Help with EPDM Roof

[Jersey Camper]

Suring hurricane Sandy I had several branches and a tree land on my roof. The EPDM roof had a tear about 8 inches and it was repaired with a patch and caulk. I am looking for a more permanent fix ans there may be some tiny holes I cannot see. I have a quote of around 4 grand to replace the rubber but I really hate that stuff and wondering is there a better solution. I looked at the Liquid Roof but not sure of the stuff. I looked into some Eternabond liquid to do whole roof but my RV repair guy says in a year or two it peels off in sheets. What would a good lasting sealer or alternative be....

[macantic]

I thought about spraying mine with that "rhino liner" stuff they use on pick-up truck beds,I wonder how that would work? sounds like a good idea to me,what does everybody else think?

[burfurd]

I have used the Rhino Liner in truck beds and it is tough. There are a couple or more other brands that are similar to the Rhino Liner that should work fine. Don't have any idea on the cost but if you get it in white color, should work fine and outlast the rv.

Don't know why some brands don't offer this as an option.

burfurd

[jesilvas]

4k is about right.
Eternabond patch and the edges sealed with DICOR 501LSW, NOT "caulk" is perfectly permanent. Personally, if you want it done right, a new rubber is the right way to go.

[rgreen45]

Lately we have been installing a PVC roof as opposed to the EPDM. It's a bit cheaper and supposed to last longer. Speaking from a technicians point of view, this PVC feels very durable. I always was leary of the EPDM. As for the chartacteristics, it's as flexible as the EPDM but not as "stretchy". IOW, when glueing a new roof down, we have to make sure we're straight because it isn't forgiving to make corrections. All in all, I favor the PVC highly over EPDM.

[billb800si]

Originally Posted by rgreen45

Lately we have been installing a PVC roof as opposed to the EPDM. It's a bit cheaper and supposed to last longer. Speaking from a technicians point of view, this PVC feels very durable. I always was leary of the EPDM. As for the chartacteristics, it's as flexible as the EPDM but not as "stretchy". IOW, when glueing a new roof down, we have to make sure we're straight because it isn't forgiving to make corrections. All in all, I favor the PVC highly over EPDM.

-----------------------
Funny you should mention PVC roofing. We have been checking out the Open Range Journeyer line of Travel Trailers and they use PVC roofing not EDPM. I was wondering if its better or not.
Thanks,
Bill B. (Michigan)

[Jersey Camper]

Where do you find the pvc roofing material

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by macantic

I thought about spraying mine with that "rhino liner" stuff they use on pick-up truck beds,I wonder how that would work? sounds like a good idea to me,what does everybody else think?

The whole idea of an EPDM roof is to make a waterproof, FLEXIBLE, long lasting roof. A 'rhino liner' type roof would not be as flexible, I would imagine it would crack when the roof flexed underneath. The bedliner works on a pickup bed because it adheres to the metal and paint. I wonder if it would adhere to the EPDM surface at all. When re-coating an EPDM roof, you usually use a cleaner/activator that allows a good bond between the old and new coating.

To repair a tear or hole in the EDPM roof, I don't think you can go wrong with EternaBond tape. Just make sure the surface is clean and dry (follow instructions at EB website) roll it into contact firmly, and use a small bead of Dicor self-leveling caulk at front side of tape.

[Texastbird]

When I was shopping for a bed liner for our truck, I saw that a few outfits were coating RV roofs with bed liner like material. I've not seen one that had been done except on the videos and pictures on the web. The LineX material in my bed is really strong and has UV protection in it, but I don't have any idea it might last on the roof of a TT.

[rgreen45]

Originally Posted by Jersey Camper

Where do you find the pvc roofing material

I'll find out Monday where we get it and let you know.

[Ray,IN]

Of course if you have comprehensive insurance you are only out your deductible either way. Matter of fact, one time after submitting a claim and estimates, the insurance adjustor told be I could perform the work myself and they would pay me the lowest estimate minus deductible.

Originally Posted by Jersey Camper

but my RV repair guy says in a year or two it peels off in sheets. What would a good lasting sealer or alternative be....

That sounds natural, build you business. Liquid Roof has a good warranty, however- it hinges on the person who performs the work. That website looks at mobile homes and commercial buildings, but the same applies for an RV roof.

[Mr_D]

We've had BriteTek on our present MH. It's 10½ years old now and still looks great. It shouldn't cost much, if any more than the EPDM material. You can get it from Dicor, they're the largest supplier of Alpha roofing products to the RV industry. Probably have to go through a dealer though, not sure they sell direct.

[rgreen45]

Originally Posted by Jersey Camper

Where do you find the pvc roofing material

We get it from a company called Coast Distribution. In searching their website, our service writer may be calling the Di-Flex TPO roof "pvc". I'll clarify today and advise further.

[rgreen45]

Ok .... the TPO is not another name for the PVC.

If any of you want a piece of the PVC material to inspect, PM me a mailing address.