The Ceiling's the Limit!: Chapter II-1/2

[Dave Creu]

 

We all have those projects in life that seem to never get finished. All the moxie and determination seems to wane after a while, and what started as a fire quickly dwindles down to a smoldering ember. THEN! Along comes your second wind, and it's just enough to blow gently on the ember and bring it back to a roaring blaze!

Such it is with projects like ours. Some of us begin with such determination, never stopping until it's done. Others begin, and within a short time lose interest. Then there are those who begin, work for the money to complete a phase, finish that phase, and then have to lay off until funds become available to continue. I fall into the last category.

As much as I'd love to do this full time (build and remodel trailers and motorhomes), with the economy the way it's been I haven't yet realized that dream. I'm not one to give up altogether, so in the meantime I'll just finish my latest project, and then give her a name.

Below are the latest shots of my home. It's not perfect, but it's MUCH better than it was originally. :)

 

Edges are wrapped with Eternabond webseal.

I think the profile actually looks better with the raised roof. That was a welcome plus!

Window set after cleaning. Had to heat the glazing strip and stretch it a bit. Worked great!

Almost done! :)

 

This should have been the third and final chapter of the roof remodel, but working nonstop to beat the rain, in 100 degree heat with just about as much humidity, my shoulders started to just plain ache! Taking a few days off is just what I needed, and I'll be back to it full swing tomorrow coating the new roof. After that, it will be time to move on to the interior. See you soon, and keep at it....

 

Dave

[Dave Creu]

Hi Ben,

Thanks. Yes, the roof raising now gives me another 10 inches of headroom. It's a '76 B300 1 ton chassis.

[John D]

now that the snow is gone, I did find out my roof is aluminum. Plan is to seal up the joints with Dicor tape and paint it with the white sealer stuff.

[Dave Creu]

Hi John,

It isn't needed. Most box stores won't carry it. The barrier to any and all moisture is the proper roof coating. 

Dave

[John D]

where can I find this marine ply? I am headed to the big box hardware store L and HD right now. I will take a look see if I can find some.

[Dave Creu]

Hi Doug,

I have. I've also seen it rot. Big time. I don't buy into the hype of a product. It has to actually PERFORM for me. Besides, my method exceeds even the RV industry standard (that isn't very hard to do). No leaks, rot, or looking back.

[Doug Smiley]

 Did you ever hear of marine plywood??

 Made for keeping water out of things big time---used mostly in a marine enviroment!!

[Dave Creu]

John,

You can do the edges either way. I primed everything in place. once it was down.

The ply goes over the metal (which is braked at 90 degrees at the top for this purpose), the ply is then primed, and Eternabond Webseal is applied over all joints and edges, then the liquid rubber is applied over everything.

No, that Kool Seal product is not the same thing. Not even close. 

This is the web address for Liquid Rubber: http://www.epdmcoatings.com/liquid-rubber.html

Hope this helps,

Dave

[John D]

Did you prime the inside/edges of the ply before installing? Or just instal and prime on the trailer?

 

At the edges, how did you water proof that joint between the metal siding and roof? Or does tape just right over the two materials provide a good seal? Whats gimping?

 

[Dave Creu]

Hi John,

Just good ole 3/8" ply from Lowe's, Home Depot, or your favorite lumber yard.

Once installed, the first thing to go down is primer (Zinsser or Kilz water-based), then tape the seams (and edges) with EternaBond Web-Seal, and coat with Liquid Roof or Liquid Rubber from EPDM Coatings. DONE! 

As for the screw heads... They'll be covered by the EternaBond Web-Seal at the joints, but where they are exposed in the field, you simply prime them, and the Liquid Rubber will fill them in nicely.

I've had the roof on for almost 3 years now, and the rig always sits outside, exposed to all weather conditions. It has not cracked, chipped (it can't anyway), or peeled, and there are NO leaks anywhere to be found. The only thing you have to do for maintenance is clean the roof periodically to prevent mold growth. 

Best stuff I have EVER put on a roof, and I was in the construction/remodeling industry for years. I would use it again on any future project without hesitation.

The only real trick that's important is to gimp the edges where the roof panels will meet top-plate of the wall (this is to make for a nice finished seam between the two, and it helps prevent squeaks whilst driving).

There are any number of acceptable ways to construct the roof. Just study the way yours was constructed from the factory, and look for easy ways to improve on it without adding too much weight. For instance, I made my rafters 2" instead of 1-1/4" for extra strength to stand/sit on the roof, and to increase insulation capacity.

Most of all, be creative. If you see a way to make it better, do so. God gave us the ability to figure things out, and it's fun to use that ability in doing honorable work.

If I can be of further assistance, just holler. :)

Best,

Dave

[John D]

Hi Dave. I am about to begin redoing the roof on my 73 Invader and am kind of in the same category as you... work for funds then do some work, and so the cycle continues.

I had thought about doing a plywood roof, but now that I see this I think i am going to take the plunge and do it. I did want to ask a few questions just so I have a good starting point.

3/8 inch plywood, any type? did you seal or waterproof it prior to install.

is there anything on it other then liquid rubber EPDM... no sheets of EPDM or TPO or aluminum, etc?

when working the corners and edges, did you paint-tape-paint or tape then paint? Same with screw/nail holes, did you just tape over them or did you use sealant such as Dicor?

any tips or tricks that might be helpful before I pull my roof up?

thanks

john