In this article, we will guide you in repairing a car roof lining or headliner.
Steering wheel? Check! Floor mats? Check! Seat covers? Check! But when was the last time you checked and cleaned your roof lining? It is a fabric-covered material that runs along with the interior of the roof of your car.
Roof lining also provides aesthetics, soundproofing, and of course insulation. It is probably the most overlooked part of your car because you rarely look at it. You may not notice it until it is dirty, sagging, or worse if it is falling apart. Don’t panic because repairing car roof lining is fast and easy!
1. What Can Cause a Sagging Car Headliner?
The roof lining or sometimes called a headliner or roof liner deteriorates for a few different reasons such as:
Wear and Tear – Every year, your car develops interior flaws such as the sagging of the roof lining. As our cars age, the roof lining becomes loose and eventually drops down.
Adhesive – The adhesive or polyurethane breaks down naturally over the years. The material inside the car ages over time until it finally breaks down causing a saggy or torn roof lining.
Weather – Excessive sun exposure can cause a discolored and sagging car headliner or roof liner. Our car is exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays from intense sunlight that bleaches the materials of your interior. So it is important that you know how to protect your car from the sun.
Likewise, excess moisture can quicken the adhesive’s breakdown.
Excessive sun exposure can cause a discolored and sagging car headliner. Likewise, excess moisture can quicken the adhesive’s breakdown.
2. Proven Methods on Repairing Car Roof Linings
Every car owner should learn repairing car roof lining using the right tools, and products. With a little patience, and extra cash, these methods are very simple:
Glue
It is the most effective and cheapest way when you’re looking for how to fix car roof lining without removing it. This method works best with partially sagged liners. Due to the large surface of the roof lining, it is best to use a spray applicator to ensure the even dispersion of the glue.
Be careful in applying the glue as it may leave spots on your headliner. Finally, look for powerful fabric glue because ordinary glue will not be able to endure extreme heat from the sun.
Double-sided tape
It is widely available just like glue. Double-sided tapes are effective in liners that are sagging near the edges. Just use the tape to stick the headliner fabric to the roof. Though, this method is recommendable for only a few months.
For best results, you may use a combination of glue and double-sided tape. Use the tape to hold the headliner while the glue dries up.
Twist pins
The next cheap item that you can use is a set of pins. You can buy either sequin pins or clear-headed twist pins. Look for a headliner repair twist pin kit online. It offers different kinds of pins and colors that will surely match your car’s interior. Just push the pins evenly into your headliner where the sagging is present.
It is very easy to use practically requires no expertise. Also, pins won’t leave any spots or residue.
Remove and Replace with new Headliner
If your roof lining is badly damaged, or if you do not want to go through the hassle of fixing it, then you should consider replacing it completely. How much does car roof lining repair cost? A replacement unit for four-seaters would cost around $180 up to $450 for larger cars or SUVs.
Other factors that must be considered to determine how much car roof lining costs, are labor (skills and expertise) and material availability. Finally, it may take few hours to one whole day.
3. Essential Tools to in Repairing Car Roof Lining
Here are some of the available tools you can buy to start fixing your car roof lining:
1. 3M Headliner & Fabric Adhesive
3M Headliner & Fabric Adhesive is the best of both worlds. It’s strong enough to hold fabric comfortably and it doesn’t need special glues or tapes! You can bond automotive headliners, carpets, and other fabrics with 3M Headliner Adhesives quickly.
This product resists deterioration from moisture, humidity, heat, cold, and even harsh environmental conditions.
Check price here.
Here is a video on using fabric adhesive to repair headliner:
2. Double Sided Carpet Tape
Kraftex Double-Sided Carpet Tape is here to give you a stick that will last. With two ounces of adhesive on each side, they’ve got both sides covered to make sure all you need to do is peel and place!
Finding the right carpet tape can be difficult with so many options – but don’t fret, we know just what you need. Expand your possibilities and repair on the spot by grabbing a pack of Kraftex Double Sided Carpet Tape. Instantly save yourself from future headaches.
The easy-to-use, clear adhesive doubles as an instant headliner fix or for fixing other materials like vinyl seats and more!
Check price here.
3. Glarks 272Pcs Car Roof Headliner Repair Kit
Do not waste your time wandering around the market looking for a quick, easy solution to your roof problem. The Glarks 272Pcs Car Roof Headliner Repair Kit has everything you need-complete kit strong enough to fix the entire roof and pushpins that won’t wear all the way through like some of those other slimy competitors do!
