QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1995 Gulfstream Yellowstone Class C that I purchased 2 years ago. The unit had a prior leak that I first noticed a year ago. I had a repair shop rebuild the bunk a year ago, and try to repair leak. I had not used the unit in a few months and was inspecting it this past weekend. I noticed an area in the front center of the overhead bunk (low point on bunk) under the mattress where the mattress was "sticking" to the floor of the bunk. Not sure if this is new leakage, which would be odd since the area was dry but sticky, and we had had some recent hard rain which would suggest that if there was a new leak there would be standing water - not enough time to evaporate. Also top of mattress was dry and no sign of water stain. I was checked the inside of the unit and the inside ceiling and walls of the cab overhead bunk all seem solid and firm to the touch - no delamination, pruning, bubbling or mushiness - except about a 6 inch by 6 inch section just below and to the left of the cab overhead front window (driver's side). That section is dry to the touch but slightly "pruned" or winkled and if you push on it has some give - not a lot and does not leave a mark, but some give - that seems indicative of water damage at some point. This “pruned” area may be residual from prior leak (cannot say whether or not it is new) or new. I walked the roof and the top over the cab seems intact and the running lights seem sealed. I am thinking that the stickiness might be caused by humidity ( I am in Central Florida) or perhaps it might be from the front window - weather stripping looked a ragged.
I plan to do the following: (1) "paint" the roof with liquid rubber (over all roof look like it needs a good cleaning and the are some areas where current coating looks like it might be getting ready to crack; (2) seal/caulk AC, vents, antenna, etc.; and (3) seal/caulk windows in cab overhead; (4) and keep eye out for any sign of water. Anything else you would suggest. Do you think I need to repair/replace "pruned area" or otherwise open wall to inspect for damage/leakage? Aesthetically pruned area looks fine - need to get close to notice "pruning."
ANSWER: Russ, Putting the liquid roof (by Pro Guard) on you don't really need to caulk the vents, antenna, horns, etc. with caulking before coating the liquid rubber on. Hopefully what is on the roof already is not full coverage and is not peeling off or flaky in any way. Be sure to clean the roof real good with T.S.P. or something equal to it and etch it with vinegar before applying it as well. You also don't need to caulk the ac as it has a gasket and if needed just replace it. As for the interior, well they say as long as it doesn't continue getting wet it shouldn't get any worse. Remember full coverage is not even needed as the only places that need sealed are where there has been a hole put in the roof itself, like vents etc. I hope this helps, Bill
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QUESTION: Thanks, Bill. Follow up questions, if you don't mind. What is on the roof seems to be full coverage (if I understand you correctly) as it seems to be one piece. Parts are developing lines (much like dried mud might start to have crack lines). My thought is to treat the entire roof, does that make sense? Thank you.
AnswerRuss, As there are so many manufactures out and I am not familiar with every roof each one is putting on I can only say this to you. If it is rubber and they have put something on that isn't compatible it will eventually peel off or even damage the rubber. If this roof is metal or fiberglass I would use a wire wheel around the vents, etc. and only seal around those areas. The only roof that I would worry about and want full coverage on would have been a galvanized roof of the past, and that is because of the process making the metal. These days full coverage is not necessary or needed unless it is a rubber roof that is coming to the end of wear and you don't want to pull it off and install new. Then I would apply a full coverage coat of Liquid Roof and give yourself a warranty with it. If you have any more questions let me know what kind of roof it is and you can contact me at hunter42558@sbcglobal.net. I hope this helps, Bill
