Community Forums

rsaf · 10-21-2017, 07:27 PM

When I was up cleaning my rubber roof the other day. I noticed on the side there was what seems to be nails or staples of some sort popping up in spots in the rubber roof. None have puncture it yet but I could see it happening down the road. Is this a easy fix or do I need a whole roof ? Thank You for any advice. Ray

pbucha · 10-22-2017, 06:49 AM

I would say to just throw a little Dicor on there, but you says it's on the side...Dicor may just run off. Perhaps a little eternabond tape. Interested to hear what others will say too.

rsaf · 10-22-2017, 06:55 AM

When I say on the side it’s on the top along side of where the aluminum round part underneath the rubber is. When I push down on staples it pushes the aluminum down and looks great.

egwilly · 10-22-2017, 07:16 AM

Welcome to the forum.

You don't mention the make or year of your trailer. If it is still under warranty, I would take it to the dealer and at least have them record the issue for future.
Then proceed to the prevention part.

Once you cover the area that is popping out, it's permanent. Eternabond tape is like a band-aid that won't pull off. Dicor won't prevent the staples from popping out. It will seal leaks very well.

This condition is due to staples and screws backing out of whatever they are attached to. Luan, metal, aluminum, they will all do this. Poor workmanship plays a part in this. Too short of staple, water intrusion, vibration and flex, etc.

Keep us posted on what the outcome is.

MtCamper · 10-22-2017, 08:50 AM

If you are out of warranty, I be tempted to put in a couple of screws to hold up the aluminum and, using a metal bar to distribute the force, I'd hammer down the staples. Put dicor over the screws and the staples if hammering them caused a problem with the roof. Alternately, I'd cut a slit in the roof, pull the staples and place a screw. again dicor the top. Eternabond tape is also a good alternative. It's like a tootsie roll---it lasts a long time. Either way you need to deal with the staples first.

rsaf · 10-22-2017, 05:21 PM

Thank You for the advice. It is a 2014 Montana Mountaineer. I have been told by a local RV place that they take the trim off the side and peel the roof back . Then secure the aluminum the roll it back with glue and put the trim back on.I was told not a big $$$$ job. I will have to get that in writing. Thanks again Ray

egwilly · 10-22-2017, 07:56 PM

Good way to go, if they do good work. Our roofs are critical to long life.

Most RV shops are around $120/hr labor these days.

Don't go to Cramping World for this repair!

monkey · 10-23-2017, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsaf

Thank You for the advice. It is a 2014 Montana Mountaineer. I have been told by a local RV place that they take the trim off the side and peel the roof back . Then secure the aluminum the roll it back with glue and put the trim back on.I was told not a big $$$$ job. I will have to get that in writing. Thanks again Ray

That sounds like what I would have done. As said above,,, we have gotten better quality work done by a local rv shop than cw....
Monkey

Mr_D · 10-23-2017, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbucha

I would say to just throw a little Dicor on there, but you says it's on the side...Dicor may just run off. Perhaps a little eternabond tape. Interested to hear what others will say too.

Dicor makes both self leveling and non-levelong formulations. Self leveling for flat surfaces and non- leveling for vertical surfaces.

Army Nurse · 10-25-2017, 08:03 PM

I had the same problem on my Montana. Keystone said, "Do we even know you?"

So, I just put a few dabs of Dicor on over the top of the staples last year. Seems to be holding fine.

jelag · 11-03-2017, 01:21 AM

I'm always confused about roof cleaning... these are EPDM roofs and if you happen to get to one of the towers in Las Vegas and look down on the top of all those flat roofs, they are all EPDM roofing seamed (welded sheets) together to cover the casino's.... I know those roofs last years, and are never cleaned or managed...

I've often wondered if we wash/clean roof's on RVs to provide income for those companies that make the products, when a roof would/should last years...

I personally inspect mine 2 times a year... once during the fall prep before we venture off for a few months, and again in the spring when we spring prep before we leave or winter home in AZ.... but have never cleaned it...

saddlesore · 11-03-2017, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by egwilly

Good way to go, if they do good work. Our roofs are critical to long life.

Most RV shops are around $120/hr labor these days.

Don't go to Cramping World for this repair!

That is the BEST ADVICE anyone can give...NEVER let a Crappy-World shop touch your coach!

dayle1 · 11-03-2017, 10:33 AM

I would not expect glue to hold the rolled aluminum from flexing and again pulling the staples out. When I had a bad spot, I cut a 3 sided slot in the rubber with "hinge" forward. Pulled the staple, resecured the aluminum with a "truss screw" that has a low profile head. Then sealed with roof patch, then folded the rubber down followed with second layer of roof patch.