Forester roof issues Class C 2013

[Morris]

I'm new here looking for others thoughts. I purchased a used Forester Class C 2013 in June this year from Forester dealer in area. I took it in last week for roof inspection and they found a 1/4" crack in the seam where front cap meets fiberglass roof. the dealer put the sealer on it about 6' across the seam. How serious is this issue? I'm very upset that I bought a unit this new and already have a roof issue.

[wahoonc]

Used unit needs maintenance... so does a new unit. Put 6" Eternabond tape across the joint and your problems will go away for a long time.

Aaron

[sgtlm17]

A 2013 unit seems like routine maintenance. These rigs flex and move and need constant inspection of seams and sealer.

[grumpy0374]

Your rig is going on 4 years old. 1/4 inch gap in the caulk, especially if previous owner didn't keep up with routine maintaince is not a worry unless there is a leak found.
You should, at least twice a year, check all the caulked seams for cracks. 1/4 inch crack in old caulk is expected on 4 year old caulk.
Proper maintaince would be, if crack is found, to clean old caulk throughly with mineral spirits, another swipe with some acetone, and a fresh application of new caulk like Dicor Self Leveling Caulk/Sealant.
To prevent further problems, after the Dicor has set up, cover the entire seam with some Eternabond tape. If done properly, the eternabond will probably outlast your rig.
Grumpy

[Boso]

If you have a true crack in the fiberglass roof your resale value just dropped several more thousands of dollars if not more

[brandon 2]

Everyone is right. Roof maintenance is very important and one has to get up there at least twice a year and give the roof a good cleaning and look for cracks in the seals.
Lots of flexing going on. Our 2014 Sun Seeker was parked under some pine trees by the previous owner with the slides out and quite a bit of pine sap imbedded its self on the slid toppers. Where a unit is parked at times makes some difference to how much work has to be done for roof maintenance. Stay away from trees !




Brandon2
20144 Sun Seeker

[stervin]

Thanks for your comments but in looking on line I see several grades and type of this tape as do you recommend getting cleaner as well before applying
Thanks

[grumpy0374]

No, you don't need their cleaner unless you want to get it.
My seams around the perimiter and front/rear seams procedure was to use Tilex to clean the seams and areas around the seams/caulk. Then reclean the caulk with mineral spirits, followed by going over the caulk with acetone which removes all residue. The old caulk and roof area must be absolutely squeaky clean for the Eternabond to adhere to and for it to hold. Any dirt or residue left on an area where Eternabond is applied will cause it to start to peel away.
As of now, going on 3 years with no problems.
You do not want to apply Eternabond to seams or joints that you might want to remove later, like the seams/joints around the vent covers. Once down, Eternabond is a bit_h to remove.
For vent covers, antenna mounts, just clean real good and apply new caulk over the old.
As for any cracks in the fiberglass roof...well, it's not really fiberglass, but a fiberglass/plastic composit. It is only about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick, and you may see a stress crack . If you do, don't panic. Just clean area real good, and drill a very small hole at each end of the crack. Smear some Dicor into or over the crack, and put a piece of Eternabond over it. Problem solved, and it will never, ever leak.
Had several form on our 2012 Lexington from a supposedly bad batch of roof's, and FR would never take care of it.
Grumpy