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Topic: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof Coating? Roof Support System (Read 505 times) previous topic - next topic
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Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof Coating? Roof Support System
An explanation and then a question for you experienced owners:

We have purchased a 2006 30IB.  I'll be bringing it down to Florida, from its previous home in Tennessee, in a few weeks.  The first maintenance project is to have the roof re-sealed.  I've read all the threads on this site regarding alternatives for doing this.  Plus, this is our 6th MH, so I'm familiar with the alternatives. I'm considering one specific alternative, other than a standard "peel and seal" or Eternabond tape, and that is what I want to ask about.

The alternative is Flex Armor RV Roof System.  The ORIGINAL sprayed RV Roof! Lifetime Guarantee!

First, I want to stress that this IS NOT the "come to your driveway and roll on a liquid roof coating."  This work is done in an indoor facility, and includes removing skylights, vents, AC, solar panels, etc, and then spraying a polyurea polymer over the entire surface.  I also know all of the potential negatives:
1.  Compared to other alternatives, it is stunningly expensive.  Total cost would probably be $4,500.
2.  It will add about 100 pounds of weight to the roof, which is the worst place to add weight on this model.
3.  The "lifetime guarantee" requires the company to stay in business.  In this case, it has been 15 years doing nothing but roof work.
4.  Did I mention it is really expensive?

My question:  Is there anything specific about the construction of the LD roof, and sub-roof, that would make you not consider this as an alternative?  Is there anything unusual about how the AC is installed, or any of the vents or solar panels, compared to run-of-the-mill RVs they would typically have encountered?

The only caveat from the Flex Armor company is that the roof has to be in sound condition.  If they identify any soft spots, or rot, they won't do the work unless they repair the issues first.  I inspected this rig really well before I purchased, and can't find any indication of water intrusion anywhere (end caps, side seams, windows).  But, if there is a problem I'll have to have it fixed regardless of which alternative I choose.  I did not get on the roof, but did inspect the ceiling from the inside really closely, and I got on a ladder and did a visual inspection of the topside.

In my particular case, the advantages are:
1.  At almost 72 years old, I'm never going to get on the roof to do maintenance, and this seems like a solution that fits that requirement.
2.  I like the fact that it includes all new vent covers, skylights, and work around all of the various protrusions.
3.  I don't have to drive to southern California to have the work done at the mothership.
4.  The work will be done by the original company, not a licensee.

So, I'd appreciate any thoughts from the experts, or at least well-meaning owners, on this topic.  If you have the time to follow the link above and check out the product, that would be great.

2006 31' IB
Re: Roof Construction?
Reply #1 –
LD has a one piece all AL seamless roof, which is different than most RVs.

The A/C gasket is glued down with sealant, which would also be different than most RVs.

The skylights and vents on the LD are probably substantially more attached than what they are used to seeing.

The bulk of the seamless aluminum roof on a LD is completely trouble free.  I don't see any reason to put FlexArmor on the whole thing.

If you're determined to try it, maybe ask if they will FlexArmor just the seams along the sides and front?

I would talk to them and make sure they are 100% clear about what they are getting into.

Rich
'03 MB in NC
2003 MB
Re: Roof Construction?
Reply #2 –
The aluminum roof expands and contracts significantly, which plastic roofs do not. If a rubber coating would be useful, the factory would have done it. Note too, though it might not affect your resealing issue, the wood-frame construction has integrated several steel roll bars, across the roof and down the sides.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Roof Construction?
Reply #3 –
It's overkill but if you want to spend that type of money just to seal the seams, it should be fine. 
It's adding of a hundred pounds to the worse possible spot that would bother me, especially in an older 31' model that is already lacking in cargo capacity. 90% of the roof is sheet aluminum, a very waterproof material that doesn't need sealing except at the seams.
Toal roof resealing is more appropriate for RVs with rubber roofs, in which the entire roof surface deteriorates with exposure.

I have found no need to replace the vents during a resealing job LD glues them in well and the sealant overcoating keeps the sunlight off the base of the vent's. Never seen a Factory solar panel leak either.
Do order and replace the stock skylight with LD's new design.

From a lot of personal experience resealing old LDs, the 13 year-old window frames and end caps should be resealed even if you think they look OK.  I have seen more leaks in these locations than leaking roof seams, in rigs of your age, and consider their care to be as important as the roof.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof System?
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
The aluminum roof expands and contracts significantly, which plastic roofs do not. If a rubber coating would be useful, the factory would have done it. Note too, though it might not affect your resealing issue, the wood-frame construction has integrated several steel roll bars, across the roof and down the sides.

Steve
I keep hearing about these steel roll bars in here but can't find reference to them in any actual LD literature or their web site. Can you or anyone else link me to more info on this? I'm curious about exactly what they are and where they are. Thanks in advance.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof System?
Reply #5 –
In my 01 MB I can see a metal angle bracket going from the side to the roof in the cubby behind where the TV used to be. On the other side, there is the same thing, but wrapped in carpet. I'd imagine if there where metal roll bars, they might be near those.
2001 MB
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof System?
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Sawyer  - 
I keep hearing about these steel roll bars in here but can't find reference to them in any actual LD literature or their web site. Can you or anyone else link me to more info on this? I'm curious about exactly what they are and where they are. Thanks in advance.

