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Old 06-23-2016, 09:01 AM   #1
J42
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Fibergass work

Our 2015 Forester 3051S sustained hail damage to 2 roof vents. The hail was only marble size, so I was quite surprised to find holes and cracks in the vent covers.

I've purchased some fibergass cloth and resin. I am planning on covering the entire vent cover, rather than just repairing the holes.

I've never worked with fiberglass before. I've been watching YouTube videos, but would like to get some tips specific to this application.

Thanks in advance for any input.
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Old 06-23-2016, 09:11 AM   #2
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Would it not be easier to just replace the vent covers? I would check and make sure what ever the vent covers are made of will not be effected by the fiberglass resin.
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Old 06-23-2016, 09:19 AM   #3
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I've worked with fiberglass, both mat and cloth. If you are doing it for the first time, it's messy, and hard to get it right unless you've had practice.
Vent covers are cheap, and you'll spend almost as much for material as new covers.
And, it's much easier to just replace the covers than it will be to get a good looking finish with the fiberglass.
Just my .2 cents.
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Old 06-23-2016, 10:39 AM   #4
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As said in the other post, the covers are cheap. If you decide to go with the fiberglass, clean your vent real well. You might want to rough the surface up with a piece of sand paper slightly.
You can cut the cloth to the size you are going to use.
Wear disposable latex gloves.
Mix the hardener and resin and stir well. You can use a wood paint mixer for this. A small amount goes a long way.
Make sure you put something under and around the area you are going to work. Coat the area with the resin./hardener mix. {a cheap throwaway brush would be good for this}. After the area has been coated apply the cloth. After the cloth is in place you can put another coat of resin/hardener on to soak the cloth real well. The cloth will sometimes stretch so it might now be too large for your work area. You can use a sharp knife to trim it down after it dries if needed.
After this sets up you can put another coat of resin/hardener on if needed.
Drying time depends on the temp outside and the amount of hardener used along with how well you stir the hardener and resin.
You will need several brushes, gloves and containers to mix in. The stick you use to stir can be used again as long as it didn't get dirty.
Done right this should last a long time.
It should work fine. Good luck!
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Old 06-23-2016, 10:52 AM   #5
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How about the fact that you have a very nice 2015 Forrester and you want to goober it up with a hacked fiberglass job on your vents.

Sorry man I am not seeing the logic of this on a 70k RV. It will look like crap. Even if by some miracle you are able to do the job cleanly ( highly unlikely first time)...it will look like crap.

If you are just doing this as a temp repair though ( you did not specify so I assume this is a temp repair) then go buy some Eteranabond Tape and make a simple temp repair until you can buy new vent covers.

I have worked with both types of glass matt over the years and it can easily turn into a gobbered up mess. Maybe on a beater 1984 MH but not on sweat ride like a 2015 Forrester.

Like I said if this is simply a quick fix then remove the covers and work on them off the roof at least. Again I will have to assume this is just a quick fix...even then I would opt for Gorilla Tape even over glass work.

Sorry but I am having a Whiskey Tango Foxtrot moment on this..:-)
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Old 06-23-2016, 11:18 AM   #6
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Universal vent lids are around $10.00 and direct replacements probably start at around $15.00 and easy to swap out. Being as though the fiberglass solution will cover up the existing lid it may not stay attached to plastic when travelling without additional rivets etc. I would opt for new lids and if not made of a shatter proof material (lexan etc.) add a vent cover so this issue would not happen again. Pay me now or pay me later. JMO
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Old 06-23-2016, 11:28 AM   #7
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Just replace the vent cover.
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Old 06-23-2016, 11:48 AM   #8
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I am confused as to whether your vent lids are damaged or if it's your vent covers?

You said you had damage to the vents but also said you were going to repair the covers.
Quote:
Our 2015 Forester 3051S sustained hail damage to 2 roof vents. The hail was only marble size, so I was quite surprised to find holes and cracks in the vent covers.

I've purchased some fibergass cloth and resin. I am planning on covering the entire vent cover, rather than just repairing the holes.
If you are referring to the OEM lid, then hail damage is not uncommon. They are thin and break easily, especially if they've been out in the sun for some time. (brittle)

If you are referring to actual vent covers (MaxxAir/Camco/Etc.) then I too am surprised they were damaged by hail as they are pretty tough.

Either way (lid or cover) I'd replace rather than repair with messy fiberglass.

If your lids are broken and you don't have covers.... get new lids and install covers.
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Old 06-23-2016, 12:05 PM   #9
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I've worked with fglass and it sucks. Mainly repairing a few old boats I used to have. Makes a big mess, can't get it off of you and it looks like hell when you're done (unless you're a pro).

You'll probably end up with fiberglass all over your roof before you're done.

I wouldn't recommend it.
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Old 06-23-2016, 12:06 PM   #10
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It would be best to remove the covers and glass them in your garage.

When you are done playing with the fiberglass, then you can do the sensible thing and buy new ones.

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Old 06-23-2016, 04:23 PM   #11
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I'm surprised no one as mentioned the FUMES. I like doing fiberglass repair work as long as it's someone else's dime. Seems to separate the men from boys. Can't stand the smell though!
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Old 06-23-2016, 04:55 PM   #12
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I have years of experience in a professional fiberglass facility. Fiberglass repair is not for the inexperienced person and typically folks make a big mess that looks terrible and doesn't last. My recommendation------ buy new vent covers, forget the repair process!
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Old 06-23-2016, 06:54 PM   #13
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Can you all recommend any vents that will last?
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Old 06-23-2016, 07:24 PM   #14
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If it is just the vent lids re-visit post #6. Here's a link to just one source but there are many. Google RV VENT LIDS.

RV ROOF VENTS, COVERS, REPLACEMENT PARTS
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