Roof not completely watertight in heavy rain - suggestions?

Pat and Babs · Post by **Pat and Babs** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:16 am

A second hand elevating roof canvas was fitted at time of purchase as original torn. We kept an eye on watertightness (in moderate conditions) and all seemed OK until we experienced heavy, driving rain last weekend. Water seeped up the interior of the canvas (both sides) where canvas is fixed to the vehicle. Any suggestions to solve this problem or is it a glitch that tends to occur in exceptionally wet and windy conditions? We're newbies to bongoing and loving it! Pat and Babs.

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:20 am

Welcome Pat & babs,all i can think of is the usual solution of silicon sealant off the top of my head....

Are you sure it's been fitted correctly? Or is it more a case of an even more dodgy canvas being fitted than the original?

No chance of getting the original seller to sort it?

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:27 am

bigdaddycain wrote:Welcome Pat & babs,all i can think of is the usual solution of silicon sealant off the top of my head....

Strange place to get silicone sealant from

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:37 am

missfixit70 wrote:
bigdaddycain wrote:Welcome Pat & babs,all i can think of is the usual solution of silicon sealant off the top of my head....
Strange place to get silicone sealant from

I have strange tubes of hats kirsty...

oglivy0 · Post by **oglivy0** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:38 am

If the water is coming through the seal to the roof,you will have to remove and reseal for a permanent cure.If its coming through the canvas/nylon,you can buy some excellent water proofer from any good caravan/camping shop,its like water and you just brush it on,when its dry the canvas will look like new.Half a gallon is plenty for a couple of coats as it covers really well.Its not expensive either.

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:44 am

Have you used some of the waterproofing on your freetop ogilvy?

oglivy0 · Post by **oglivy0** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:23 am

bigdaddycain wrote:Have you used some of the waterproofing on your freetop ogilvy?

I have not used it on our roof but i have used it on my sisters peugeot camper on tents and on my jacket,i think they are all more or less the same material,if your worried try some on your old roof or on a small area.I will use it on our top with confidence.I just read the can and its called Granger Fabsil for tents and awnings synthetic and canvas,sails,deckchairs ect.etc..

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:29 am

Sounds good...I'll remember that if i ever develop a leak...

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:31 am

Aren't all the roof tents plasticised/vinyl outer rather than canvas tent/awning material? I don't know how effective or damaging waterproofer may be on them

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:32 am

bigdaddycain wrote:Sounds good...I'll remember that if i ever develop a leak...

You'll be alright Ste you've got that supply of sealant in the top of your head

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:35 am

Of course!

Pat and Babs · Post by **Pat and Babs** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 10:04 am

What a lovely lot you are - replies and suggestions already arriving!

Will get some Granger Fabsil and waterproof interior (double coat) - it is a vinyl/plasticised roof of course (not canvas!!). Sounds like roof needs re-fitting and re-sealing with silicon sealant. Will have a word with the original seller and see if they will sort it out.

We're in the Lake District - not due to return until late Saturday night on the weekend of the Southern Softies bash so will miss the opportunity of getting 'advice from the boys' on that occasion. May try to get back a day earlier as it would be really nice to meet up with other bongonauts let alone meet a supreme being!!

Thanks again, folks.
Pat and Babs.

You've Been Bongod · Post by **You've Been Bongod** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 5:58 pm

hi Pat and Babs

welcome to the mad house

you could always do as Harry did at Buxton and park under a gazeebo

you've been bongod

Manny · Post by **Manny** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 7:37 pm

Hi Pat and Babs

Sorry to hear of your roof problem. I saw you had the roof up today when I went passed and thought you were probably drying out after the weather we have had. If its any help you can come and have a look at my roof. You know where we are. I think mine is ok but it has not been put to the test yet as when we had really bad weather in Cornwall it was very windy so we left the roof down and slept in the Khyam.

Manny

oglivy0 · Post by **oglivy0** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 7:48 pm

missfixit70 wrote:Aren't all the roof tents plasticised/vinyl outer rather than canvas tent/awning material? I don't know how effective or damaging waterproofer may be on them

Well it's either try something or fit a new one.

Roof not completely watertight in heavy rain - suggestions?

Roof not completely watertight in heavy rain - suggestions?

leaky top

Roof

What a lovely lot you are .....

roof not compleatly

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