Heard a Crack While on the Roof

punkaccountant · 05-20-2012, 05:45 PM

I was on the roof of my new Mini Lite 2306 checking to see how well the factory sealed it when I heard a cracking sound. I was between the Fantastic Fan and the AC (probably closer to the vent.) I'm not a heavyweight as I only weigh around a buck sixty so it should have had no problem handling my weight. Anyway, I looked at it and didn't see anything on the outside and the vent seemed ok with no visible cracks. Is this something I should worry about? If so, what would you suggest I look for or do?

**Herk7769** · 05-20-2012, 05:54 PM

I have always worried about the roof panels. They are bonded thin plywood and Styrofoam. If the bond is solid it should be fine, but things happen. To be on the safe side I would report it to my dealer and have them do an inspection.

Even if they find nothing; MAKE SURE they document the complaint. If something is wrong and you find out a couple of years from now; having reported it might give you some bargaining room to get a factory repair.

Now I am not saying something is wrong!
Just get the concern documented.

I NEED a trip to the factory to see how these panels are made.

sherdep · 05-20-2012, 06:16 PM

I have a 2011 2306 and weigh 180ish and never heard any cracking noise when i was on my roof checking out the caulking - i which case I caulked almost every seem with the Dycor self leveling Lap Sealant to be on the safe side.

Like Lou said - I would have the dealer inspect it so it is documented at the least

capucine · 05-20-2012, 06:27 PM

I have a feeling that the styrofoam has cracked. If the roof where you walked is not a big section it is possible that the crack was made by the foam breaking. Foam does not flex. Even if you had a coat of luan sheeting bonded to both side of the foam just a bit of flexing can crack the foam. The luan can flex quite a lot without breaking.

punkaccountant · 05-21-2012, 09:31 AM

Update...I was worrying about this all night so I decided to call FR this morning. I spoke to Greg who was very helpful and said that he didn't think it was anything to worry about. I will probably have some warranty issues to take care of by the end of the year and will mention something to the dealer then to get it more thoroughly checked out and documented. In the meantime, the next time I have to get up on the roof, I am going to take a couple boards with me to better distribute my weight.

pg_rider · 05-21-2012, 04:47 PM

I've heard the same when walking around on my 2306. Sounded to me like it could be styrofoam compressing / cracking. I didn't give it a second thought personally...

NINA · 05-21-2012, 05:00 PM

I was on the roof of my new Mini Lite........no need to read further!

My Bad (Sorry)

capucine · 05-22-2012, 06:58 AM

I think the same as Greg. I dont think there is something to be afraid even if that small section has a cracked foam. The luan is certainly intact and you have the Alfa membrane to protect your roof. I would stay away from this small section if you have to walk again on the roof. On my Minilite 1809s I use a thick indoor outdoor carpet in double if I have to go on the roof and I spread my weight. I use knee pads and like this I am sure that no accidents will happened specially where the roof sections are small like between vents etc.

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