You can see my row of tape will not be uniform. 

The top seam alothough I want it to look good I dont really care.  I want performance as opposed to the Seam looking like a Diamond in a Goats Behind, as onlyu 911 Helos will have that viw anyway. 

The ground view will be where that roof rolls down to the vertical Fall. (If you think about the viewers perspective.  I have a 1" edge that they will see. 

I know right now I at least probably fixed the leak for a awhile.  After I add Eterna Bond tomorrow I think I will have concluded the Eterna Front Cap Repair that will last Years and Years.

I will come back and show the Eterna Bond Tape Pics just so I can elicit a Peanut Gallery Response telling me how I did it all wrong.

Hey.  Friends.  Your Roof is Seeping or worse.  Better get up there and conduct your TLC.

JD

JD

 

[X-Roughneck]

The back cap of my 2017 Aspect houses the Giant Rear Basement Hatch Cover on Gas Shocks. 

The Seam is Reinforced the entire width of the vehicle to compensate the weight the Pull Down to counter act the Gas Shocks holding the lid up, so Corners were Super easy as 98% of the seam is reinforced and has the Dicor Pliable looking Product, covering that built up area.
 
I was very Close to having at least a Seep at all four corners of the RV. 

Good thing is you cant? grow mold here if you wanted to. 

Maybe if you left something in your Refrigerator too long?

I felt like I got a quality repair, and I could Roll with the GeoCel only if I wanted to. I am going to look at the gap, but I think it is a bracket termnation point.

I only removed Ridges of hardened Blobs of caulk left on the roof during MFG that would create air under the tape tomorrow.  I would give them 3 Star out of 5 Install Rating on that front Cap. 

The back cap looks good with the eXception of the caulk.  This Motor Home did have one Summer of 2019 out eXposed to the Elements. 

It was HOT Last year so Black Color soaking up the rays.  I promise last year I went to wash and Steam Came off the Sponge I quit.

The OEM caps Bonding definitely did not stand the Test of Time.   

Now for the tape Eterna Bond tomorrow afternoon.

If I decide to carefully bond the seam over lapping at all 4 corners with Eternal Bond Tape, I will Lightly scuff with green, Mask Off the Area and hold a spray can away to dust touch up out a Krylon can.

I think I can make it look passable and I really am thinking I am going to do all 4 Corners now that I have Fresh, Pliable GEOCEL Air Dry Curing as I type.

It is going to be a game time decision. 

At a Min I would like that cap 100 Covered with the Nuclear Proof Eterna Bond, at least 3/4" on each of seam where it rolls over the side of the RV. 

If I can find the eXact match or Near match Krylon, I can keep over-spray off if I take time masking and you wont even notice., Well, Too Much.  :-[

The Front Cap areas are kind of Camouflaged with the Slide Topper Bracketing both hiding the Seam  ;D , and making the repair are more painfully hard to perform. 

I am thinking sacrificing Aesthetics for Bullet Proof Eterna Bond Water Seep Protection. 

Caulk is only a temp solution. 

At least the Eterna Bond will be taking the UV and as ?The Bar? Theorized the seam would remain unburned and pliable?

I drank the Kool Aid he was serving up. Sounded good to Me.

I already have Peace of Mind my Roof on my 2017 Is now good, and I am going to say almost Bullet Proof as Eterna Bond is going to go on tomorrow.  ;D

It is going to Look ugly on top and I do not Care!

BTW, How is Your Roof?  ;D

JD

 

[X-Roughneck]

Looking up at my Fresh GeoCel Caulking.  I created a wedge and now if water gets near the slope ill force it away, the OEM job was almost Caulk-less and it wanted to attract water as it was a bit low.

 

[X-Roughneck]

Fast Forward the GEOCEL has had 24 hours and it is 90F low humidity,

(I have added pics of the Rear corner repair.  It lacks paint) below.

I decided to work all 4 corners with eterna bond before I go up cherry picking those last big Pieces.

I don't like the caulk and the twist of the RV banging down the road.  I am going with the re-Caulk, then Plate the seam with a SQUISH of Eterna Bond with some eXcess covering the seam ++ 

I have decided to go eterna Bond the Entire potential leak, which is exposed Caulk.

I was close if not already in 4 Corner Seep Mode.

On the Corners, I gouged out the loose stuff with a Razor blade tip and anything else sharp and pointy that were close.  I dug into it a bit with some 180.  I stratched until I got some fresh clean to stick the tape to.

GEOCEL, Ran Blue tape Caulk and left it slightly built up. 

Now the Tape strips you can see I am concentrating on the failure point (Previous Crack) with some tape hanging over the seam.

Final Piece tried to lay square, It is Windy today!.

The View point from the Ground is this.

I will mask the borders of the white tape with blue tape, lightly scuff the white tape with green pad (320 grit equivalent) and Dust Coat it with Matching Krylon Rattle Can Paint. 

I think it looks Square and Clean. 

The Factory job looked like crap in my opinion.

I am going Full Monte / 4 Corner.

I will stroll across the finish line somewhere tomorrow. 

JD

 

[X-Roughneck]

Got the corners worked from a 6 ft utility ladder first. (Wanted to ensure over lapping tape Cascades at the Joints for the Multiple layers) Then I went up and worked the long seam.

This is the first time I have worked with Eterna Bond and I ruined a couple pieces the wind made it clap together after I peeled the tape.

Overall I am very confident this repair will last along time.  I mentioned the very first day when I was kicking the tires on the RV In Adrian Michigan, I was already keyed in on OEM substandard workmanship

Check Your Roofs Folks. They are probably leaking.

