Smith's RV Centre

Rubber-Roof Care and Repair

Rubber-Roof Care

Rubber-roof (EPDM) material needs special care to keep it clean and in good condition.  A side benefit of a clean rubber roof is the prevention of unsightly streaks that can run down the R.V.'s sidewalls.

Rubber roofs are glued to a wood decking (substrate), which is usually plywood or lauan that's around 3/8 inch thick.  The continuous membrane is attached to the wood using a water-based adhesive.  The termination moldings, seams around roof vents, holding-tank vents, roof racks, ladders, and all other accessories screwed into the decking are sealed using a self-leveling lad sealant.  Only lap sealant designed for rubber roofs can be used here.  Do not use this material on metal or fiberglass roofs.

One of the by-products of weathering is a white, powdery substance (called chalking), which is oxidation from prolonged exposure to the sun and other destructive elements in the atmosphere.  Chalking poses no threat to the integrity of the material but can cause unsightly streaking on the R.V.'s sidewalls.

The roof should be checked regularly for chalking, deposits from trees or passing birds, and other debris.  It should also be inspected for small holes or tears, especially around anything installed on the roof.  This includes all air vents, antennas, air conditioner(s), the refrigerator vent, solar panels, and any other extras the owner may have added.

To remove chalking, the rubber roof should be cleaned with borax or other similarly mild abrasive cleaners and a medium bristle brush-and plenty of water.  Continue cleaning until no more white residue is revealed.

Caution: Do not use any citric-based product or any product containing petroleum distillates.

You may or may not have to treat the rubber roof with a protectant.  Rubber roofs are naturally resistant to ultraviolet radiation, sun and other outside elements.  If the chalking returns within a month or two, the cleaning process should be repeated and the surface treated with a good protectant like 303.  If your rig's roof has a tendency to chalk, repeat the cleaning/protectant process at least once every six months.

A rubber roof can maintain a good seal for a long period.  However, if the R.V. manufacturer was sloppy and covered protruding or loose screws, pieces of wood, or any other debris with the membrane, normal wear and tear will be accelerated, especially when walking on it.  The rood can also be cut or punctured by sharp objects, such as low-hanging branches.

Rubber-Roof Repair

Rubber-roofs are popular on R.V.'s, but they don't last forever.  After several years of service, or accidental contact with something that causes damage to the roof, a rubber roof may need to be repaired or completely replaced.

Small repairs can be made by patching or by splicing in a new piece of material to replace a damaged section of an existing roof.  The recommended method is to cut a large round patch (round is the preferred shape because it has no corners that can be snagged or lifted), and simply glue it down using splicing adhesive.  Rubber-roof repair kits, including the proper EPDM material and adhesive, are available to R.V. supply stores.

The rubber roof should be carefully inspected every time it is cleaned.  If the lap sealant around the roof-mounted accessories begins to crack or show holes, you should apply new self-leveling material.

Rubber roofs are designed to provide a water-tights seal for many years.  Under most conditions, they serve their owners well, but only when owners take the responsibility to keep them clean and secure.

 

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