Your description is indicative of UV damage often found on fiberglass boats, that have been constantly exposed to the sunlight for decades. As the surfacing gell coating is broken down, it is sloughed off and eroded, exposing the underlaying glass fibers and laminating resin. As these are then in turn damaged, the layup become porous and weak. An eight year old trailer stored inside, should certainly not be suffering this same experience. This result would likely argue, that the initial construction was poorly effected. I can't recommend your best legal advice, but if you do like the trailer, a resolution can be implemented. The exterior fiberglass can be recovered with FRP products that will restore the surface to a better than new condition. This is a fairly common procedure, accomplished in the marine industry and can be sourced at many boat yards. The material costs are not unreasonable, but the labour can be significant, depending upon the hourly rate being charged. Finding a person familiar with FRP repairs, that works a season job and is willing to pick up some side jobs, would be the way to go. The repairs could be effected in your yard. It would take a day to apply the products and a day to finish them smooth. When they are recoated, you would then have a roof that would last as long as your trailer. There is an easier and less expensive way to fix your leaking problem, if the strength of the present roof is not compromised. The application of an elastomeric coating would completely seal the roof from any leaks. If you know how to paint a wall using a roller, you can surface coat the roof as a DIY project. You clean and slightly abrade the surface, mask off the perimiter and areas not being coated, and perform a "roller derby". A broom handle, roller and cover, a large chip brush and you're ready to go. The most difficult process is lifting the five gallon buckets onto the roof; they're heavy. You can make your trailer serviceable again. Fiberglass repairs may cost ~$1000, the rubber coating, a quarter of that. BOL |