LD uses a large angle bracket to tie the side to roof bars. Look on opposite sides from inside the rig to see where such brackets could be concealed inside or just outside cupboards, compartments, etc, then look there for the brackets to locate the roll bars.

Since we both have a FL, look for the brackets next to the cupboards in the bunk area, and more inside the rearmost area of the living room cupboards.

Steve

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof System?
Reply #7 –
I'm seeing some steel support as part of the framing but nothing I'd call a roll bar. If LD had such a structure it sure seems like they would call it to attention in their web site. I can't find anything. I'd like to think it does have roll bars but I'm skeptical and this myth may be busted. I hope someone proves me wrong.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
 
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof System?
Reply #8 –
"...and this myth may be busted."

No myth Sawyer, my rig has at least 3 of which I'm aware and others may have a similar number.   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof System?
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
"...and this myth may be busted."

No myth Sawyer, my rig has at least 3 of which I'm aware and others may have a similar number.   ;)
Wish I could see confirmation on the LD site or good pictures of it. Guess I'll assume its true since so many seem so sure and hopefully I'll never find out the hard way. Hate to crawl out of my wrecked LD someday and say by God there's the roll bars everyone said were there.😊
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof System?
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Sawyer  - 
Wish I could see confirmation on the LD site or good pictures of it. Guess I'll assume its true since so many seem so sure and hopefully I'll never find out the hard way. Hate to crawl out of my wrecked LD someday and say by God there's the roll bars everyone said were there.😊

There are two instances of rollovers of an LD that supposedly resulted in no broken windows. We've met one of the couples and I believe they have something at the factory about it. In another instance, a couple on the forum hit black ice in their 3rd LD and ended up on the roof and had to be cut out of their seatbelts. Again, if I recall, they commented there was no crushing/collapsing of the structure. Perhaps they are still on here and can comment. I know they posted about it.

Here is the link to comments on the first. factory visit

Here is the link of someone commenting on it but I can't seem to find Gus's comment and I tried to find it on the original Yahoo forum but only found those two comments.

http://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?action=search;sa=results

Jim

 
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof System?
Reply #11 –
Quote from: Sawyer  - 
I keep hearing about these steel roll bars in here but can't find reference to them in any actual LD literature or their web site. Can you or anyone else link me to more info on this? I'm curious about exactly what they are and where they are. Thanks in advance.
Here is a page from the 1998 brochure. Pay attention to the line that starts: 'Smoke ,LPG,...' , and two pics posted recently showing the side posts.
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof System?
Reply #12 –
I wouldn't call the steel support structures 'roll bars'. My dune buggy has a full on roll cage, 2" diameter tubing to protect me. For the Lazy Daze, I would call them steel stiffener structures. I'll check tomorrow to see if my 23.5 has two or three. I've included a picture of the carpeted gussets by the wall of the bathroom. Normally there is a cover in the corner to disguise the black tank vent pipe. RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof System?
Reply #13 –
This thread is a good example of how a discussion gets hijacked. Original poster asked a question; it got 3 responses on the subject matter and then it got sidetracked/hijacked. If you wanted to discuss "rollbars" or steel supports or crashes, why not start a topic on that subject?

Sorry this post is also not on the subject matter, but I thought it worth pointing out. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming....

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof System?
Reply #14 –
Sorry if anyone feels this thread was hijacked and to quote Bart Simpson "I can't help but feel at least partially to blame". 😐 Conversation has a way of expanding as subjects are interjected and that has indeed happened here. This subject is interesting and important and probably does deserve its own tagged thread.
Having said that and since I'm already here it looks to me like the LD is extremely well built with steel support structures and would indeed and in fact has a history of holding up very well in a rollover which is comforting to know. I myself wouldnt say it has "roll bars" but much like beauty that could be considered in the eye of the beholder and I wouldn't argue the point. I come here for information and have actually learned a lot in this sidetrack and feel others have to.
Hope the OP got the info he was originally seeking and then some. If anyone has further information on the roll bar subject though they may indeed want to start a thread on it. It is a great topic for those of us who own a LD or are considering purchasing one.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof Coating? Roof Support System
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Steve K.  - 
This thread is a good example of how a discussion gets hijacked. Original poster asked a question; it got 3 responses on the suject matter and then it got sidetracked/hijacked. If you wanted to discuss "rollbars" or steel supports or crashes, why not start a topic on that subject?

Sorry this post is also not on the subject matter, but I thought it worth pointing out. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming....

