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Thomas41 · 06-17-2013, 03:45 PM

I have a 1998 National SeaBreeze 31 foot with a rubber that I need advice on the roof. While I cleaning and prepping it for a road trip I noticed the white layer of the rubber roof is starting to get soft, sticky (notice the picture that shows an imprint of the shoe) & giving the appearance of starting to crack now and I'm not sure why or what to do. The RV roof has always been cleaned at least once a year and when not in use keep under a shelter. I have attached pictures in hopes that it will help to diagnose the problem and correct fix. Thanks everyone for your help.

trackman · 06-17-2013, 04:28 PM

Looks like it is near the end of life. Do you use conditioner after each cleaning? If not try come and see if that helps. May be time to get estimates. Hope you get a good deal.

Koop · 06-17-2013, 04:40 PM

It may be too late in this case but I just used the Camco two step (cleaner then conditioner) on my EDPM roof and it came out great. After application of the conditioner it's like the roof has a hard layer of sealant on it.

BFlinn181 · 06-17-2013, 05:38 PM

I believe the coating is meant to ablate, or wear away over time. When the black rubber starts to show, it's time to recoat. In your case, if it's always under shelter, perhaps the white coating is cracking but not getting washed away as it normally would. Looks like too many coats with little wearing away to me. I don't know if you can 'strip' the coating off or will just need to replace the membrane and start again.

az bound · 06-17-2013, 05:56 PM

Judging from the footprint, something has attacked the EPDM. I have never seen it soften like that on its own.
I will venture a guess that someone used a product with petrolium or citric acid to clean the roof.
I hate bring the bearer of bad news but I believe the only fix will be a new roof membrane.

Thomas41 · 06-17-2013, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koop

It may be too late in this case but I just used the Camco two step (cleaner then conditioner) on my EDPM roof and it came out great. After application of the conditioner it's like the roof has a hard layer of sealant on it.

I went to the store and found a spray bottle of Camco roof cleaner & conditioner. I went out and tried a spot on the roof and scrubbed it with a bathroom bristle brush. Once I had completed that I noticed almost a white paste developed, so I rinsed the area and the cracks had almost disappeared. I will follow up tomorrow with another picture and how the area that I cleaned looks/feels.

BFlinn181 I am starting to wonder the same thing about the white roof coating meant to wear but because of being in a protected environment it never did.

I was looking online in case I have to recoat the roof and came across Dicor White Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating renew kit. Is this a product to use or is there a better one?

Thanks everyone for your help!!!!!!!!!!!