Checking the Roof

[Hans627]

I have never been on the roof of my 2009 Int. I don't have any leaks but I've had it for two years now and was curious if I should climb up there and check the sealant around vents etc.

Is this a good practice and how often should it be done? Can you actually get on the roof with out causing damage?

Thanks for any suggestions.

[PharmGeek]

I weigh 155 lbs ....

If get up there twice a year and check everything out and wash etc

I know where the frame is and where to walk and am very careful and take my time

If I were "heavy" I think I'd be more nervous

Probably many should not get up there arguably?

If a person steps off the write place and into the wrong - doing so would be very easy - could do some real damage

[AWCHIEF]

Absolutely the roof should be regulary inspected. Try to stay on the rivet lines and off the end caps.

[malinois38]

You can lean a padded ladder on the side and get to most of the roof area. If you do go up, keep all weight (knees/hands) on rivet lines and wear shoes that will NOT slip.
Now, here is one I learned the hard way...DO NOT lean any weight on your very brittle A/C cover or your hand could go right through it....
Having said that, I go up yearly and take a spray wax with me and clean off any dirt/mold and wax at the same time while inspecting sealants around everything. Did I mention not to lean on the A/C vent at all...It looks so tempting to just lean for a second or two, don't do it. The A/C vent cover gets very brittle from the sun.
I actually have to seal my refrigerator vent cover tomorrow and will seal the heat shield while I am motivated. Two good places you should inspect! This job will be done from a ladder, not the roof. Easy to access from the side and I work better when standing than kneeling.
Some people have built a carpeted board that links between rivet lines (frame supports). That sounds good for the knees, but I have not put one together yet.
Good luck and remember to take all your tools/sealants with you the first time

[Ted S.]

Any issues with walking on a ducted air model?

[PharmGeek]

Originally Posted by Ted S.

Any issues with walking on a ducted air model?

I had that same question in another thread

I was told it is the same concerns

[brokeboater]

When I bought my first Airstream I treated myself to a 12' fiberglass step ladder. It was one of my smartest moves. I can get to most anything on an Airstream roof from that ladder without leaning anything, padded or not, on the Airstream. That said, I weigh about 215#, BAN, and have no problem walking on the roof as long as I stick to the rivet lines that have a frame member under them. I removed and reinstalled my air conditioner unit while walking around up there with no damage. I'm pretty sure there are a couple of rivet lines running for and aft, and maybe one or two athwart, that have no supporting member under them. Don't go anywhere near an end cap. Once one of those is rumpled, it's always rumpled. End caps are the most dangerous spot to work around.

[Ruffn It]

Like walking in an attic - put a board down that spans the width of the rivet lines and you'll have even less worry. As long as you don't let the board slip and scratch the clear coat on the way up / down etc.

Also:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lofcdz7odDk