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Topic: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF (Read 413 times) previous topic - next topic
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So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Our 2010 RB is 11 years old now, and the roof was looking a little tired, so I decided to do a Re-Coat myself based on prior experience with another camping trailer using this same product.  The old trailer had an aluminum coated roof.

1. Do No Harm.  You know what you have, just don't make it worse.

2. IMO this worked for me, so I am sharing my experience if you are so inclined.

3. Safety First.  Falling off of your RV Roof can be deadly.

4. This is not a "How to Paint Your Roof" post.  Just photos of what I did, the products I used, and what you may consider.

5. I will share any and all details of my Re-Coat job for those may want additional information.
 
6. I had already used 3M 5200 FC on any seams that were suspect, so the integrity of my roof was excellent starting out.

7. This is NOT only a man's job.  This procedure can easily by handled by any male/female of average physical ability.  It's not that difficult and my life experience has taught me that ladies are much more patience and precise when it comes to jobs as this.  After  58 years with Dianne I can attest that had she done this job it would be superior to my work.

8. The product is Kool Seal.  Base Coat, and Top Coat ordered from Amazon. Didn't find it at the local big box stores.
 
9. It's probably best to start and complete this procedure under cover.  Temperatures must be above 50 degrees, and rising.  Read the instruction on the cans. Then read them again.

10. It was recommended in the Kool Seal instructions that the roof be washed with a Power Washer with at least 2000 PSI.  I DID NOT DO THIS.  I used a 5 gallon bucket/water and stiff nylon brush with "Dawn liquid soap".  A hose with good water pressure for rinse. Let it dry overnight.
 
11. I cut in (painted around) all of the roof openings (vents, solar panel)  first.  Then applied the coatings with a short nap 4" roller.

12. Applied are two (2) base Coats. And two (Top Coats).  Allowing to dry overnight.  Read the instructions regarding drying time.

13. The trailer with an aluminum roof I painted 15 years ago with Kool Seal is as sound today as the day I coated it.  So I had no reservations in doing the same to our LD. 

14. You have to make the decision yourself if this is for you and your LD.

15. The total material cost for me was under $200.00 Dollars.  Two gallons of Kool Seal Base Coat, two Gallons of Kool Seal Top Coat, roller/frame, tape, etc.  Labor was free. (Ha!)  From start to finish was five (5) days working about three (3) hours a day.

16. Perhaps one of the most important questions you may have is will it bond?  It has.  I plan to update the LD Family in 6 months, than again in a year.

If you are interested but have doubts - do a sample on your roof.  12 inches square and give it a try.  Seriously.  How hard can that be?  Minimum risk.

Lastly.  This job may well be above and beyond the abilities of many brother/sister LD family members.  But I would be remiss if I didn't share my hopefully good results on such a worrisome topic. 

Most respectfully,

Tony R. (aka codefour)



Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #1 –
Tony, your uploaded photos are pixilated on my iPad so hard to see the results of your efforts.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #2 –
Don't know why that happened.  I try another few to see if it works.  See below.  Hope it's improved.

Tony R. (aka codefour)
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #3 –
Photos are pixilated here too. On a workstation with a gigabit hardwired connection with a 3440 x 1440 display.

Charles
Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #4 –
Here are more photos, hopefully in better detail.

Tony R. (aka codefour)
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #5 –
The vast majority of a LD roof is a single aluminum sheet. Unless it corrodes for some reason it is and will remain impervious to the elements, with or without a coating. It's only the seams and through-roof intrusions that need sealing. LD paints the roof, I believe with the same paint used on the rest of the coach, likely for appearance and perhaps to guard against corrosion, say in a wet or salt air environment, but also with a somewhat rough matte finish that facilitates grip when standing or walking on it. I don't believe the paint serves any sealing purpose at seams or roof intrusions. That's done over seams and around roof intrusions using an appropriate sealant that LD has found effective.

