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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: mikke60 on March 24, 2010, 03:30:09 PM

Title: Roof sealing
Post by: mikke60 on March 24, 2010, 03:30:09 PM
Hi. Has anyone out there used resin and fiberglass cloth to seal the seams on there aluminum roof. I have a Mci 5 and have leaks at the seams. I have the proper tube sealant for it but want to know if the resin job would be a better long term option.. Thanks in Advance.. Mike
Title: Re: Roof sealing
Post by: JackConrad on March 24, 2010, 04:04:33 PM
You are probably better off using the sealant. The coach bodies flex when being driven and therefore you need a flexible sealant in the joints.  Fiberglass will not flex, will probably crack or come loose from the aluminum.  Years ago, a saddle maker tried covering the wood saddle trees with fiberglass (cheaper than rawhide). They were very uncomfortable for both the horse and the rider (no flex).  Jack
Title: Re: Roof sealing
Post by: luvrbus on March 24, 2010, 04:08:30 PM
If it is in your budget have it done with spray on bed liner looks good and will be there forever



good luck
Title: Re: Roof sealing
Post by: wal1809 on March 24, 2010, 07:08:08 PM
I just got through with the white elastamer on my roof.  When it is time to do it again I will strip the whole top and do what lover bus advised and spray it with the bedliner material.

Some years ago I did my fishing boat with it myself.  It still looks good.  You can buy the material and a shuts gun.  The gun as 20 bucks 6 years ago and the material was around 80 a gallon.  It goes a long way.  You could get by with 3 gallons maybe 4.
Title: Re: Roof sealing
Post by: Lin on March 24, 2010, 08:08:50 PM
Koolseal works fine and lasts for years.  When it needs sealing again, just wash it down with a pressure washing or TSP and paint it again.  Some complain that it gets dirty though, but it is easy to clean.
Title: Re: Roof sealing
Post by: philiptompkjns on March 24, 2010, 10:14:24 PM
Quote from: Lin on March 24, 2010, 08:08:50 PM
Koolseal works fine and lasts for years.  When it needs sealing again, just wash it down with a pressure washing or TSP and paint it again.  Some complain that it gets dirty though, but it is easy to clean.
Lin, how many gallons of koolseal does it  take?
Title: Re: Roof sealing
Post by: divinerightstrip on March 25, 2010, 07:25:39 AM
I just did this also!
I used 3m auto seam sealer and some elastomeric white roof coating. :) Check out my thread to see my pictures!
-DRT

http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=15133.90 (http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=15133.90)
Title: Re: Roof sealing
Post by: gus on March 25, 2010, 02:14:16 PM
The best thing is this white sealer, don't remember what it is called, which is made for RV sealing and flows out flat. Great stuff.

I would never coat a roof with anything black or rough, too hot and too much crap gets trapped. The whiter and smoother the better.
Title: Re: Roof sealing
Post by: Lin on March 25, 2010, 04:43:57 PM
Phil,

I bought a five gallon can.  I did two coats on the bus (35footer) and two coats on a 20 foot motorhome we had.  I probably still have a couple of gallons left.  I may have put it on thin.  Anyway, it should sink into the roof seams.  There are several similar products on the market.  I used Koolseal because they were the only ones whom I had contacted that recommended its use for an RV.  Most said that it would probably work but they did not recommend it.

There is another stuff call Plas-T-Cote that I got from an RV repair place.  This is similar to Koolseal except much thicker.  I bought a quart of it and used it on all the roof penetration collars before the Koolseal.  I think some may actually use it on the whole roof.  I think that either product is sometimes used with a fiberglass mesh underlay for problem areas particularly if their are gaps.
Title: Re: Roof sealing
Post by: Dreamscape on March 25, 2010, 05:34:12 PM
I used a white elastomeric rubberized roof coating by Henry. Put 5 coats on in 2004, has held up well and didn't chalk. It needs a recoat and will do the same in a year or so. Bought a 5 gallon bucket, had 1 gallon left over. Got it at Home Depot or Lowes.

Paul
Title: Re: Roof sealing
Post by: muddog16 on March 25, 2010, 06:01:49 PM
Hey Paul, do you remember which Henry Product that you used, I did a search on Henry and they make zillions of products?   In the last week I've heard of two new coatings that were new to me.....from this  and Anja's thread.   I'm at the point that the temps are going to co-operate with roof coating, one small minor fiberglass repair to the front cap and I'll be ready!
Title: Re: Roof sealing
Post by: luvrbus on March 25, 2010, 06:35:37 PM
Pat, you need to check out the bed lining stuff it is a permanent coating and comes in colors now and is sprayed smooth people I know that live where hails storms are on a regular basis love the stuff. 
If I wasn't selling my bus that would be my next project done in white it makes a huge difference in the sound in rain storms also.   



good luck
Title: Re: Roof sealing
Post by: mikke60 on March 25, 2010, 07:04:09 PM
thanks for the input>
Title: Re: Roof sealing
Post by: Dreamscape on March 25, 2010, 07:47:44 PM
Pat, I just checked the HD site and think I used the #287. Here's the link http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xgg/R-100051140/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 (http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xgg/R-100051140/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053)

Use a very heavy nap roller and wear your sunglasses if it's sunny!  8) Do your cutting in first then roll 'er on!

Paul