Roof repair, replace or fill

[KGHale]

A question please for all the technical experts on the forum.

I need to have a repair carried out on my Elddis roof to remove/repair dents and long crease (no idea how it occurred, honestly). It is an insurance claim, but I want to keep to a minimum the disruption and integrity of the roof structure. The work will be carried out by my Elddis dealer so I believe this will not invalidate any warranty, but I intend to check this with Elddis. The van is six months old. I believe the aluminium roof panel is not bonded to any roof backing.

If the roof panel is replaced all rooflight's and vents,(4 No), gas flue and TV antennae, side trims etc have to be removed and re-fixed, side trims re-fixed and re-sealed etc., meaning the factory sealed integrity of the roof structure will be disrupted.

If the dents and crease are filled, no other part/integrity of the structure will be affected.

I prefer the replacement roof due to the age of the van, but this requites a lot of stripping off and re fixing and the possibility of problems due to the work at a later date. I appreciate that if problems occur I might be able to go back and have any necessary repair work carried out, but obviously I would have to prove that the problem was due to the roof repair work.

My concern with the filling method is two fold. As the aluminium roof is detached from its backing it must flex in travelling. Are modern fillers able to withstand such flexing, will the filling material loosen and show cracks around the edges of the filling? Will the filling in and re-spray have any detrimental affect on the value of the van if I want to trade it in.

Any help and guidance on which avenue to go down would be much appreciated.

 

[Icemaker]

As the van is so young i would definately let the dealer carry out the work, you never know there may be damage to the structure underneath the skin if the dints are big enough to require work. if the roof on elddis vans is as poor as it was on my ace then the amount of flexing would definately crack any filler.

 

[vauxhall2]

replacement is the only way to go.the work is warrantied to the insurance company for so long.eg.12 months.

 

[ThePlotter]

I am no expert but I would be very suprised if filler worked and if anything would invalidate the warranty I think that would.I had to have a complete new roof on my last van an Abbey which I admit was done at the factory but I defy anyone to tell the difference.I wonder if with a roof they do the same as side panels and fit the new one on top of the old if so this would help with flexing and I guess improve its strength and integrity and its ability to keep out water.

 

[KGHale]

Many thanks for all your comments and advice. I intend to stick to my original thoughts and have the roof panel replaced.

I can confirm that as the work will be carried out by an Elddis dealer there is no problem with warranty, and also the roof skin has to be replaced, Elddis will not accept a new skin being placed over the original.