New Roof? What would you do?

[poolbug054]

Looks like we’re off the road for a couple of months with a roof repair. We were driving on I-95 north coming back from a 10 night camping trip at Crooked River State Park in Georgia. A large truck in the lane to the left of us hit road debris that bounced up over our truck from which I heard impact the camper front cap/roof area. Within 3 minutes or so we heard a flapping noise which I thought was a tire. The TPMS indicated all was okay and noise stopped so we kept going thinking it may have been noise from a passing vehicle. We got to our overnight campsite and setup. As we walked around I looked up and noticed part of the rubber roof peeled back on camper. My heart sunk….

I patched up best I could and called my insurance company about damage from which they started a claim. I took the pictures to my RV dealer to schedule repair. Upon looking at the pictures, the service manager stated that he recommended a new roof be installed instead of being patched. That means all roof trim, gutters, A/Cs, everything on roof would have to come off and be reinstalled/resealed. He said with this being a fairly new camper, 2020 34IK Hathaway, that it could affect a future resale if just patched. By patching, it would involve cutting off even the front section torn and replaced with new full piece with new trim joining the current roof. The new trim piece would probably be the only noticeable addition.

If it were you, would you go with full roof replacement or patch new piece? My only concern with full replacement is making sure all the stuff taken off roof is resealed to NOT leak. The dealer has a good and reputable service department. One of the best in this area.

See my pics below:

[Capacitor]

Being that it is a 2020, I would go with a new roof and let the insurance pay for it minus your deductible.

[cboss]

Originally Posted by Capacitor

Being that it is a 2020, I would go with a new roof and let the insurance pay for it minus your deductible.

X2. Hope your deductible is not to high, but the piece of mind with a new roof would be worth any reasonable cost.

[Wiscampsin]

Originally Posted by Capacitor

Being that it is a 2020, I would go with a new roof and let the insurance pay for it minus your deductible.

X3

[mogman]

New roof....once and done!!

[mac1_131]

I agree new roof. That's a no-brainer.

It's not as huge a job as it seems, they do it all the time.

Wood under looks in good shape will make it easier.

[Capacitor]

Just curious but what did the dealership say that it would cost?

[poolbug054]

Originally Posted by Capacitor

Just curious but what did the dealership say that it would cost?

I’m taking it to my dealer tomorrow and leaving it for an estimate. Based on my own research and on an earlier comment from the service technician that it takes approximately 52h labor @ $110/h to complete full replacement on a roof my size, I figure anywhere between $6-8k in cost. It’ll be costly for sure.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by poolbug054

I’m taking it to my dealer tomorrow and leaving it for an estimate. Based on my own research and on an earlier comment from the service technician that it takes approximately 52h labor @ $110/h to complete full replacement on a roof my size, I figure anywhere between $6-8k in cost. It’ll be costly for sure.

You’re at almost $6k in labor alone. Depending on the membrane type that’ll run $800-$1500ish. Another $500 in adhesive, vinyl insert, sealant, screws, etc. Another $250 to $500 for thin decking overlay(required for proper adhesion of the new membrane). It’s gonna be in the $9k range at least.

[oxcamper]

we had to have a whole roof replacement as a result of tornado damage skewering our roof with 20+ 1 and 2 inch diameter tree branches through the roof, the sub roof and the interior ceiling. Insurance paid $14K to have the work done. This was 3 years ago and we've had no leaks, drips, or integrity issues.
The dealer did a great job and I was shocked how easy the claim was handled by both the dealer and our insurance co.

[poolbug054]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

You’re at almost $6k in labor alone. Depending on the membrane type that’ll run $800-$1500ish. Another $500 in adhesive, vinyl insert, sealant, screws, etc. Another $250 to $500 for thin decking overlay(required for proper adhesion of the new membrane). It’s gonna be in the $9k range at least.

Yep! Thank goodness for insurance coverage. They may choke a bit on the cost.

[kinzoo]

https://rvroof.com/

They have an installer in Alabama...

https://moundville.rvroof.com/

[Librarianocnj]

New roof and a SealTech 430 test.

[redjet]

Got home from FROG rally in Goshen, IN and pulled in front of my house to unload 2016 Cardinal fifth wheel before storage. We had everything fixed at the rally and thought we were finally problem free. Then I happen to see something hanging over the side of the roof. Yes the membrane had torn back like yours. Service at the Dealer I bought it from sucks so I called some other dealers. Naturally seeing I didn't buy it from the it was at least 6+ months before they could think about replacing it.

I decide to call the warranty rep at forest river cardinal. He knew I was upset and said send some picture of the problem. I did it immediately. Next morning got an email stating it was their problem and they would take care of it. Long story short - this was the end of august and we had a trip planned for the first of October. He knew I did not like my local dealer and sent me to a dealer 2 hours away. Anyway had the trailer back in 3 weeks. Fantastic service by Cardinal and the repair facility.

Cardinal plant found that some roof installations applied insufficient or NO glue to the membrane at the front of the roof near the front cap. The air over the roof created a vacuum lifting the membrane and eventually it pulled loose - as yours did.

Strongly suggest you contact the warranty rep - even though its out of warrant. Nothing to loose.

[Spieks]

I had to have my roof replaced on a previous trailer because I rubbed it against a tree. Three years ago it was a bit over $11k. All of the RV dealerships wanted me to drop it off and leave it for 6 months. I worked with a Large truck and RV repair shop that patched it up so we could finish the season, and then had me bring it back in October. I picked it up in November when they finished. It was worth it to me to turn it in as an insurance claim.

[ependydad]

I absolutely wouldn't go to a dealer for this. There are RV roofing companies that come to you. And since you appear to be parked inside a barn, you're an installers dream.

I just had my roof done by RV Roofing Solutions and have friends who have done RV Armor work.

[railroaderone]

I'd go all new and don't use a dealership

[Campingnut]

I would go with something like flex armour

[jacknife]

I would go with flex armor or another solid roof application . No more tear worries and cheaper than a rubber roof when in is all added up . Your insurance company will like that. Life’s warranty .

[poolbug054]

Thanks for the input. I’ve gotten quotes from my RV dealer and Flex Armor. Both were less than $7K with the Flex Armor being a little more expensive than a full roof replacement. My dealer is also doing some warranty work on RV as well. The hydraulic motor burned out on last trip in addition to the roof damage.

It’s in my insurance company’s hands now. Waiting on them to provide feedback on estimates/approval to proceed.