[Toolmaster]

A friend has an old trailer and wants me to renovate the whole thing starting with the roof. Tin roof, not sure whats under it, looks like its on a 2 pitch or less. They want to take off the tin and put on plywood and shingles. A friend is telling me just to put the plywood right on top of the tin. Im looking for suggestions since I have not really worked on trailers before.

 

[Bob Mariani]

you will have no structure to support the wood roof of any sort. Best is to replace or repair or use roof mastic which is made for these trailers. A trailer does not share any of the materials or methods found in a house.

 

[Toolmaster]

I was thinking of taking off the tin and checking the current roof system. When I went inside the tralier, some of the ceiling panels had water damage, from what I can tell its wood up there just 2x2 ceiling joists couldn't see the rafters. There is a 2x4 wall running all the way through the trailer looks load bearing, all the other walls are the classic 2x2 trailer walls I hear of. Once I check out the current roof system, I would use that 2x4 wall to brace off of, for anything new. You think that will work.

 

[Bob Mariani]

A trailer roof is rounded, how will you frame that with wood? Surely it can be done, but not the correct way to do it. A lot of these trailers have 2" aluminum channel for the roof structure. You will need to try to see what you have to deal with. Is this trailer something that will be set permanently on a private lot? If so, you may just build a roof over it which can then serve as a porch roof also.

 

[Toolmaster]

The trailer has been on this property for years, the friend I am doing it for grew up in it. She doesnt want to demolish it because of sentimental value. Also trying to save her some money on material. Thanks for the input, I guess I just have to play with it and see what I come up with. I also wanted to see if I was right about putting plywood over the tin would hold up, I didn't think it would.

 

[Bob Mariani]

Check out boat repair. You could just fiber glass the top. Boats do not leak either.

 

[NJ Brickie]

I might not be correct but a roof with that small of a pitch should not be shingled. Maybe use lo-slope?

 

[Thurman]

We used the method Bob suggested when my Dad's mobile home started having a roof leak. After doing the cost estimates for a complete re-roof and seal of the trailer compared to building a new structure such as a pole barn over the entire unit, we went with the pole barn type structure. We brought the new structure out enough to provide a carport to park under, added a porch on one side, the new structure was wider than the old unit so it provided more shade, and the new roof kept the sun off of the unit for an additional cooling factor. Think about a few years from now when figuring in this cost investment, it will be worth it. Thanks, David

 

[Bondo]

If so, you may just build a roof over it which can then serve as a porch roof also.

Ayuh,.. I agree,... The polebarn roof is all Pluses once you get by the cost...
It saves the trailer,+ you can get all the under roof protection you want to build....