Roof Cracks

[AWF1945]

Washed roof today and noticed a few hairline cracks in fiberglass. It seems to be occurring in the bend as it wraps around the sides. I see bubbles where it looks like its coming unglued. This looks like trouble down the line. Has anyone else noticed this? no leak as of yet that I can tell..

Thanks

[grumpy0374]

Had the same problem on our 2012 Lexington.
The roof material is not a true"fiberglass", at least on the Lexi. I was informed it's a type of fiberglass/plastic composite. And, it's only about 1/16--1/8 inch thick.
FR did not want to acknowledge the problem. Mine didn't develop bubbles, just cracks.
On ours, I drilled very small holes (I mean tiny), at each end of the cracks to prevent them from getting longer. Then took some Dicor Self Leveling Caulk and spread some over each crack, forcing it into the crack. After the Dicor had set up, I covered the crack area with a strip of 2 inch wide Eternabond.
Did these repairs almost 3 years ago, and everything is still fine and watertight.
If yours is still under warranty I would contact FR and start the frustrating procedure to get it fixed.
Grumpy

[bclemens]

The issue with the Lexington is really handling. The roof gets glued down and the "edges" are left straight. They put an aluminum radius under there for the roofing to follow...and sometimes the guys would get a little aggressive lifting the edges to get the radius in and where they bent it backwards, it could create some hairline cracks. Nothing that I have ever seen get worse...but sometimes they were not noticeable until some dirt got in there. However, your solution grumpy seems to be spot on...better safe than sorry.

AWF I would guess similar situation, but I'd be happy to take a look.

[AWF1945]

Next time I'm up there I'll get a picture. I sure dont want water intrusion. When I first saw this roof I was very impressed how nice it looked and how easy it was to clean. My hopes are it will stand the test of time.

[bclemens]

Obviously keep an eye on it...but I have seen it before and its typically superficial cracks in the surface resin. (the pebbled portion). PM me your VIN and contact info, I'll put a note in the file.

[AWF1945]

Thanks! Will do..

[BLK-9]

Thanks for the info and updates. Can you walk on roof , or do you need to crawl? bought a ladder to get up there, but hesitated to go on top.


Mike
2016 Force HD

[AWF1945]

I have a 12' step ladder works fine. Use at the rear cap. I wouldn't try from sides because the curved walls put you too far out. Caution is of upmost importance.. even at rear cap transition from ladder onto the roof is tricky for an ole guy like me.. lol.

Yes you can walk on it. I wear tennis shoes and make sure no rocks or fod is stuck on the treads. I stay pretty close to center when washing. Ive been on several times to repair front ac and washed. Its a nice roof as I said.

[BLK-9]

Thanks Slim. Wonder if a ladder can be installed like most RVs. Seems like it would easier and safer to get on top to clean roof and systems.

I'll try getting on top Tomorrow with tennis shoes. See how things look.


Mike
2016 Force HD

[AWF1945]

I would say no on the ladder install Mike. The rear cap is not engineered / structured for it in my opinion. I would nix that idea. I carry a foldable ladder I bought at the depot that works a step ladder as well as converting to a straight ladder which easily extends to get on the roof.

Personally I don't like straight ladders but in an emergency I'd use it as long as someone were holding it at the base. I use the Werner MT-17 . It folds and fits nicely in my right rear storage compartment.

[BLK-9]

Thanks Slim. Think I have Werner 22. But I'm only 5 foot with my cowboy boots on.


Mike
2016 Force HD

[AWF1945]

Lol, no cow boy boots on the roof..

[halla]

I bought an extend and climb we carry with us. Get on top no problem.


2016 Dynamax Force. Just-Rite2