A crack at the roof edge of an RV may not seem as critical a problem. At first glance, it could look as nothing worse than damaged fiberglass or a cosmetic issue. However, the roof edge is the place where the roof, sidewall, sealant and exterior body come together. The damage can provide access to moisture to areas where it is not visible.
Thus, RV roof edge fiberglass repair becomes crucial.
Even a tiny crack will expand due to the constant vibrations. A failure of the sealant will cause moisture entering the RV. In the end, water can reach interior wall materials, insulation, wood and laminated panels.
At RV Renovators in Mesa, Arizona, fiberglass repair is only a part of comprehensive RV repair services. The team can work on RV body damage, roofs, sidewalls, delamination, collision damage, water damage, paint and structural repairs.
If there is a crack, separation or any impact damage at the fiberglass roof edge, then this is the reason to take action.
What is RV Roof Edge Fiberglass
There is no single RV construction. It varies from manufacture to manufacture. On many motorhomes and trailers, there are sections of fiberglass that create the transition area between the roof and the sidewall. Some RVs may have fiberglass caps, roof sections, trim, aluminum parts and other materials.
Despite all differences in the specific design, this area is important because several RV components meet there.
The roof edge may include seams, trim, fasteners and sealants. As long as they are intact, they will help to keep moisture outside.
However, even the slightest crack in the fiberglass can affect this function.
Why RV Roof Edge Fiberglass Cracks
Fiberglass is durable material, however, RVs expose it to much more conditions and activities than houses.
Contrary to the house, RV constantly moves and shifts. Vibration, rough roads, hot and cold temperature, wind, constant motion of the body can cause the stress to the external components of the RV.
In Arizona, the fiberglass has to deal with additional factors – intensive UV radiation and high temperatures.
Cracks at the roof edge can develop under influence of:
- Tree branches
- Low buildings
- Collision
- Storms
- Previous repairs
- Aged sealants
- Body movements
- Water intrusion
- Fastener movements
- Long exposure to the sun
Some cracks can occur slowly over time, while others happen due to a sudden event.
In any case, the visible crack can be only a tip of the iceberg.
Why RV Roof Edge Damage can Cause Water Intrusion
Water always finds an access.
Even a small crack in the sealant or fiberglass can be enough for water to penetrate into the RV. And once inside, the wet spot can move far from its original location.
Thus, the wet spot on the roof may appear not directly beneath the crack or any other exterior damage.
Water can affect insulation, wood, adhesives, wall panels, ceiling material and other interior RV parts.
Finally, an RV owner can notice staining, soft materials, bubbling fiberglass, musty odor or delamination.
Therefore, it is as crucial to repair the source of water intrusion as the visible damage itself.
Just repairing the surface crack does not solve anything if moisture can enter the RV.
RV Roof Edge Damage and Delamination
Delamination occurs when the layers inside the wall or body panel start separating.
One can notice a bubble, waves or the loose part on the sidewall.
Water intrusion can be among the factors that trigger this process.
For example, the damaged roof edge can cause moisture to enter the sidewall close to the top of it. Over time, it will affect the materials located beneath the fiberglass skin.
Therefore, roof edge damage and sidewall delamination can occur together.
The repair can require fixing not only the exterior crack but also the inner side of the wall.
Is RV Roof Edge Damage Structural?
Not always, the roof edge damage is limited to the fiberglass. However, it is important to understand that not every crack in fiberglass means structural damage.
The location, depth, construction process and reasons for the damage have to be considered.
The surface crack requires only a localized fiberglass repair. A significant impact may damage fiberglass, roof materials, frames, sidewalls or mounting points.
That is why an inspection is necessary.
The experienced RV body repair specialist can establish if the problem is limited to fiberglass damage or goes deeper.
How Does RV Roof Edge Fiberglass Repair Work?
Every repair starts with establishing the extent of the damage.
The technician will inspect the roof edge fiberglass as well as the surrounding area of the roof. The inspection can include seams, sealant, trim, interior areas and sidewalls.
Then, the technician will establish if there is water inside the RV. It means that in case of the moisture intrusion, the repair of the interior area will have to be performed prior to repairing the exterior damage.
