Community Forums

faye · 06-20-2011, 04:28 PM

We are considering purchasing a used rv that has about 10-12 bubbles in the rubber roof. That vary in size from golf ball to dime size, they appear to have air underneath. Anyone know if this means the roof will need to replaced or we should say no to this rv. There are no inside water stains or signs of leaks. Any info and comments would be appreciated. Thanks

edj · 06-20-2011, 05:08 PM

Bubbles that small are really not a problem. It is not unusual to find small bubbles in the rubber roof. As long as they are not getting bigger, forget about it.

TXiceman · 06-20-2011, 05:18 PM

I differ on this opinion. If the manufacturer takes the time to properly install the membrane, there should be minimal bubbles. Any bubble is a potential to become a problem later, especially near an edge.

We had a 1995 Avion 5er with a rubber roof and it was 14 years old when we sold it...no roof leaks and no bubbles on the roof. They took the time to properly install the roof.

Ken

Cat320 · 06-20-2011, 05:54 PM

Most of those roofs have a 12 year warranty.

TXiceman · 06-20-2011, 06:06 PM

Read the rubber roof warranty....it covers only the membrane and no labor. The membrane is cheap compared to the labor. I'd insist on a better roof.

Ken

Wanabee FTer · 06-20-2011, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faye

We are considering purchasing a used rv that has about 10-12 bubbles in the rubber roof. That vary in size from golf ball to dime size, they appear to have air underneath. Anyone know if this means the roof will need to replaced or we should say no to this rv. There are no inside water stains or signs of leaks. Any info and comments would be appreciated. Thanks

Ask the seller if has recently recoated the rubber roof. Cheaper acrylic latex coatings are known to bubble and come off soon after they are applied.

faye · 06-20-2011, 06:14 PM

Thanks for the responses, a few of these bubbles are golf ball size. We spoke to a seervice tech and was told to rub the bubbles and that if any black came off the roof needed replacing. This rv is 7 years old. WE WERE TOLD IT WOULD COST ABOUT 4,000 TO REPLACE THE ROOF, DOES THIS SOUND RIGHT?

sunshineOH · 06-20-2011, 06:25 PM

I'd pass on this one. Bubbles mean the adhesive is no longer holding that part of the rubber roof down. Could be the roof was washed with a cleaner that had petroleum in it.

Nick-B · 06-21-2011, 01:53 PM

Good luck finding a used RV that is perfect.

Without seeing it and knowing the history of the roof (was it improperly cleaned?) you would be taking a chance.

That said, the job of the rubber membrane is to keep out the rain and elements and apparently it is doing a good job of that since you say there are no signs of leaks and you do not mention any cracking of the rubber.

Is it perfect? No. Is it doing its job? Yes. Hey, that kinda describes me.

Like I said, good luck finding that perfect RV.

Rockman1 · 06-21-2011, 02:42 PM

I have noticed bubbles on my rubber roof also...so far no leaks...I have read that you can inject butyl rubber caulk with a syringe though I haven't tried it yet...I would think it would take a big needle. Has anybody done this? John

ShabbyChic · 06-21-2011, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockman1

I have noticed bubbles on my rubber roof also...so far no leaks...I have read that you can inject butyl rubber caulk with a syringe though I haven't tried it yet...I would think it would take a big needle. Has anybody done this? John

If it not leaking I would leave it be and I don't think I would inject the areas you than may open a hole for a leak

Luv2go · 06-21-2011, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faye

Thanks for the responses, a few of these bubbles are golf ball size. We spoke to a seervice tech and was told to rub the bubbles and that if any black came off the roof needed replacing. This rv is 7 years old. WE WERE TOLD IT WOULD COST ABOUT 4,000 TO REPLACE THE ROOF, DOES THIS SOUND RIGHT?

We paid about $3000 6 years ago to replace the rubber roof on our 26' class C we owned at the time, so $4k sounds right.

Rapid Robert · 06-21-2011, 03:46 PM

Our brand new 2011 Four Winds Serrano came with bubbles in the TPO roof, some 3" or more does this mean it should be replaced? I have had a bunch of RV's but none with a TPO roof.

ga traveler · 06-21-2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faye

We are considering purchasing a used rv that has about 10-12 bubbles in the rubber roof. That vary in size from golf ball to dime size, they appear to have air underneath. Anyone know if this means the roof will need to replaced or we should say no to this rv. There are no inside water stains or signs of leaks. Any info and comments would be appreciated. Thanks

As ser. mgr. I was on hundreds and hundreds of MH roofs. Many had small airbubbles under them. I bought my motorhome with several air bubbles showing. I have had it 4 years and they have not changed or gotten worse. The only ones we had a problem with were the ones with a large bubble just behind the cap. The air comes up and over the front cap and causes a low pressure area. This causes the rubber to flutter and will tear loose. Again the bubble has to be large. About 8X12 in. or larger. This only happened with two coaches in 15 years.