The interior roof lining is an element that beautifies the interior of the passenger compartment and contributes to soundproofing, in addition to providing thermal insulation.
The interior of a car suffers significant wear and tear due to continued use of it.. Although all eyes are focused on the seats or the fabric that covers the trunk due to greater friction, The fabric that covers the interior roof of the vehicle also suffers and is weakened by vibrations and friction of heads or merchandise. A deterioration that can lead to different damages.
It is not strange to see how the roof upholstery of older vehicles has tears, small ‘bags’ or falls when peeling off slightly in the central part of it, as well as larger detached parts in the areas of greatest friction. In more extreme cases the entire upholstery can come off. A circumstance that is normal, but that has an easy solution.
Why does the roof of the vehicle come off?
First of all, it must be made clear that If the roof of a car comes off, it does not necessarily have to be due to misuse by the driver and/or passengers.. Although sometimes problems with the headliner do have to do with excess friction from people or cargo, in most cases It is an issue derived from the manufacturing of the vehicle itself and the aging of the materials..
The interior roof of a car has an insulating cardboard that is attached to the metal roof of the vehicle that makes up the body and which, in turn, is upholstered with different types of fabric. The foam and adhesives that join each component lose effectiveness over time. due to temperature changes and vibrations, among other factors. This ultimately translates into the fabric covering is hanging or in a position different from the original, generating an unpleasant visual impression.
The type of fabric used on the roof is usually in line with the upholstery of the seats.
Types of upholstery
One of the factors that also affects whether we can find the roof of our car peeled off is the type and quality of the fabric and/or material used to cover this component. One of the most common materials when upholstering the roof of a car is the so-called ‘foam fabric’, made up of a synthetic fabric that has been specifically designed for this type of applications. With a texture similar to that of felt, it is a very flexible type of fabric.
Other existing options are Alcantara roof coverings., a type of material that is more durable and resistant to wear and tear and is easier to clean, but also more expensive and is usually associated with more complete equipment levels and finishes. Also exist upholstered in artificial leather that do not lose elasticity over time and natural leather. This last type of upholstery is out of use due to its high cost, even if it is a durable material that ages well.
Repair or replace, the question
It is the great unknown that exists when the roof of a car comes off. In general terms, If the damage to the roof covering is small, repair is recommendedalthough you have to have some basic notions. If the damage is larger, the most recommended solution is to replace the entire roofsince nothing can be done against the passage of years and the effects of temperature or humidity on the fabric.
Evidently, Repairing the vehicle’s car upholstery is a cheaper solution than completely replacing it. In both cases it is advisable to consult an expert, since if the roof of the vehicle is glued incorrectly it may come off again or, even if it does not do so, generate vibrations or even noises in the car that can become very annoying when is driving
There are different industrial glue options to repair the roof upholstery of our vehicle.
How much does it cost to repair a peeling car roof?
If we decide to use a professional to repair or reupholster the roof of our car, it is important to know how much this service can cost us. The average price in Spain for upholstering a vehicle (passenger car) is about 140 euros. Logically, this price depends on the type of car, the extent of the damaged fabric, the type of fabric or material used for the upholstery and the workmanship, since there are notable differences between different workshops. There are essential applications to find the best workshop when you travel by car.
In any case, as an estimate and drawing a price range, The amount to upholster a car ranges from 60 to 250 euros.. Logically, if the repair is partial and limited to a small part of the vehicle’s upholstery, the price will be closer to the first figure. For complete roof replacements with upholstery made of high-quality materials, the price can increase until reaching the figure of 250 euros referred to.
Keys to repair the vehicle roof
If you decide to repair the car roof and do it yourself, It seems essential to first know the type of material or fabric with which we are going to work and the most suitable glue for this material.. On specialized platforms there are a multitude of alternatives and different types of glue are even recommended if the removed roof extension is small or larger or if the entire fabric is going to be replaced.
As a generic solution For partial repairs, the use of spray glue is recommended. adapted to each type of material. This type of glue is very easy to apply and does not require specific tools. On the contrary, When you are going to replace the entire fabric, the most convenient thing is to apply glue with a brush.. There are also options for a spray gun, but they require the use of this instrument.
How to repair a car roof and how long it will take
Once you have chosen the type of glue, you must continue Six Steps to Successfully Complete Repair or Replacement of Damaged Headlining:
- Remove the headrests and the folding elements of the trunk, as well as any element fixed to the roof. For convenience, you can even remove some seats, especially the rear ones.
- Soften the car adhesive to see its real condition and check for screws or tacks that secure the ceiling in order to remove them to be able to manipulate the coating.
- Clean the ceiling and remove any dried remains of foam rubber or old glue. It is advisable to degrease the affected area with acetone. The entire process must be done with gloves, masks and protective glasses.
- Apply the glue to the removed upholstery in case of repair or on the entire upholstery in case of replacement. Always apply evenly and according to the instructions for use of the adhesive itself, respecting the waiting time indicated for the glue to be ready.
- Glue the fabric with great care, whether it is a stroke or the entire tapestry. It is recommended to always do it from the center to the ends. to eliminate air pockets.
- Let the glue dry completely. It is a process that can take up to 24 hours.