Chemtool Fire damages RV Roof

[86GT2r]

I have a 2017 Impact 361 that is stored approx 1/2 mile from the Chemtool fire.
Finally we were allowed to access our RV to check for damage. What we found was what appear to be oil spots all over the entire roof. I rubbed my gloved finger on a few of the spots & it didn't really smear; the oil appears to have soaked into the membrane. I talked to my insurance agent & he suggested taking to my dealer for evaluation. I know petroleum distillates are bad for the roof. Should I try to clean it and if so, what would you recommend? Please share your thoughts on cleaning vs. dealer (insurance) evaluation.
I just washed the entire RV 3 weeks ago
I live about 4 miles from the site of the fire and we had lots of debris in our yard.
May God Bless our Firefighters

[chuckster57]

If I tried anything, I would think simple green or super Kleen. You would want to test a small area first. I work on autos on the side, and I use Castrol Super Kleen to clean greasy dirty parts. It is strong and will dry the oils out of my hands so you may want to dilute it. I have used simple green but find it too weak for my needs. I’m sure others will have some input.

[sourdough]

Is there a reason you don't want insurance to cover what appears to be possible damage? Once you embark on a "homeowner" resolution without professional direction the end result will be in your lap.

[notanlines]

What Danny said! You need to let YOUR insurance deal with this AND let them deal with the main insurance company, NOT you!
I expect that substance on the roof will also be found other places on your RV.

[flybouy]

Agree with above. Even with a high deductanle it's cheaper than possihly having a ruined roof in a year or two and it's too late to claim.

[wiredgeorge]

Is it my poor eyesight but the roof appeared pitted from some of the brown stuff that fell on it?

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

Is it my poor eyesight but the roof appeared pitted from some of the brown stuff that fell on it?

It's hard to tell to me but I wouldn't be surprised. Chemtool makes some heavy duty stuff that you REALLY don't want on an RV roof.

[86GT2r]

Thanks for the responses, I am going to submit this to my insurance.
I don’t believe there is pitting in the roof, I didn’t notice any anyway.
There is oil/grease dripping down the front cap and a few spots on the sides. All in all a nice mess.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by sourdough

It's hard to tell to me but I wouldn't be surprised. Chemtool makes some heavy duty stuff that you REALLY don't want on an RV roof.

I buy a five gallon bucket (not exactly sure if there is five gallons in it) every year or two of Chemtool carb cleaner dip. If carburetor bodies are gunked up with old dried oil/grease it breaks it up. I can't use the stuff on carburetors with rubber seals as it ruins the seals; they would eventually dissolve if left in that stuff. The current Chemtool formula is not nearly as strong as it once was but it is my understanding that they were having 5 gallon tubs of the stuff blow up in transit from high outside temps. The old stuff was REALLY strong. They ship these things with tabs that are pressed over the edge to keep them from popping.

[jasin1]

Originally Posted by 86GT2r

Thanks for the responses, I am going to submit this to my insurance.
I don’t believe there is pitting in the roof, I didn’t notice any anyway.
There is oil/grease dripping down the front cap and a few spots on the sides. All in all a nice mess.

When you talk to your insurance company I wouldn’t down play the damage..I’d show it to them and let the adjuster make the determination of value,only because while it may look superficial to you,in the long run it may be worse then you think.

[dutchmensport]

Originally Posted by jasin1

When you talk to your insurance company I wouldn’t down play the damage..I’d show it to them and let the adjuster make the determination of value,only because while it may look superficial to you,in the long run it may be worse then you think.

Agree 100% with this. A few years ago we experienced flooding in our house (on a concrete slab). Snow piled up around the house and when it melted, it had no where to go, except in the door. We met all the qualifications for flood insurance to help.

All we wanted was a new carpet on the bottom living room (36 feet long by 24 feet wide (large room). Adjuster came out and did his thing. When it was over, we received $25,000 for all the damage from that episode. The water weeped up the walls, ruined the insulation, paneling, trim, and even the electric outlets. Water ran in the bed room (although no carpet) and ruined walls in there too, and killed a couple of our electric base board heaters. We were shocked at the end result!

We got everything 100% remodeled. I did 100% of the work, and just the cost of materials exceeded the $25,000. I think we dumped another $5,000 into the cost of materials to fix and replace and rebuild and restore from the unseen damage .... until I actually got into the walls, wiring, and everything else.

So yea, I strongly advise letting your insurance adjuster do an evaluation before anything else happens. The most you can do is say, "no" I don't want to accept the claim! Nothing lost, nothing gained then.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

I buy a five gallon bucket (not exactly sure if there is five gallons in it) every year or two of Chemtool carb cleaner dip. If carburetor bodies are gunked up with old dried oil/grease it breaks it up. I can't use the stuff on carburetors with rubber seals as it ruins the seals; they would eventually dissolve if left in that stuff. The current Chemtool formula is not nearly as strong as it once was but it is my understanding that they were having 5 gallon tubs of the stuff blow up in transit from high outside temps. The old stuff was REALLY strong. They ship these things with tabs that are pressed over the edge to keep them from popping.

You are right on the above. I used to use it all time cleaning parts when rebuilding a vehicle. The old stuff would flat strip things off; used a basket and just submerged them. First time I got the "new" formula I thought I got the wrong thing but nope, new formula to keep us all safe I guess.

[NH_Bulldog]

I would file an insurance claim and let the insurance subrogate against ChemTool. Your roof likely came with a 10 year warranty but that is null and void now because of the chemical fallout.

[hankpage]

If your insurance goes after Chem Tool they should recover your deductible also. Let their lawyers work for you. I'm sure your trailer was not the only one damaged. JM2¢, Hank

[86GT2r]

Insurance adjuster evaluated the damage last Thursday. Now waiting to hear the outcome. I doubt I will recover my deductible as my insurance can’t get ahold of anyone at Chemtool.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by 86GT2r

Insurance adjuster evaluated the damage last Thursday. Now waiting to hear the outcome. I doubt I will recover my deductible as my insurance can’t get ahold of anyone at Chemtool.

An insurance company would not use phone calls but would send a registered letter with signature requirement to:


Corporate Technology Center
801 West Rockton Road
Rockton, IL 61072
USA
Phone: 815-957-4140

[notanlines]

Wanna bet Geico could get ahold of Chemtool’s insurance company? Wouldn’t be a problem. I’m curious how you even know this. Who are you insured with?

[86GT2r]

Originally Posted by notanlines

Wanna bet Geico could get ahold of Chemtool’s insurance company? Wouldn’t be a problem. I’m curious how you even know this. Who are you insured with?

Progressive.

[Sarge2]

Gotta Go with the FLO.... LOL... Sorry...

[notanlines]

I should have expounded a little with my post. I'm curious who in a large insurance company would call you and tell you that they can't find out who the company's carrier is. Any chance this was just your agent blowing you off and not wanting to go through the rest of the red tape?
On edit: "If you suspect that your property has been damaged or your health has been compromised due to the Rockton Chemtool blast, call our law office today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation. Let us begin protecting your rights today."
If Rosenfeld Attorneys can find this info I can assure you Progressive can. too.