Off to Walmart for a tall boy and a Rattle Can to paint match.

I will not paint the top. Only parts that can be seen from the ground.

 

[X-Roughneck]

Got it done and Painted.  The Paint once dry was pretty close.  The OEM Smear bonding job actually looked worse from the view of Joe Q Public's perspective. 

I will show each corner as a separate post.  I am eXtremely happy with the outcome!!

Will field any questions from the Peanut Gallery, if there are any, to include Rock Concerts.

Once I taped it the way I wanted, I scuffed with green pad (320 grit equivalent, Blew with air can, wipe with Acetone. 

3 Coats of Krylon, allowing the paint to Flash before 2nd and 3rd coats, so it don't Run. 

I did not even climb up on top today. Left it as is 4" White Tape.

I will say in the wrap up, but I was surprised that Eterna Bond was not a bit thicker than it was. 

I guess I was eXpecting More Squish, when I rolled it?  I know my Purchase from the Big River, delivered a fresh roll.

"The Bar" mentioned the freshness or maybe lack their of on his DIY repair, which I basically copied and made it my own.

Few random pics here and then I will post the corners.

My Walmart over here in the Hood did not have a Huge Selection of Paint, but I want to smooth over the White Disco Balls I have on the corners.

JD

 

[X-Roughneck]

FRONT PASSENGER CORNER: This corner is where I noticed the seep.  AC condensor juice was running right into my roof crack. 

All 4 corners were cracked and depending on the lean of the camp site depends the corner it would seep into. 

Where the front cap meets the house (Seam) this seemed to have the biggest gap or most chance of SNAFU.  I wanted the last piece to be as big as possible.

The Slide Topper helps hide the wrinkle, crinkle look,  The Other Corners More Flat looking. 

This is a repair I know will stand for years.  Down here now that I have the Sun off the roof is Perfect for old cars etc. 

Very Low Humidity. 

Years ago before modern medicine they sent people with TB to dry out their coughs I guess. 

My Dad (RIP) told me stories about this as he was a Doctor, way way back in the day.

 

[X-Roughneck]

REAR PASSENGER CORNER:

These back corners were easy. No Slide topper frames, easy access. Once I repaired corner right into a solid structure of the reinforcement.

Although I do not see evidence of leaking.  I was probably ready to seep on every corner.  I drove it From Detroit back to the desert last August and it Baked as I did not have the shelter built yet.

 

[X-Roughneck]

FRONT DRIVER'S CORNER:

Easier than other corner as the seam gap less pronounced than the one shown earlier.

A Few Pics from this side

 

[X-Roughneck]

MYSTERY CORNER:  ;D

Got a bit crooked last night rushing things.  I eyeballed it not from a straight perspective looking at it, kind of twisted on the ladder.

Like "The Bar" Stated.  Once it touches something you dont want to peel it off or it will stretch and you don't want that either.

I opted for smaller pieces easier to work with.  It has been windy during the 2 day event.

 

[X-Roughneck]

Pretty happy with the outcome. 

I have no worries about those seams leaking.  They won't.

That's All Folks.

JD

 

[TheBar]

Good job! Your seam was way worse than I imagined but it looks like you got it taken care of. Looks like it won't be too obvious and not many people are going to look that high anyway. I know how bad that Texas sun is so having a roof over it is a good idea. Expansion and contraction is a big problem. It may be a dry heat but it is deadly to man and machine. I'm originally from OK and I could fry an egg on my bald head there.

My RV has sat outside in the sun for 6 years but mold is a bigger issue here in MS. Heat + humidity and dead air without a breeze. Except when a hurricane comes through. I washed the roof of my RV today and the runoff water was green.

 

[X-Roughneck]

Did you Make Margaritas off the Green Run Off?

Chalking a win up for the Peanut Gallery.  ;D 

Virtual High Five!

Cheers!

Thanks, The Bar!

I Tip my Glass to You.

 

[X-Roughneck]

The Bar,

Tell me what was under your scrubbed off green roof today?

I sure would like to hear how it is doing.

Is your Titanic Holding up to your Eterna Bond Repair Attempt?

On a Side Bar  The Eterna bond I was hoping for More "Squish" thickness.  I am not complaining in the sense, but I bet "New" and Improved" Eterna Bond can't be as thick as the stuff you use to buy I'll bet. 

The plastic felt like a Disposable Diaper Plastic to me.  I do have three Grand Kids, but is has been 40 years, so I don't speak with authority on diaper materials.

Soooooooo, how is yours holding up?

JD

 

[TheBar]

When I bought this Class C it had always been kept in a barn. The EPDM roof was original and looked good. But just because it  was 17 years old I did a preemptive strike. I did the Eternabond seal and then Liquid Roof over the whole roof. I figured 2 roofs are better than one. Plus after caulking RVs for 40 years I hate caulking every 4-5 years. After six years they are still in good shape.

The Eternabond I used six years ago was really thin, like 1/8 inch. I used some like 20 years ago that maybe was a little thicker but it was stiffer and hard to work with. I don't think it squished down as good so I'm not sure it would stay attached forever or be as waterproof. I had a Class A with a roof leak and the Eternabond fixed it without any caulking. But I bought a house on narrow country roads and the Class A couldn't turn sharp enough. So I didn't have that RV for very long after that. If you want to see really thin try the Flex Seal tape they sell at Walmart. Who knows, maybe thin is better.

Eternabond is good for a lot of things around the house or shop too. I bought a new roll last year for the house and it was the same thickness.