Plasti-Dip Question

Hey guys. I have never used Plasti-Dip before so I wanted to get some feedback from those that have.

Basically I need to rebuild an enclosure around my fuel oil tank because the one that was there is completely rotted. The sides will be finished with vinyl siding to match my house, and I was going to use roofing shingles for the top (lid) however after some calculations it turns out that the lid would be too heavy to lift.

The lid needs to be able to be lifted for inspection and filling purposes so it cannot be a permanently closed type of roof. To save weight I was thinking of using plasti-dip to coat the 4x8 plywood roof section. Do you think this would provide a waterproof type seal that would remain flexible for when the roof is lifted? Do you have any other ideas for the roof to keep it from rotting but light enough to be lifted by the inspector/oil truck driver?

I appreciate the feedback. Thanks

 

thats what I used last time .. the snow and rain destroyed it in 4 years.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/208857-will-plastidip-adhere-treated-lumber.html

the plastidip has held up fairly well on this bike rack, though am now getting some scratches, down to the wood, in areas due to abrasion. not sure you would encounter this in your particular app. just curious, did you recoat that last cover several times over the 4-year span? of course, a piece of plywood, laying flat, allowing mother nature to fall and rest upon it, is gonna need to be replaced eventually hope this helps.

 

I don't think the plasti-dip will last that long out in the elements. I would rather use the shingles and use a counterweight or spring on the back side of the lid to assist with opening it.

 

Honestly, shingles is really not a bad idea. But maybe go with ashphalt ones rather than wood ones to help save weight.

 

I recoated it 1x at the 2 year mark. I think I will give this a shot. thanks

 

I was thinking along these lines but more of a piston or something similar to those used in the hard tonnau covers. What do you guys think? Any ideas where to get them?

 

Don't use plasti-dip... Go with a Grace product that will self-adhere to the plywood like ice and water shield or another type of sheet waterproofing. Use marine grade plywood as a substrate and it should hold up for a long time. One thing to check when using sheet waterproofing is to get something that is ok to be in direct sunlight as most are meant to be covered.

One idea would be a heavy grade plastic and ahere it to the plywood. Some poly's used as vapor retarders under concrete slabs are very tough. One product that comes to mind is made by Stego.

Have you considered another type of material such as Lexan or one of those manufactured wood-look products that are actually plastic? They won't rot, don't require a coating and are available at Home Depot or Lowes.

Have you also considered putting the roof higher up so it wouldn't require a hinge? Does it have to be completely enclosed or can you put the roof say 3' higher to allow easy access to the fill tube?

Another option would be to shingle it and get a helper strut to make it easier to lift.

 

The helper strut is a great idea .. any idea where to get one?

 

Not sure... I just googled it and found a bunch for sale on Amazon

$26 Suspa C16-08054 C1608054 20" Gas Prop, Quantity (2), Force 100 Lbs Per Prop, Force Per Set 200 Lbs, Camper Rear Window, Tonneau Cover Lift Supports, Window Lift Support, Made in USA

http://www.amazon.com/SUSPA%C2%AE-Spring-Strut-Shock-C16-08054/dp/B0041EBSX4/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1346422778&sr=1-1&keywords=lift+struts

Those seem to be for a hood lift system but you might be able to find a heavier duty model somewhere or maybe the 100 lbs helper would be enough. I'm not sure how you go about sizing them for that application.

EDIT: Check this out!
http://www.strutwise.com/

 

Why not just ditch the plywood and do a lightweight aluminum frame with corrugated polycarbonate sheets for the roof?

 

because I never thought about that! Thanks!!!!

 

I would suggest corrugated aluminum roofing. I used that for an emergency generator enclosure. The wood frame of the hinged roof is so heavy, tho, that I had to add counter weights. A lightweight metal frame might work for you.

 

We are only using a 4'x8' size, so I think a wooden frame using 2x4 wouldnt be too bad if we go with the aluminum roof. I just home Depot or Lowes stocks that stuff

 

Every now and then I come up with a good idea...

 

I just found this:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_96189-28906..._source=RatingsAndReviews&utm_content=Default


thanks guys. This is perfect!