We had our roof resealed at the LD factory, which did a good job, but which, yes, was expensive relative to a DIY job, just like buying a LD in the first place. When discussing that in advance with Vince, then still the factory service manager, and asking about the popular Eternabond approach that many here have used, he mentioned having to deal with a few failed Eternabond projects and the difficulty of removing or repairing Eternabond jobs. I wonder if LD might have the same concerns or others about coating the roof with a product like Kool Seal.

A LD represents a substantial investment. My suggestion is to always check with the factory before undertaking a significant departure from their manufacturing techniques. They're not infallible but they do know their product and seem open to continuous learning about what works and what doesn't. And as my attorney friend says, "I wish clients were better about asking my advice in advance instead of after they get into trouble." It's usually free to get advice from LD about something like this. Before you coat your roof I'd suggest taking advantage of that.

Having said that, Tony I hope your Kool Seal job works out well for you.
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #6 –
Tony, thanks for the excellent description and photos. You wrote, "I had already used 3M 5200 FC on any seams that were suspect, so the integrity of my roof was excellent starting out." Following up on that, Terry raises an interesting question: since the aluminum itself is impervious, and the only potential leak points are the seams and penetrations--which you didn't paint--what was your motivation for painting the whole roof? Was it to make it look good? I'm just curious.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #7 –
After speaking with the Tech folks at Kool Seal, I was perfectly comfortable using their product again. 

As I mentioned in my original post, I have used the product before, 15 years prior to now on an aluminum painted trailer roof.  It still looks great and still serviceable.

Another LDOG Member "StevenJill" have also used the product successfully; and we have communicated back and forth prior to my starting this project. 

The entire roof of my RV is now coated.  Seals, seams, surrounding gaskets for the vents, a/c and frig vent.  I do like the idea of all the seams covered by a monolithic coating. 

I'll keep you posted on it's ageing process.  Good, bad, or otherwise. 

In the meantime, it looks "killer" marsh mellow super white cool. 

But then who is going to get on my roof and look.

I am in Las Vegas and anyone of interest is welcome to come look at my work. Send me a PM.

Cheers my LD Family!

Tony R. (aka codefour)

 
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #8 –
We'll expect an updated status report in 10 years.  ;)
joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #9 –
Roger that!

10 years - will do in 2031. 

Note:  The Base Coat is Grey
           Top Coat - Super Bright White

Tony R. (aka codefour)
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #10 –
Would love to see it in 10 years.  Of course you'll have to supply an elevator and an electric wheelchair.   But I'm  sure I'll be game.

glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #11 –
My LD roof is coated in what I think is either Kool Seal or a Dicor product.  It was done by a shop at the direction the people I bought the coach from (previous owners) after a hail storm left small divots on the roof.  I guess the idea was to level the divots, and it worked for almost all of them. 

That was at least 12 years ago.  Possibly more.  The roof sealant is still in great shape. 

It might not have been my first choice, but given the circumstances I see why the previous owner and his insurance company settled on it.  It hasn't caused me any problems. 

Rich

2003 MB
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #12 –
Roof coatings make it extremely difficult to reseal the roof seams, if necessary in the future, I see no purpose in using a coating on an aluminum roof.
Our original LD had been coated and was a PIA to deal with when resealing.
Other than cosmetics, coatings have few positive effects. Paint, with a non-slip additive, is as far as I would go to make the roof look pretty.

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: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #13 –
Larry W.

I read and study your posts, and learn most of what I do to our LD from you, Joan and the other experienced LD folks.

In this case Sir, I respectfully disagree with you.

Heresy, you say!

NO, just another point of view, and an opinion based on field data.  15 years worth on another trailer with an aluminum roof. 

A seam sealed with Eternal Bond is a Seam sealed with Eternal Bond.  Period!

It is directly exposed to the elements always.  Even when under cover, outside temps affect expansion and contraction.  The product is fabulous and no one would deny that.  Why not add additional protection over the Tape?  That's what fails!

AND.....