After that, the actual fiberglass repair can take place. It includes removing loose and damaged fiberglass, preparing the area, building new layers of fiberglass, reshaping and sanding the surface.
Once it is done, the technicians will prepare the area for painting, applying the gel coat or other finish.
The idea is not only to make the crack invisible. The goal is to restore the damaged area and fix the cause of the damage.
Paint Matching Becomes Crucial After RV Fiberglass Repair
A repaired fiberglass area has to blend with the existing finish.
It may be a difficult task if the RV is old. The Arizona climate can affect the quality of the paint, stripes, graphics, gel coat and clear coat on the body.
Therefore, just applying the original color may not be enough to achieve the proper visual effect.
Paint matching and blending become necessary for the successful repair. Depending on the model of the RV, the repair may require stripes, graphics, multiple colors and clear coat application.
RV Renovators performs fiberglass repair and RV body painting in one facility.
Do Not Only Apply the Sealant Over Cracked Fiberglass
The sealant plays an important role in sealing the seams and edges of the RV roof. However, the sealant cannot restore the damaged fiberglass.
Applying the sealant over a crack will help to prevent water penetration in some cases. However, it will not solve the initial problem.
Applying layer after layer of the sealant makes future repair even harder.
In case of the damaged fiberglass, one has to inspect the area and apply the proper repair technique. The repair can be a combination of fiberglass repair and resealing.
Watch Out for These Warning Signs
Roof edge fiberglass issues do not always start with a significant crack.
Inspect your RV regularly after each long trip, storms and contact with tree branches.
Be aware of:
- Cracks at the roof edge
- Loose or separated fiberglass
- Missing sealant
- Bubbling walls
- Interior stains
- Soft interior areas
- Musty smell
- Peeling paint
- Water stains
- Previously repaired damaged areas opening up
The occurrence of several warning signs may indicate a serious problem inside the RV.
Arizona Heat Makes RV Inspection Important
Arizona weather is harsh on RV exteriors.
The high temperatures and intensive sun rays age the sealants, paint, fiberglass finish, roof materials and exterior RV components. Adding to it the constant vibration, caused by the highway travel.
Thus, a seam or repair point that was good for months, can start showing signs of aging.
Regular inspections help to detect the problem before water enters inside the RV.
Special attention should be paid to the roof edges, vents, AC units, skylights, windows, seams and other open areas.
What Should You Do in Case of Impact Damage?
Impact or collision can damage the fiberglass at the roof edge as well.
It can happen due to tree branch, low building, back-up accident, storm or any other reason. In this case, an insurance company has to cover the costs of the repair if the circumstances are right.
RV Renovators has experience in working with major insurance companies and provides free insurance estimates. Also, since the facility is able to perform fiberglass, collision, structural, roof, paint and water-damage repairs, it can evaluate several areas of the RV damage, rather than the exterior crack only.
Why RV Repair Experience Is Crucial
RV body repair is quite different from regular automotive repair.
The RV consists of a great number of components such as fiberglass, laminated panels, roofs, sealants, frames, plumbing, electrical systems, cabinets, appliances and other components.
The damage in one area can affect another component.
For instance, what started as fiberglass damage at the roof edge may become water damage inside the wall in the end.
That is why an RV repair facility specializing in RV repair becomes crucial.
RV Renovators is a full-service RV facility in Mesa, Arizona. We repair all types of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, campers and other RVs from Arizona and the Southwest.
Do Not Wait Until a Small Fiberglass Crack Turns into a Big Repair
RV roof edge damage may seem unimportant if the RV looks good and runs well.
However, even a tiny crack can be enough for moisture to enter the RV. The water does not need much space to create a problem.
Thus, it is better to detect the problem and fix it immediately.
If you notice any cracks, roof edge separation, sealant failure, bubbled walls, water intrusion or any other warning sign, it is high time to have your RV checked.
RV Renovators can provide RV fiberglass repair, roof repair, collision repair, body paint, delamination repair, water-damage repair, slide-out repair and structural repair from our facility in Mesa, Arizona.
A crack on the roof edge of the RV can seem small. What is important is to understand what is going on underneath it.