Small cracks in roof

monytaker · 04-04-2022, 08:58 PM

I have a 2017 winnebago 29ve. Last time I was up on the roof I noticed some small cracks on the edge of the roof. Would like to seal these so they don't get worse. Anyone else have any experience with this. Any suggestions?
Thanks

be happy · 04-05-2022, 03:02 AM

If you are talking about the rolled fiberglass edge, where roof meets side yes.

I had three cracks all about 2-3 inches long. Non of the cracks went all the way through however.

I took small drill bit drilled hole on each end of crack, this will stop further lengthing of the crack. I used fiberglass cloth repair kit to patch the cracks. I felt by using the cloth I was making sure there would not be any problems. The down side is/was trying to color match paint.

monytaker · 04-05-2022, 07:14 AM

Thank you for your response. I want to take a picture of this and post it. Think my post was premature. Should have had the pics ready. Heading out of town for couple of weeks . I'll post follow up to this when I get back. Thanks again.

**creativepart** · 04-05-2022, 01:45 PM

Yes, photos would help a lot.

The roof is "fiberglass" - but only sort of. It's Filon, which is a plastic that is reinforced with fiberglass fibers. It's durable but very easily tears.

It is not mechanically fastened to the sides of your RV. Instead, it is tucked into the drip rail at the side of your RV and sealed with an flexible sealant - but not glued down.

Some manufacturers do fasten or glue the roofing material into the side channels and this leads to cracks or ripples because of body flexing. That shouldn't be the case on your motorhome.

If what you have are cracks they very much do need to be fixed to prevent them from tearing. If wind gets under a portion of the side of your roof it can blow your roof off of your RV. Not in one whole piece... but in sections that can be fairly large.

Get back to us on this. If you want to make a temporary fix before your trip, depending on where these cracks are, you could apply some short pieces of Eternabond tape over the length of the crack. But without seeing any photos it's tough to say if that's a good idea or not.

monytaker · 04-05-2022, 02:23 PM

ty for your response. i am not taking motorhome on trip. i will get back with photos on this. thank you again.

tim myers · 04-06-2022, 03:00 PM

Are you sure the filon is cracked, or is it just the clear coat.

**creativepart** · 04-06-2022, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim myers

Are you sure the filon is cracked, or is it just the clear coat.

Oh, good point. Can't wait to see the photos.

CharlesMoore · 04-10-2022, 05:27 PM

You might want to look at this video to see if it's the type of crack to which you refer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=de...HIyKz2vI7Xx1uM

747Driver · 04-10-2022, 10:16 PM

Before you do anything rash, you may want to get it looked at by a Winne dealer. I had a crack in the roof material above the driver, about 4 inches long, not very deep. I found it during acceptance inspection. The selling dealer wanted to seal it with roofing sealant and get me out of his hair. I told him I would accept it as is and get it inspected when I got home, picked up in Phoenix, live near Sacramento. Same dealership.

When it was looked at in Davis, CA, they said it had to be repaired properly or it would continue to crack under the sealant. It was a major repair. Much like "be happy" describes, but it got painted to match, all under roofing warranty.

monytaker · 04-11-2022, 08:45 AM

Just to clarify about the cracks I observed. They are not located where roof meets the gutters, more up above side radius area. Thank you for sharing the video on replacing the sealant. I definitely will inspect those areas. Cracks are not deep. Again, will get pictures and post.
I really appreciate the responses. Everyone is extremely helpful.

71_340 · 04-11-2022, 10:18 AM

Your actual roof skin is still under the manufacturer's warranty. It is not warranted by Winnebago......check the documentation for your roof.

monytaker · 04-24-2022, 03:53 PM

This is a continuation of previous post in regards to cracks in my roof. 2017 winnebago Vista 29ve.
I'm going to try and attach the pictures I just took. Hopefully someone can advise. One of the pictures shows the proximity to the curved edge. Ty

**creativepart** · 04-24-2022, 04:03 PM

Those look more like cuts from tree branches than "cracks" to me.

It's common to encounter low hanging branches.

Let me be clear, I don't really know but that's what it looks like to me.

monytaker · 04-25-2022, 05:44 AM

I don't feel like these are scratches. They look more like cracks. They are just concentrated on the passenger rear area.

monytaker · 04-28-2022, 08:19 PM

Has anyone had any experience getting in touch with roof manufacturer directly. Think this is the proper route to pursue at this point, just to be sure.

tim myers · 04-29-2022, 05:48 AM

I would just email Winnebago, and ask what the process is, they are good about responding with in a day, or less

BobC · 04-29-2022, 07:13 AM

Small cracks like this are fairly common on fiberglass boats and are generally described as stress cracks and the area you describe is definitely under stress.

On boats, the repair process is relatively aggressive but your roof is made of Filon, which is a thin material requiring a less aggressive approach. Before doing any DIY repairs, I agree with verifying whether or not they may still be covered by a warranty, either Winnebago's or Filon's.

Here are links to a couple of Filon publications covering a multitude of repairs including crack repair. Fortunately your cracks are in an area that doesn't need to be cosmetically perfect:

http://literature.puertoricosupplier...78/VD77885.pdf

https://cranecomposites.com/wp-conte...oads/65000.pdf

Good luck.