Community Forums

steveatpa · 09-16-2012, 10:20 PM

I read that rubber roofs are great and do a good job of lasting but I still see there's rubber roof coating paint available. Why? Is it better to coat the rubber roof or just leave it alone?

sam-3 · 09-16-2012, 10:47 PM

Protect your roof at all costs. Yes,it is a good idea to wash your rubber roof with dicor wash/dry. Then apply Kool seal primmer and then Kool seal topcoat. Make sure you read and follow all directions on the kool seal cans. Should cost you about $100.00 if my memory serves you correctly. Use painters blue tape where your roof stops at the edges. Remove when done painting. This will give you a nice clean finish line.

Fred1609 · 09-16-2012, 11:30 PM

Cleaning it is the best advise. I also add a protective coating which goes on clear. Don't know if it will add years to the roof or not but it makes the rig look squared away.

steveatpa · 09-17-2012, 09:42 PM

Good to know. Thank you.

So then would I be able to use stuff for rubber mobile home roofs which is available at Home Depot or do I have to use something specific for these RV roofs?

I used to use some flexible paint type coating from Home Depot on my old TT metal roof but after the many times I coated it, I could see where it would just keep getting thicker and thicker. Maybe that's the point.

Mr_D · 09-17-2012, 09:49 PM

Rubber roofs will last 10 years or so with no care, a TPO will last 20 years. Why gum them up with something else till necessary?
We have BriteTec (a type of TPO) on our rig. I wash it once a year and check the sealant and it still looks great after 10 years.

steveatpa · 09-17-2012, 10:05 PM

Thanks.

I'm just trying to be as proactive as I possibly can. I just purchased a 2005 TH and I want to make sure the roof lasts a long long time since I "really" dont want to find that I could have helped it last more when it was in better shape.

wa8yxm · 09-18-2012, 11:34 AM

Is it better to coat it or leave it alone? Neither.

It is best to inspect at least 2x a year, MOP and rinse, just like the kitchen floor (Spic & Span, Pail, Water, Mop or brush (I use a van-wash brush, a long handle window washer's brush would be good too (Check with your Fuller Brush man) Both work better than either a rag or sponge mop (Fuller has those too, use same handle).

I rinse with a garden hose and sprayer (Well auto-wash tool).

Inspect when clean, if you see signs of problems then you can fix as needed.

Eventually (Many years one hopes) the roof will need "Re-doing" at that time you can make a choice to use a mop down/roll on product like Snow Roof, or have it professionally replaced.. (I would likely use Snow Roof or the like,,,, if that is I live that long,,, Which odds are I won't.. (Just the odds, based on the tables my insurance company uses, no "Gloom and doom" there.. Frankly I hope to live that long).

steveatpa · 09-18-2012, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

Is it better to coat it or leave it alone? Neither.

It is best to inspect at least 2x a year, MOP and rinse, just like the kitchen floor (Spic & Span, Pail, Water, Mop or brush (I use a van-wash brush, a long handle window washer's brush would be good too (Check with your Fuller Brush man) Both work better than either a rag or sponge mop (Fuller has those too, use same handle).

I rinse with a garden hose and sprayer (Well auto-wash tool).

Inspect when clean, if you see signs of problems then you can fix as needed.

Eventually (Many years one hopes) the roof will need "Re-doing" at that time you can make a choice to use a mop down/roll on product like Snow Roof, or have it professionally replaced.. (I would likely use Snow Roof or the like,,,, if that is I live that long,,, Which odds are I won't.. (Just the odds, based on the tables my insurance company uses, no "Gloom and doom" there.. Frankly I hope to live that long).

Good info. Thanks.
But not to beat this up anymore..... Just by virtue of what you said means that if something like "Snow Roof" helps stretch out replacement of an older roof, then it certainly should help extend the life of a healthy roof.....No? Again, dont dislike the fact that I'm concerned. I'm a financially concerned RV owner and perspective is important. Some feel use it and when something needs replacing then simply replace it. Others feel that replacement is the last option and "maintenance" is more important. What do ya think.