Check the debris lumps in your roof - potential leak

[Calbar]

Was doing a check on my roof in Florida a couple of weeks ago for caulking as well as trying to align my awning (different story) and notice a bit of a metallic look in one area where GD covered debris when putting the membrane on. Sure enough one of the many pieces of something caught under the membrane has poked a small hole in my 6 month old Reflection roof. Took the pictures below and then stuck a piece of Eternabond over the area to prevent any water leaks.

Sent the pics to the dealer yesterday and they have submitted a warranty claim and if GD accepts I will get a re-roof.

So seems like there is more to check on our roofs than just the caulking. Need to make sure that any debris left as a gift from GD under the membrane doesn't poke a hole and cause a water leak.



Rob

 

[Steve7]

Nice catch Rob. I’ve seen these on mine also, but to date haven’t seen any holes. Obviously this should not happen, and I’m not sure what the debris could be. I guess the brushes that apply the adhesive must not be clean, picking up minute metallic objects after being placed on the floor, or something similar. I’ll continue checking mine.

 

[JCZhome]

I found three small holes in my roof membrane yesterday, 1/16"-1/8" and not obvious cause. I have not found anything that appears to be debris under the roof membrane. My build date is Apr. 2016 on my Momentum.

I did clean the area around those holes and sealed with dicor. Checking sealant is why I was up there in the first place.

 

[orbiker]

Was doing a check on my roof in Florida a couple of weeks ago for caulking as well as trying to align my awning (different story) and notice a bit of a metallic look in one area where GD covered debris when putting the membrane on. Sure enough one of the many pieces of something caught under the membrane has poked a small hole in my 6 month old Reflection roof. Took the pictures below and then stuck a piece of Eternabond over the area to prevent any water leaks.

Sent the pics to the dealer yesterday and they have submitted a warranty claim and if GD accepts I will get a re-roof.

So seems like there is more to check on our roofs than just the caulking. Need to make sure that any debris left as a gift from GD under the membrane doesn't poke a hole and cause a water leak.

View attachment 19284View attachment 19285

Rob

If you are going to get a re-roof paid for by GD. Ask them if you can have RV Armor do the roof replacement.

I heard it's the best route. KEN

JC. You might want to ask your insurance company if more holes show up.

 

[huntr70]

What was under there?

Hopefully you pulled it out and kept it so it doesn't create a problem with the patch.

 

[Calbar]

If you are going to get a re-roof paid for by GD. Ask them if you can have RV Armor do the roof replacement.

I heard it's the best route. KEN

JC. You might want to ask your insurance company if more holes show up.

Thanks Ken. I have been thinking about that as well but living in Canada they don't have any dealers nearby that do this so would have to wait until I go to Florida in the fall. Once I find out for sure I will ask about this. I think it would be great if they would allow that even if I had to pay a little something on top of it. Lifetime warranty and never have to caulk the roof. Sounds like a dream come true. Wait and see what the response is from GD first on the re-roof. Also wonder about how much weight it would add to the trailer too and if that would be a concern.

Rob

 

[Calbar]

What was under there?

Hopefully you pulled it out and kept it so it doesn't create a problem with the patch.

I didn't pull it out as I wanted to disturb as little as possible for the time being until I hear back from my dealer and GD. I am keeping a close eye on it to make sure it doesn't go through the patch. If GD denies warranty re-roof then I will remove the patch, take out whatever is under there and then re-patch.

Hope to hear back from the dealer soon and decide on the way forward then.

Rob

 

[JCZhome]

If you are going to get a re-roof paid for by GD. Ask them if you can have RV Armor do the roof replacement.

I heard it's the best route. KEN

JC. You might want to ask your insurance company if more holes show up.

I agree, I'd go with RV Armor roof. I saw one post that reported it was cheaper than the quote for them to re-do the stock OEM roof. But even if they'll give you what a re-roof would cost and you have to pull a little out of pocket, it'd be worth it down the road.

 

[CoChris-MGRV]

... and then stuck a piece of Eternabond over.... I am keeping a close eye on it to make sure it doesn't go through the patch. If GD denies warranty re-roof then I will remove the patch, take out whatever is under there and then re-patch.

Rob

Rob, sorry if this is stupid question, and I combine two of your posts for clarity, but how do you remove the Eternabond patch without damaging the roof? I have never tried, but that stuff feels like it is really stuck onto the roofing material.

Chris

 

[Calbar]

Rob, sorry if this is stupid question, and I combine two of your posts for clarity, but how do you remove the Eternabond patch without damaging the roof? I have never tried, but that stuff feels like it is really stuck onto the roofing material.

Chris

It is not easy to remove the Eternabond patch. I did it once before on my previous Rockwood. You have to start on a corner to lift and then very carefully cut the adhesive with an razor blade or exactoknife. If GD does not cover a full re-roof or RV-Armor I may just leave the eternabond patch there cover the seams with Dicor and put dicor over the area with the debris rather than risk the patch removal if it is really stuck on. Will think about that one if it comes to that. Really expecting GD to step up and fix it as there really shouldn't be sharp stuff left under the TPO when they put it down.

