Roof Protection

K

Kar

Member
I have read a bit about this...and have cleaned the roof with turtle wax roof cleaner and then the conditioner.
Some say that the roof should then bead after rain, but this has not been the case as the rain seems to be absorbed by the fabric....is this ok? Or should I try another product? Is the roof affected by extreme weather...ie heavy rain...frost ...snow or should the car ideally be garaged over winter when ever possible...the car is ten years old and I'm not sure on the replacement costs of the roof....so this is why I want to look after it the best I can.....thanks :(
 
Hi Ker. I used the Autoglym 2 part product on our 54 plate and it worked well if you follow the instructions and take the time. Nice beading when it's washed and rains now.
 
Sorry KAR, here is the product, http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_185456_langId_-1_categoryId_255236
Bought our car last August and it has stood out all winter with no problems. Just use Autoglym shampoo once a month to help it.
 
I've been using autoglym also had better results cleaning with a soft brush than the sponge provided. Also when you apply the protector it's better to do it out of the Sun and dry overnight found better results getting some serious beading action! :thumbsup:
 
I think there has been a few threads on this. Many say you don't need to 'proof it'
I suspect someone with more knowledge than me (relative newbie) will be along soon.
That said, I use the AutoGlym 2 product mix. Seems to work well and easy to keep roof clean & it 'beads up'

However I believe the roof is in 3 layers, the outer one is porous.
It's the middle one that is the waterproof membrane
Obviously third one is that you see inside the car
Hope this helps
 
Another +1 for the autoglym set, the sponge they give you in the set is very good for cleaning the hood. The protectant does bead very nice and seems to last a decent amount of time.

I think one of the autoglyms advantages is its ease of use.

Another product I want to try on my roof is gtechniq I1, that stuff looks pretty good as a protectant.
 
Lots of debate has been had about this... The roof is designed to be porous, so it's not strictly necessary to use anything. The AG kit is what I use on mine - it does a good job of cleaning and the protectant beads up nicely, though it's not a sealant so will eventually soak through if the roof gets wet enough. I believe it also offers some protection against UV / fading. As I understand it the big no-no is using sealant that will prevent any water at all getting through.

One tip though - use some big dust sheets from B&Q to cover the windows and paintwork when using the protectant because if you get it on either it's a right bitch to get off...
 
Anyone in SW London / Surrey want to chip in the 3 for 2 offer at Halfords on the AG Roof cleaning kits?

I dont usually shop at Halfords but if we could get them for £14.66 each instead of £21.99 then that is a great price.

Let me know

Ash
 
Should have said... If you can garage the car that would be best - not just to protect the roof itself (though really it will be fine), but to protect the roof motor from water ingress. When it fails it can cost up to £700 to fix :cry:

You should really check the drain holes for the roof and ensure they're clear - lots of threads on this, do a search in the e85/86 how-to and problems sections.
 
Anyone know if I can buy the treatment section of the AutGlym set on it's own - I've got lots of the roof cleaner left but need some of the treatment. Have only been able to find the kits with both.

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
Never seen it Paul - none on eBay ?

I had the same problem but got lucky - inkey$ had his kit left from his roadie days and donated it to me last week :D
 
Bing said:
Should have said... If you can garage the car that would be best - not just to protect the roof itself (though really it will be fine), but to protect the roof motor from water ingress. When it fails it can cost up to £700 to fix :cry:

You should really check the drain holes for the roof and ensure they're clear - lots of threads on this, do a search in the e85/86 how-to and problems sections.
Click to expand...


Thanks bing ...read up on roof drainage already....seems straight forward to check and clean....my main concern was the longevity of the roof.
 
Keep on top of it, autoglym and renovo regularly with plenty of warm water. My roofs generally in excellent condition and I don't have any fold marks or faded patches thanks to that.

I try to wash the roof every couple of weeks, one time with renovo the next with autoglym, use warm water before and after, take your time on it and sponge it off with a big yellow car sponge and running water from a hose if possible.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk.
 
This is my previous reply from the last thread on the roof:

Ste said:
The best bet seems to be keeping on top of it, regular cleaning. Where possible I try to give the roof a good seeing too every 2-3 weeks, one time with the Autoglym cabriolet kit alone, the next with renovo too. You might not have it looking perfect in one wash, but keep at it and you'll see regular improvements/maintaining.

With the Autoglym kit, give it a good wash with warm water first, then go to town on the roof with the cleaner and sponge. Focus on a bit at a time, being generous with the spray, and really working it into the fabric, On bits where there's visible mildew/green marks use the edges or corners of the sponge and be a bit more aggresive with it, which will remove surface mildew in itself and get the cleaner into the rest of it. Bits to focus on are the edges by the window, and the bottom as it goes into the car, which usually require some aggresive scrubbing with the AG sponge. Focus on small bits of the roof at a time, which will allow the rest to soak in nicely, and then wash off with a hosepipe. I like to use a clean big car sponge whilst washing off with the hosepipe, to help remove the cleaner, and give it a last clean as you go. Once its clean, dry with a microfibre/drying cloth, and apply the AG protector, dont be afraid to use another microfibre cloth to work the protector into the fabric and make sure you're covering everywhere (by the windows may be hard to spray properly, so spray on a cloth and work into the edges).

As for the renovo stuff, I pour into a small plastic container and paint onto the entire hood with a paintbrush, between the AG cleaner and the protector.
Click to expand...

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk.
 
Silly question now! Does the sealer have to dry completely to be effective.....ie spray on ...sponge on ...and just leave to dry el natural? :(
 
I usually dry with a microfibre cloth and dry sponge before applying the protector, but its usually still fairly damp, don't think it'll matter much either way.
 
The AG instructions say the roof should still be 'damp' when you put the protectant on, then let it dry before getting it wet again... If that makes sense :D
 
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