Steve K
Good point, Steve. If the thread diverges and seems to pick up steam, I sometimes will start another topic. Other times when a thread contains 2-3 somewhat related topics, I will add the new subject matter to the thread name so as to make it searchable.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof Coating? Roof Support System
Reply #16 –
Hi Bob,

I did view the link to Flex Armor, it looks like an impressive but very expensive product. I doubt I would invest in it though.

I might be tempted if I owned a rig with a rubber or similar roof that had existing issues. Other than resealing the seams on Lazy Daze's one piece floating aluminum roof, I don't recall issues that would require such an invasive application. I say "invasive" because removing everything from the roof like the air conditioner, antenna, solar panels, etc. seems kind of drastic to me. And then , what if the ac needs replacemnet down the road? Or hail damage requires new vents, etc; then what is involved with breaking the new sealant for future repairs?

If it were me, for around $250, you could get 2 rolls of 6"wide Eternabond, several tubes of Dicor self leveling sealant and a couple tubes of 3m 5200 fast cure. Another $50 for supplies to clean the existant seals and a good roller for the Eternabond. And if you don't want to climb on the roof, find someone willing to do it.

Just my opinion. And I did Eternabond my seams a few years ago and it was not as difficult as I expected.

Good luck,
Steve K.
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof Coating? Roof Support System
Reply #17 –
Since the OP specifically ask about roof construction and roof support system i will focus like a laser. The aforementioned steel supports in the walls would definitely help transmit the load of the roofing you are looking at using to the "foundation" of the coach . I'm unclear as to wether or not these steel reinforcements extend across the roof but regardless of that the roof should still be plenty strong. Last winter mine had two feet of snow on it with no damage. There is that much on it as we speak and I'm going to town today to get it off before the next storm. Three feet might be pushing it! :D

Thinking about it though a heavy roof coating would reduce snow load capacity which may or may not be something to consider based on where you live.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof Coating? Roof Support System
Reply #18 –
A snip from previous post from Larry:

"It's adding of a hundred pounds to the worse possible spot that would bother me, especially in an older 31' model that is already lacking in cargo capacity."
----
YMMV, but, IMO, this point is definitely on the 'con' side of using Flex Armor roof coating.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof Coating? Roof Support System
Reply #19 –
I have to wonder if adding weight to the roof would effect cornering. The LD handles nice due to its low center of gravity and I would hesitate to corrupt that.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof Coating? Roof Support System
Reply #20 –
I doubt if 100lbs fixed on the roof would affect handling - despite the large distance from the cg, the percentage of axle weight is very small, thus so is the moment of inertia. Our '83 FL had black and grey tanks that were long, narrow, and transversely mounted BEHIND the rear axle. Despite being vertically close to the cg, when the contents would slosh around, it most definitely affected handling. Whenever possible, I would empty the tanks before travel.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof Coating? Roof Support System
Reply #21 –
Quote from: Sawyer  - 
I have to wonder if adding weight to the roof would effect cornering. The LD handles nice due to its low center of gravity and I would hesitate to corrupt that.

It basic physics, raising the COG will cause more sway.
We have carried sea kayaks on both our two LDs and yes, you can feel their presence and weight, primarily when cornering.
The roof is the worse place to add weight.
Our 1983 22' LD was built on a Chevy G30 chassis. It's frame and suspension were much lighter than the later E450, and it swayed badly with the kayaks on top,   Air bags and a Helwig sway bar were added to the rear axle and HD coil springs were custom wound for the front end, along with Bilsteins all around. With the additions, it handled OK bur never as well as the E450's heavier chassis.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof Coating? Roof Support System
Reply #22 –
I have to agree with Steve K. The idea of taking off all of the roof penetrations seems like too much effort. I've taken apart other brands roof vents, just a 10 minute job. I replaced part of the vent in a midbath bathroom and it took hours to get the over applied latex off, and restore it. Multiply that by a few vents, and Flex Armor will be hating you. The batwing antenna mount, Skylight, escape hatch, refrigerator vent, tank vents and such, just don't need to be removed and replaced. Solar even worse!
    Too little gain for too much money. For that much $$$ just take it to the mothership to be resealed. That will push the roof problem down the road for another 13 years, and have a good sight seeing trip too.    RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof Coating? Roof Support System
Reply #23 –
Thanks to all for your thoughts and suggestions. I've decided it is overkill - I'm going the more traditional route.  And, I'll pay special attention to the end caps and windows.
2006 31' IB
Re: Roof Construction? Use Flex Armor RV Roof Coating? Roof Support System
Reply #24 –
For that kind of money the roof seals could be sealed and more importantly the end caps could be revamped with cash to spare (I’d imagine).

With my limited experience thus far your biggest threat regarding leaking would be the end caps and your windows. I’d have the end caps sealed throughly and then the windows also...if there’s any cash left I’d have someone go under the rear bumper and reseal the exposed wood.

When replacing my fantastic fan I could have never guessed the darn thing would be thoroughly glued to the roof, i just can’t imagine the original sealant ever failing especially if given an overcoat every 10 years
2000 RB