Rob

 

[Calbar]

Rob, sorry if this is stupid question, and I combine two of your posts for clarity, but how do you remove the Eternabond patch without damaging the roof? I have never tried, but that stuff feels like it is really stuck onto the roofing material.

Chris

Chris there is a good video here on how to remove the eternabond.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl7edYJaCLE

Rob

 

[CoChris-MGRV]

Rob,

I really hope Grand Design does step up and take care of you. Let us know how it goes.
Thank you for the video link. Good information. Hope I never have to deal with removing it

Chris

 

[Calbar]

Rob,

I really hope Grand Design does step up and take care of you. Let us know how it goes.
Thank you for the video link. Good information. Hope I never have to deal with removing it

Chris

Thanks Chris. I hope so to and will update this post once I know the way forward. I am hoping that I don't have to remove it either.

Rob

 

[Calbar]

I just got an email from the dealer and GD is going cover the hole under warranty. They did not offer to re-roof but due to location of the hole are going to put in another attic vent. I really wish that they would have done the re-roof but I sure can't blame them for doing it with an Attic vent. Take the trailer to the dealer May 13th and wait while they do the work and all should be good.

Very happy so far with GD and the dealer for getting me in so quick and making an appointment where I can wait for the work to be done and then be on my way.

Rob

 

[Cate&Rob]

I just got an email from the dealer and GD is going cover the hole under warranty. They did not offer to re-roof but due to location of the hole are going to put in another attic vent. I really wish that they would have done the re-roof but I sure can't blame them for doing it with an Attic vent. Take the trailer to the dealer May 13th and wait while they do the work and all should be good.

Very happy so far with GD and the dealer for getting me in so quick and making an appointment where I can wait for the work to be done and then be on my way.

Rob

Hi Rob,

This is the usually factory remedy. They cut the roof membrane to remove the debris and then cover the hole with an "attic vent". I have a "nail pop" under my roof membrane that I am keeping an eye on. (I have the attic vent . . . provided by GD at a rally . . . ready to go). If this looks like it it is going to break through the membrane, I will likely remove the screw and go with either an eternabond patch or a Dicor self-levelling repair . . . rather than the "random" attic vent.

(another) Rob

 

[Calbar]

Hi Rob,

This is the usually factory remedy. They cut the roof membrane to remove the debris and then cover the hole with an "attic vent". I have a "nail pop" under my roof membrane that I am keeping an eye on. (I have the attic vent . . . provided by GD at a rally . . . ready to go). If this looks like it it is going to break through the membrane, I will likely remove the screw and go with either an eternabond patch or a Dicor self-levelling repair . . . rather than the "random" attic vent.

(another) Rob

Hi Rob,

I have a few other places closer to the back of the trailer that look similar to the one that has broken through, just no hole right now. I will have the dealer look at those too while I am there. For this one I am OK with the attic vent but agree with you that if I end up with another one I think I will remove whatever is under there and use Eternabond with Dicor around the edges.

Rob

 

[HankCharp]

I found a soft spot in my 2018 Solitude roof, 15 months old. I was frustrated with their recommendation to check the roof every couple of months. I had a Flex Armor roof with lifetime warranty. They also mounted my new solar panels. Still working on the solar 315 watts per panel.

 

[Steve7]

I found a soft spot in my 2018 Solitude roof, 15 months old. I was frustrated with their recommendation to check the roof every couple of months. I had a Flex Armor roof with lifetime warranty. They also mounted my new solar panels. Still working on the solar 315 watts per panel.
View attachment 19976

That looks great! If I ever have to replace my roof, that’s what I’ll go with.

 

[orbiker]

I traded our Momentum in for a New 2018 374TH-R Solitude as of 3-16-19. A little over 2 weeks ago my dealer (Paul Evert's Coburg, Oregon) service manager called me and said; oh, by the way, we are replacing your roof and rand Design has already authorized it. The supplies are on the way.
I said WHAT. I hadn't noticed anything wrong except for a few extra patches of goop here and there.

I called GD and sure enough, I'm getting a new roof. They would not authorize Roof Armor (darn).

I picked up the Solitude this morning. The roof looks real good. It has been in the 80's here, which is very rare for May so the roof material was puobably extra pliable for the installer. I had mad sure that all the supplies were in before dropping off the rig Monday morning.

It's probable a good thing, being the 374 Solitude has been sitting in Fresno in the sun for over a year.

All is good, except for no RV Armor Roof. KEN

 

[openrangeowners]

I would not want to have my roof replaced if I saw a small hole like the OP. The eternabond will seal it permanently. Similar to a new car that received a stone chip on the front windshield the first week of ownership. Had it repaired because the risk of a leaking windshield after replacement is higher than leaving it alone. Van had 200,000 miles and the original windshield with the repair when I sold it (never cracked more and never leaked). Same with your roof - As soon as you have someone remove everything and replace it your chances of it leaking are higher versus if you repair it with eternabond (assuming it does not leak now).

If you do see something rub through the eternbond, remove it - although eternabond is much thicker than the roof membrane and the adhesive will keep the patch from moving or rubbing ....

For the future, maybe use a little bit of lap sealant and then cover with eternabond if something similar happens elsewhere. Bet it is a staple that worked its way loose or maybe a metal brace poking from the end of the roof truss?