rv rubber roof can last for decades if cared for properly

RV Rubber Roof

RV rubber roof is not a cheap material. However, if installed properly and maintained with the utmost care it can be essentially leak-proof for about 30 years. The rubber membrane will flex a bit with weather and temperature but how can you go wrong when it comes to taking care of your RV coach. There are very strict rules to maintaining as well as installing a rubber roof coating and these issues are discussed.

The material used in a rubber membrane is called EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) and it is highly sensitive to a vast array of cleaners. Therefore, it is critical that you use no harsh abrasives, petroleum based solvents or citric acid

based cleaning compounds because all of these can cause damage beyond repair. These cleaners are so harsh to the EPDM, especially the petroleum based ones, that they actually penetrate the rubber membrane and dissolve the adhesive underneath which causes loose patches and bubbles. Other than poor installations of the EPDM rubber roof the most complaint is damage caused by these cleaners.

The company that makes most of the EPDM rubber roofs does not apply the material to the RV. It is actually the RV manufacturer and less likely an RV dealer. The most troublesome areas for the manufacturer to install the rubber roof coating is around the refrigerator roof vents. After cutting a hole for the vent it might not be sealed properly along the edges which causes air flow to be restricted due to the heat that flows up through the vent which in turn is not allowing the refrigerator to cool properly. Read more on rubber roof repair and maintenance for rvs, campers and trailers.

On RVs, campers, and trailers you can use butyl rubber sealants for roof vents, roof edges under trip strips, air conditioning openings, and plumbing vent pipe holes which are all subject to loosening at the edges of the rubber membrane. If you find bubbles on your rv rubber roof it is highly advisable to leave them alone. Most roofs will have very few bubbles and they are usually cosmetic and can be left alone without further trouble. However, use extreme caution when walking with shoes and equipment on your roof so that you don't tear any open. It is not advisable to cut slits or poke holes in them to inject sealer as this can lead to further damage. But if you insist on fixing the bubbles then you need to purchase a product that reads specifically, butyl rubber caulking/sealant. Don't go cheap and buy a sealant that generically states for use on all rubber roofs. However, if you have a tremendous amount of bubbles on your roof then you have a serious problem either due to poor installation or the use of a petroleum-based cleaning product at one time.

First, let's go over how to maintain your rubber roof coating. As discussed earlier harsh cleaners are not allowed so for normal cleaning purposes you can use mild dishwashing detergent with a sponge for scrubbing. Never use a stiff wiry brush on any rv rubber roof. If you are parked under dirty trees long term then household bleach will work on the stains, but don't let it sit rinse it off well. The company that makes EPDM also makes an all-purpose cleaner that works well on tough stains. Over time there may be a slight discoloration of your roof but this does not hurt anything.

If you own an older RV and are interested in just recoating your rubber roof you can find after market kits available but they are costly. The work is no less really than reroofing your RV. You still need to remove everything on the roof to coat the rubber property or you will end up with loose edges and untreated areas. Preparation is exhausting but necessary if you want a leak proof roof. And not to discourage you further, you will be applying a minimum of four coats of various substances for your work to be done right.

Now if you are taking on a bigger project like a trailer rebuild and repair then here is a list of do's and don'ts so that your rubber roof coating lasts a long time. Basically the rafters have to be level, without major imperfections, and be of adequate thickness. The rubber membrane sheet needs to be applied without any cuts or holes and carefully trimmed around all objects that protrude from the roof. To prevent the rubber roof from being penetrated from the underside, there should absolutely be no wood splinters, nails or screw heads sticking up from the roof line. Bubbles should not appear if the rubber adhesive is applied according to manufacturers directions, folded properly over roof edges, trimmed carefully and the molding applied properly. The best investment you can make to your RV experience is to get an rv rubber roof.

 
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