droopy ceiling - what is above?

[Lise]

We have a 1993 Winnebago Brave with the dreaded droopy vinyl ceiling. I do not want to think of removing all that black messy foam so was wondering what is above that? Would it be plywood or tin? I was thinking of just putting a 1/8" hardboard covered with a white, vinyl wallpaper right over that vinyl and foam to and around the cupboads with a 1/4 round trim or whatever trim would fit at the edges. I don't want to remove the cupboards because the ceiling is still good inside there and I don't like removing/re-attaching screws in wood. Especially 20 yr old wood! Is there a reason this covered hardboard would be a bad idea? I've looked through the post to see if this topic had been covered and didn't see anything, but sorry if it's a repeat. Thanks for any help.

[plockit007]

Hi The best thing I would recommend is to replace what has been damaged.


It takes time but don't cover it. I have a 1975  Chieftain so I have fiber board then plywood then tin for the roof.

[Lise]

There no real 'damage' to the ceiling, it's only cosmetic. It seems to be a flaw with these 'padded' ceilings that, with age, the vinyl separates from the foam backing, stretches and droops down. The reason I was thinking to leave it all there and cover with hardboard (besides the work and the enormous expense of $5,000 to replace) is that the existing vinyl and foam would also serve as a form ceiling insulation, would it not?

[Rickf1985]

There is very, very little insulation value there, if any at all. If you take the vinyl down you will find a luan ceiling that if you carefully scrape off the foam looks pretty good as is. On mine it is also falling down in places and it is not even stuck to the ceiling board. This is the same thing that happens with the headliner in older cars, the foam degrades and dries out and that is it. Another reason there would not be any insulation value. All it would do is hold moisture and that would be bad.

[Lise]

By luan ceiling, do you mean like a wood? Google shows me something like the underlay board for linoleum, which sorta looks like untreated veneer. I could live with that. Do you have suggestions on a glue remover for that foam? I don't imagine she'll give it up too easily.  BTW thanks for the reply.

[TerryH]

This is a fairly common problem in both boats and RVs that use this vinyl product. I had a 44' boat where the previous owner had replaced it throughout, about 15 years ago for over $9000.
My brave has the same issue and I intend to deal with it over the winter for under $300.
This is the product I will use directly over the existing:
https://www.coroplast.com/
I used it on the ceiling of my cargo trailer a couple of years ago and it still looks like new. I use the trailer for tool storage and a small work shop and I smoke in it. Believe it or not, it does not nicotine stain. I also used a couple of pieces on my fridge doors for the door panels and it is great. Any finger prints, etc. wipe clean.
The natural polymer is inert, safe, and stated as food safe.
Cuts easily with an Olfa knife (box cutter).
Comes in numerous colors, 4 x 8 sheets. I bought mine from a sign shop - they bring it in by the case and if you deal with the owner for cash you should do far better than the big box stores. I paid $18 per sheet.
For my RV I will be using 4' wide (fits between the steel roof ribs) and split in the centre with a 6" wood strip front to back and 1 1/2" wood batten strips for the joints and ends. Reason for the 6" is to both make the panels easier to deal with and to move, add and mount the interior lights.
With creative staining and choosing the grain of the wood it can be difficult to tell it is not Oak. All of the wood will be run thru the planer to 1/4" thick to cut down on weight and because I feel it will look better. The only visible fastenings will be thru the wood, allowing the panels to freely expand/contract. Fasteners will be covered with wood plugs.
The Coroplast itself is very light, 4mm thick and double walled. The six sheets I need can be carried with one hand.
If you are interested and would like more info let me know.

[Rickf1985]

I use the same stuff for target backers. lasts forever. I prefer to go around after election day and gather up all the campaign signs. The politicians certainly don't do it. And it gives me a feeling of satisfaction filling the democratic signs full of holes. :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao


Sorry Terry, Kinda wandered a bit when you showed that stuff. W%

[Lise]

I am definitely interested in more information on your use of Coreplast! I use it for all kinds of things around the house and it never entered my mind to use for this! What will you use to cover the seams between the sheets? For some reason I can't picture the 6" wood going from front to back with the sheets going from side to side? If you have pictures or plans that would be really helpful. Thanks for any information!

[TerryH]

I can do up a couple of drawings for you with details to follow. Are you familiar with blueprints, particularly a reflected ceiling plan? If not I can do an abstract, sometimes easier to visualize.
Give me a couple of days.
I have and occasionally enjoy having the excuse  of being old.
One large reason for me wanting to go over the top of existing is that I live in mine and from what I've read from those who have done it, scraping the old foam off is extremely difficult, messy and intrusive.

[fasteddie313]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiejAhol4Ps

Chloroplast pull behind bicycle camper..
Used campaign signs..
Pretty cool

[Lise]

TerryH  my exact reason for not wanting to scrape the foam. I Youtubed the process and it wasn't pretty! We are up in age as well so a simple drawing would be better for us and others looking for an answer to this problem as well. Also, you should youtube your installation....you'd be an instant hit!

[Lise]

fasteddie313, what a great idea! So innovative!