Roof damage from flexible panel?

[Ron in BC]

I removed my flexible panel in preparation for the installation of my larger bifacial panel.

Lots of threads and comments about a flexible panel cooking and cracking the gelcoat. Maybe one that cooks full time in Texas sun but mine, with a fair amount of Southern sun has no damage after 5 years.

The panel surface has whitened and doesn't look all that good but the output doesn't seem to have fallen off. It's new life will be as a portable panel.

Now, to figure out how to remove the EternaBond residue. Strange stuff. Holds super well with no signs of deterioration. The adhesive is still soft and pliable. The residue is sort of like bubble gum. I was surprised that acetone didn't touch it. Scraping works but it's slow. Further research required. I could just leave the tape in place as it's covered by the new panel but I'd rather not.

Ron

 

[GinoandLinda]

Might try Rapid Remover https://www.amazon.com/Rapid-Remove...N0PqqeAEId-lscwl_tU-2LLW_foaApQLEALw_wcB&th=1

Worked really well on all kinds of residue, both sticky and hardened when we restored the finish on our old Rpod

 

[Ron in BC]

I discovered that plain old Varsol works quite well. It actually softens the residue and it rubs clean. The biggest job is getting the bulk of the adhesive scraped off first. 1 side done and 3 to go.

Ron

 

[iamunique127]

For sticky stuff I usually start with GooGone of one type or another. I've recently tried the gel and it doesn't run off of vertical surfaces which can be handy.

When removing vehicle badges I've used WD-40 and a heat gun on low. That worked well on the tape they use for those badges, edging, etc.

 

[Peony]

Once you have the bulk of it off, you can also try using duct tape to remove the residue.

 

[Mark B1]

I removed my flexible panel in preparation for the installation of my larger bifacial panel.

Lots of threads and comments about a flexible panel cooking and cracking the gelcoat. Maybe one that cooks full time in Texas sun but mine, with a fair amount of Southern sun has no damage after 5 years.

Now, to figure out how to remove the EternaBond residue. Strange stuff.
Ron

That good to hear. I hope that if I ever have to remove mine the VHB tape I used will be easier to deal with than EternaBond. As 3M actually sells an eraser wheel you put in your drill to take of the VHB tape residue it should be easy.

 

[Ron in BC]

T

As 3M actually sells an eraser wheel you put in your drill to take of the VHB tape residue it should be easy.

Sounds like a dream compared to removing the EternaBond adhesive. Funny, none of the YouTube videos quite matched my experience.

They do mention using a hair dryer to pull off the top white vinyl layer but that's almost the easy part. Ended up using a razor sharp chisel to slice most of it off and then Varsol and a scrubbie on the residue. But sticky almost doesn't cover it. My wife just informed me that I have to remove the stickiness from the garage door handle.

Ron