Strong Construction: Don’t forget this is a two-part rivet system that will automatically set itself into place when installed. With headliners, in particular, they added heavy-duty steel push pins. This is the most complete kit you’ll find.
The kit includes a 60pcs car roof buckle, 60pcs red push pins, 30pcs headliner retaining pins, a screwdriver, and a soft tape measure.
Check price here.
4. Light Gray Auto Headliner
Light grays are considered to be a natural shade that is soothing, calming, and produces feelings of cleanliness. No one knows this better than you do so make your vehicle the safest it can be with our Light Gray Auto Headliner! This headliner is 100% polyester knit from USA Fabric Store.
The material feels smooth to the touch and gives off a soft finish on its surface making it perfect for car interior projects such as repairing automobile headliners or lining gun lockers. It also makes short work of hunters’ cabins as well!
There are detailed instructions and an online video link included with the shipment.
Learn more here.
Here is an instructional DIY video on how to replace your own headliner.
4. How to Remove and Replace Headliner
Step 1 Remove the old headliner
To remove the old headliner, you will need to remove everything that is attached to it. The old headliner often has a rail, molding clips, and light clips. You may also have more than one hidden clip in the headliner area of your car.
Remove all visible mounting clips and fasteners before proceeding to the next step. If you can’t see it, it is still there, so be careful.
It is a good idea to take pictures of the car roof lining in place before you begin working on it. This will come in handy if you need a reference when re-installing your new headliner after the work is finished.
Some people also like to outline the shape of their old headliner, either with tape or chalk, so they know where to cut their new one.
Step 2 Install the new headliner
To install, start with the center of your roof lining and work up towards the front. Some headliners are curved, so before you begin installing it check if it is straight or needs to be flattened out.
Depending on what type of headliner material you have purchased, follow these directions:
If your new car fabric is flat and not folded like a roll, you will need to unfold it and place it over your center roof area. You can then pull down the upper part of the headliner towards the rear of your car until it reaches the bottom.
If your new headliner is folded, follow these directions:
Flatten out your folds in the headliner and then proceed with the remaining steps. It is a good idea to fold the top of your new headliner with about 6 inches of extra material on either side.
This can be used for any irregularities in height you might have after installing your new headliner.
Things you should know before buying a new one
Before buying a replacement headliner, you need to do a few things:
Measure the length and width of your vehicle’s interior. Check with the headliner manufacturer to find out if their product can be installed in your vehicle.
Research what type of materials are used to make up the new headliner you have chosen. Make sure they will match (or compliment) the rest of your car, for example: if you have leather seats, buy a headliner made of the same material.
Families should also consider any potential allergic reactions that may be caused by the new headliner material and take it into consideration before buying one.
Where to buy a replacement for your car’s roof lining or headliner
Amazon is a great place to buy a replacement headliner for your car. Here is a great selection of quality new and used headliners from reputable sellers:
Make sure you look at the seller’s rating, reviews, and warranty information before making your decision.
5. Tips on how to maintain your car roof headliner
To avoid repairing your car roof lining looking, you will need to maintain and clean it on a regular basis. A good car cleaner should do the trick.
For example, Chemical Guys Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean is a great choice for cleaning headliners and other types of car interiors. Before using any type of cleaner to wipe down your car interior, you need to first check if the product can be used on your headliner and/or car interior.
Moreover, cover your car from the heat of the sun, especially on a hot summer day. direct sunlight can damage your headliner and cause it to warp or discolor. You can buy a car sunshade and place it on the front windows of your vehicle for a quick solution.
Sometimes shortening the time you leave your car doors open before entering your car can also help prevent warping, as the heat can get in and cause damage to your headliner.
4. Conclusion
Because we barely look at it, the car roof lining or headliner is one of the most overlooked interior parts of one’s car. In case you want to start repairing car roof lining due to wear and tear, there are easy methods to fix this.
Depending on the damage and your budget, you may consider DIY methods using household items or removing and replacing them completely (could be expensive depending on your car).
As always, prevention is better than cure, so before anything gets worse, follow these easy steps to a spotless roof lining. Looking for more guides? Check out our Repair Guides page. Please like our Facebook Page for more awesome content!
