Repairing hail damage to the roof

[Daryl R]

My Bigfoot had hail damage to the roof, so lots of bruising and spider cracks to the gelcoat. The previous owner patched all the spots with some roof patching material. I have sanded it out in a couple spots and it seems to clean up okay, my original idea was to sand down the roof and lay a full layer of glass cloth with resin on the roof and then regelcoat it. I was at the jobber shop today and the guy there said if it hasn't actually broken the glass just to gelcoat it or or paint it and it will be fine.

I'm not sure how to go, I had the ceiling out and the glass didn't appear to have any through breaks so maybe he is right or I could glass the odd spot if there are any. I would really appreciate some advice on this one. I have done a fair amount of glass work in my youth so not too worried about patching, I do like the idea of complete seal, but don't mind getting out of a bit work either.

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by Daryl R

My Bigfoot had hail damage to the roof, so lots of bruising and spider cracks to the gelcoat. The previous owner patched all the spots with some roof patching material. I have sanded it out in a couple spots and it seems to clean up okay, my original idea was to sand down the roof and lay a full layer of glass cloth with resin on the roof and then regelcoat it. I was at the jobber shop today and the guy there said if it hasn't actually broken the glass just to gelcoat it or or paint it and it will be fine.

I'm not sure how to go, I had the ceiling out and the glass didn't appear to have any through breaks so maybe he is right or I could glass the odd spot if there are any. I would really appreciate some advice on this one. I have done a fair amount of glass work in my youth so not too worried about patching, I do like the idea of complete seal, but don't mind getting out of a bit work either.

Adding glass mat and resin add weight to the roof. I would be a bit worried and the additional weight. Therefore I would be tempted to avoid a complete reglass if possible.

[Daryl R]

Originally Posted by Byron Kinnaman

Adding glass mat and resin add weight to the roof. I would be a bit worried and the additional weight. Therefore I would be tempted to avoid a complete reglass if possible.

Good point, and Thanks. I think I will try a small section and see what the damage is like. Spot patching is likely a lot easier, I not sure how well I can fair them out is the only thing. The shell of a Bigfoot is very thin.

[Randy Bishop]

Originally Posted by Daryl R

Good point, and Thanks. I think I will try a small section and see what the damage is like. Spot patching is likely a lot easier, I not sure how well I can fair them out is the only thing. The shell of a Bigfoot is very thin.

Have you thought about masking it off at the roof line and using bedliner such as LineX or something like that, I know you can buy it by the gallon at Wal-Mart or even comes in spray cans, or roll it on with a roller..Could paint it to match the trailier when finished.Should seal any cracks not add much weight and be tuff as nails....

[Daryl R]

Originally Posted by Randy Bishop

Have you thought about masking it off at the roof line and using bedliner such as LineX or something like that, I know you can buy it by the gallon at Wal-Mart or even comes in spray cans, or roll it on with a roller..Could paint it to match the trailier when finished.Should seal any cracks not add much weight and be tuff as nails....

That is a thought, I have no experience with the stuff, but have noticed a few people here have used it. What comes to mind is a Boler that someone sprayed the whole trailer with, but am not sure what the circumstances were and the reason they took that route.

[Perry J]

Sno Seal is a white roll on roof sealer used on some trailers. I used it on Patio cover I built and the roof on a slide in camper I had years ago. It worked well.
It's flexible and goes on like paint with a Roller.
I have seen it at Home Depot.
John