How do you protect a soft top roof?
A fabric convertible roof should be regularly treated with a purpose made weather-proofer, which is a hydrophobic coating for fabrics, which also contains mould inhibitors.
These sealants waterproof the fabric, repelling water and preventing it from remaining wet and soggy. They will also contain chemicals to inhibit the growth of lichen, algae and moss.
Organic matter growing on your roof doesn't actually do much damage to the hood, even though it looks awful. It is dirt and grit in the fibres that cause wear, so it's essential that your hood is properly cleaned before application of a weather-proofer.
Hood cleaning kits which contain a weather proofer are easily available from manufacturers such as AutoGlym, Pro-Kleen and Auto Finesse, however our favourite product is Renovo Ultra Proofer and is the choice of most professionals and convertible roof specialists.
As these treatments are waterproof, it is essential to only apply them to a dry hood. So ensure your roof is thoroughly dried before application.
Many of these products come in a spray bottle, which we do not recommend using. It is important to fully wet the fabric and make sure it soaks through all the fibres, so it is better to decant the hood protector into a container and apply it with a brush. This ensures you brush it in, and it doesn't just sit on top of the hood. Brushing allows for a much more even coat and is less messy on a windy day.
It is also important to let it get wet before the coating is thoroughly dried, so don't apply it on a day that looks like rain.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 22/04/2024 16:14