A seam sealed with Eternal Bond and coated with two base coats of 100% Acrylic Polymer, and two additional coats of 100% Acrylic Polymer with sun blocker resins are beneath a very large barrier of protection.  Why not protect the Tape? And the Roof.  Gee!  This might really work! 

Many or most of LD owners face the same problem, year after year.  The roof issue continues non-stop.  Expensive and frustrating.

If I am on a fools' errand so be it.  I do truly believe this is an alternative for any LD owner who is willing to invest a few hours to protect their investment.   It can be a DIY project.  It can be tested by the unbelieving by only placing on a small surface.  Test it!  Unfortunately only time will tell.  It's your call.

My intention here is simply to inform members that there may be other ways to protect their investment and their RV Love.  This is my contribution.  Good, bad or otherwise. 

As the Cold Dog Says in the post above "we'll check it in 10 years Tony "   Oh let it be so!

Most respectfully,

Tony R.  (aka codefour)





Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #14 –
Tony, thanks for the instructions/notes and the pictures.  The roof on my LD has many spots where the paint has worn off. I've been considering painting it with some type of rust detergent paint to keep spots from rusting, give it a little protection and make it look better.  I'm not familiar with Kool Seal but will check it out.  I recently re-sealed all the roof seams with 3m 5200 and covered them with eternabond, and painting the roof would really finish it off.😀
SoCal-Gal  (Tracy)
1991 26.5 RB
Previous 1988 22’ LD Multi plan
Previous 1992 Six-pack Camper
Spare the sealant, spoil the job.
Travelers: Tracy, spouse Anthony, Coton de Tulear, Gabby and parrotlet, Indigo
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #15 –
I did my roof with eternbond and Koolseal.  I did the Koolseal for a couple of reason. 1) To protect the Eternabond. 2) To reflect the heat and keep it a little cooler inside.

As far as checking on mine in ten years?  I will probably put another coat on in a few years, and then 5 years after that. I put two coats the first time.

If I bought a brand new Lazy Daze, once the cooler weather came here in Florida I would use Eternabond and Koolseal it.  I believe I would never have to go back to the factory for a redo.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #16 –
How is a Kool Seal roof cooler than the original painted white aluminum roof (which won't rust even in unpainted spots)?

Eternabond, I understand.  The seams require maintenance after 10 years of so.   

Kool Seal - I don't see the advantage of replacing a lifetime no maintenance white roof with a 5-year white coating.

What am I missing?

Rich
2003 MB
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #17 –
Quote from: rich  - 
How is a Kool Seal roof cooler than the original painted white aluminum roof (which won't rust even in unpainted spots)?

Eternabond, I understand.  The seams require maintenance after 10 years of so.   

Kool Seal - I don't see the advantage of replacing a lifetime no maintenance white roof with a 5-year white coating.

What am I missing?

Rich


Kool Seal can be more reflective and keep the metal below cooler.  I see as a great way to protect and preserve the Eternabond and for just a bit more effort, do the whole roof. It might keep it cooler when camping in the Florida sun.

In other words. Eternabond protects seams, Koolseal protects Eternabond and may keep the roof cooler. I am pretty sure I will never have to do anything else to the roof but a few more coats of Koolseal down the road.   No tearing up the original sealant or Eternabond.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
 
Re: So You Are Thinking About Recoating Your LD ROOF
Reply #18 –
And Rich, the Kool Seal Product is warranted for 10 years.

And Sol-Cal Girl - Your  original Lazy Daze Roof will NEVER Rust as it is anodized aluminum, but this Kool Seal Coating should keep your sealant pliable and serviceable for an extended period of time.  I doubt that any product is a perfect solution, but this is certainly one that I will keep in my tool chest as an additional helper.

The Base Coat is GREY.  The Finish Coat (Top Coat) is brilliant white. 

They actually have a 12 year warranted product, but I couldn't find any available. 

Cheers!

Tony R. (aka codefour)
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family