Community Forums

Thor3650 · 05-14-2013, 09:18 AM

I'm trying to decide on how quickly I need to recoat my rubber roof. I recently cleaned and resealed all of the vents/skylights etc on the roof. I also gave the roof a good cleaning that took about 4 hours using rubber roof cleaner from Camping World. I asked about the condition when I went in, based on the pictures I had, but they only told me to bring the RV in. So I thought I would ask the knowledgeable people here and see what you guys think. Here are the pictures:

BFlinn181 · 05-14-2013, 09:28 AM

With the black rubber showing in a few spots, you are at a good time to re-coat the roof. The coating looks worn enough that the rubber is peaking through. Doing it now will preserve the EDPM and protect it from UV rays.

doc · 05-14-2013, 10:09 AM

do it now

Thor3650 · 05-14-2013, 11:33 AM

I'm confused now. I also posted on RV.net and received 6 or 7 replys telling me the roof looked great and no need to do anything. But on this site I hear the opposite. I was hoping to avoid a recoat now since I've only had the RV 2 months and we have not even gone on a trip with it yet. I heard of someone using Henry's coating from Home Depot to recoat. Has anyone heard of this?

Thanks.

Mr_D · 05-14-2013, 11:44 AM

I don't think it looks too bad, but we haven't had a "rubber" roof on an RV since '98. The Newmars have all had BriteTek and it's a thermoplastic material.

beaverfever · 05-14-2013, 01:48 PM

Looks like you have done a lot of the prep work. It would be a great time to get this out of the way before it become a problem that has to be done now.
I did a previous M.h. With dicor from camping world with excellent results

Deerhunter · 05-14-2013, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I don't think it looks too bad, but we haven't had a "rubber" roof on an RV since '98. The Newmars have all had BriteTek and it's a thermoplastic material.

You mentioned all Newmars have a roof made from BriteTek - I have an 03 Dutch Star. Does that have the BriteTek?

Gary G. · 05-14-2013, 09:49 PM

same question here with my 04 Mountain Aire gas rig. It's white on top I just thought it was rubber but it isn't real soft now that I think about it.

Deerhunter · 05-14-2013, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary G.

same question here with my 04 Mountain Aire gas rig. It's white on top I just thought it was rubber but it isn't real soft now that I think about it.

I checked my brochure that came with the DSDP and it does not have a rubber roof. You can search Google for "2004 Newmar Mountain Aire roof material" and you will find your brochure from the Newmar site. Just check in the standard equipment section and it will list the roof material.

toadog · 05-14-2013, 10:14 PM

Mine looks a lot like yours and I was going to do it soon. It is better to keep the maintenance up.

Thor3650 · 05-15-2013, 10:26 AM

Thanks again for all the comments. I think I will keep an eye on it this summer and we will go for a few short trips and then look to recoat it before winter.

Thanks,

vito.a · 05-15-2013, 03:50 PM

A large portion of the recoating work is cleaning it first. Since you have already done this, it's just a matter of applying the coating. This is very similar to painting with a roller, but the EPDM coating is thicker. You can purchase the coating here: EPDM Coatings, Liquid EPDM Rubber for Roof Leaks Repair

I suggest starting with 2 gallons. They offer a special RV coating for a higher price, but the commercial EPDM coating works great. It comes in 2 parts and must be thoroughly mixed. I used a large corkscrew paint mixer in a drill. For quick and easy application, buy a good paint roller with a 6' extension handle. Roll both sides starting from the front leaving a narrow walkway down the middle. Then go back and do touchups and coat the center walkway. It will need 24 hours of dry weather to cure, so you can do it under a roof or watch the weather.
Best of luck!

MSHappyCampers · 05-15-2013, 03:59 PM

I saw a writeup in Motorhome magazine about a new heat-reducing coating from Dicor for rubber roofs called "CoolCoat". You might want to check this out before deciding!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Bama Fan · 05-15-2013, 07:20 PM

I just had mine done with Kool Seal Top Coat. Dealer I bought it from did the work. Mine was in worst shape than yours. had larger areas showing black rubber. They say to coat it about every 5 years. Cost me $160.00
Better than $4000.00 to 6000.00 for a new rubber roof.