Tag Archives: RV Roof

What Does an RV Roof Repair Sealant Do?

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Recreational vehicles are subject to all kinds of weather and other factors that cause damage and wear to their exteriors. One problem that can come from all of that exposure is leaking. Most RV owners will experience some kind of leakage issue during the lifespan of their camper. So, what do you do?

For starters, you can apply an RV roof repair sealant.

What Does It Do?

RV roof repair sealant e.g. Liquid RV Roof, does just what the name implies, it seals. The roof of your camper has seams, edges, vents, and pipes. There are air conditioners up there sometimes too.

Everywhere there is a feature like the ones we just mentioned there is also the potential for a leak to occur. What happens is a gap forms between the roof and the vent or one of the other components and then water is allowed to come through to the interior. This can cause all kinds of damage.

An RV roof repair sealant, like Liquid RV Roof will close those gaps by filling them in thus keeping moisture out. It will also keep air out that can come in and heat things up or cool things off inside the camper.

Where Do You Apply RV Roof Repair Sealant?

The roof of your camper will have vents, AC units, and seams. Sometimes there are pipes too. All of those cause an interruption in the roof material. That creates a potential for a hole somewhere.

You want to apply your RV roof repair sealant anywhere there is a vent or something else causing a cutout in the roof. You’ll squeeze it on around the edge of the vent sealing the gap between the roof material and the vent material. Do the same for any of the other roof structures. The corners of the roof are also good candidates for using the sealant.

RV roof repair sealant is often used during the process of replacement of an entire roof or when to protect the camper from the outside elements. Camper owners will often use it to seal around door frames and windows too, as well as anywhere there are joints.

How to Apply RV Roof Repair Sealant

Applying the sealant isn’t hard. You’ll want to start with a clean surface that you’ve allowed to dry. Make sure there isn’t oily residue on the area.

It’s best if you use a caulking gun to apply the sealant. There are other ways to apply it but this would be the most accurate and easiest to do. You’ll then pump it on in a straight line to the desired seam and allow it to dry.

After about an hour, you’ll start to see the sealant set. There will be a film forming on the surface. Let the caulk dry and cure completely before applying any paint. Test to make sure the sealant is fully dried before you apply anything on top of it.

Follow the Safety Instructions for Application of RV Roof Repair Sealant

Make sure you apply your sealant in an area that has good ventilation. It’s not a good idea to do this kind of work in a closed up garage. These products sometimes do have some heavy fumes coming out of them so it’s best if you don’t breathe a lot of that in. You can use a ventilation face mask for added protection.

Also take care not to get any of the sealant on your lips, in your eyes, or in your mouth. Don’t leave the sealant tube within reach of children.

Liquid EPDM Tips: The Best Roofing Material For Your RV

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Liquid EPDM is an incredible material. It allows you to repair almost anything, from a leak in your RV to punctures or cracks on RV roof. It can be used for waterproofing, and can even be applied over RV roof materials to breathe new life into an aging RV structure. Of course, because it’s a newer option on the market, many consumers are not that familiar with how to use it. We decided to share some of the best Liquid EPDM e.g. Liquid Roof tips and tricks to ensure that you’re able to get the most out of the product.

Cleaning Is Vital
Whether you’re covering up an old roof, repairing a leak on your RV, or trying to create a waterproof barrier, one of the best tips is this – make sure that the surface is spotlessly clean. Dirt, dust, mold, mildew and other contaminants will compromise the coating otherwise.

It Must Be Dry

Another of the best Liquid EPDM tips is that when you do apply a coating, your surface must be completely dry. For porous materials, this is even more critical, as the substrate can absorb water and then release moisture after the Liquid EPDM has dried which will cause blistering and bubbles, possibly compromising your protection. Always, always, allow your material to dry and cure thoroughly.

The Right Tools Matter

While Liquid EPDM can be applied pretty easily by hand, you do need to use the right tools for the job. In most cases, a simple paintbrush or a paint roller will be more than enough. However, you may also need additional tools for the job, such as a paddle mixer and a bucket to combine the liquid and the catalyst. Painters tape may also be needed if you are applying Liquid EPDM to a particular area and do not want to coat adjacent spaces. Note that this material can be applied with a sprayer, which makes larger jobs simpler to handle. However, it may need to be thinned before it can be sprayed.

Go Thin

As with paint, many people apply a thick coating of Liquid EPDM. That might seem like the way to go, particularly if you’re trying to stop a leak, but it isn’t really the best decision. You only need a single coat in most cases, which should be around one millimeter thick. So, roll on a coat, and then let it dry. Do not apply a second coat unless it is absolutely necessary.

Give It Time

When you apply Liquid EPDM, it is immediately waterproof. Even if it were to rain right away, it would be fine in most cases. However, that doesn’t mean that the substance is completely dry. In fact, it will feel tacky for some time (some tackiness will remain forever, as the material will always be flexible). Give the Liquid EPDM time to dry completely – this may take around 24 hours. It will take additional time for it to cure completely, as well.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

While Liquid EPDM can be applied in any weather, high humidity levels will cause it to dry much more slowly. You also need to make sure that the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold. Ideally, you should apply it on a warm, sunny day with a low humidity level.

Conclusion

These are some of the best Liquid EPDM e.g. Liquid Roof tips for DIY application. However, it may be worth it to work with a professional to ensure that your job is completed correctly.

EPDM Rubber 101: An In-Depth Look at RV Roofing Solutions

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EPDM was first introduced in 1962 as a single-ply roofing membrane system. During the 1970s, as the price and quality of asphalt-based roofing were affected by the oil embargo of the Middle East, this material became increasingly popular for RVs, mobile homes, and recreational vehicles. The material was a cost-effective solution that offered simple installation.

For the sake of RV roofing, EPDM has been enhanced and redesigned over the years to create an even more useful solution that still provides the convenience and quick application of the original product. Technology has even turned EPDM sheeting into a liquid product which offers another way to save more time and money on your RV roofing.

Weather the Elements with EPDM

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages to EPDM roofing is its superior resistance to extreme temperatures and weather elements. This rubber material is highly resistant to UV rays, hail damage, ozone, extreme heat and cold, ice, wind, and other elements. The synthetic compound holds up to environmental extremes much better than non-porous surfaces like fiberglass or aluminum roof sheeting.

EPDM Defined

EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. Ethylene and propylene, the two main ingredients, are derived from natural gas and oil and combined with other ingredients to create a durable, flexible roofing solution for RVs and mobile homes. This material is available in black and white sheets, as well as black or white liquid roofing products.

Sheets are available for all sizes of RV roofs, with sizes sold from 7.5 feet wide all the way up to 50 feet wide. Plus, while the economical 45 mil thickness is fine, 60 mil sheets are available for added protection. New technology has even created a selection of 90 mil EPDM rubber roofing membranes for the ultimate in thickness and durability.

Installing an EPDM Rubber Roof

EPDM sheets can be adhered to the original roof surface with an adhesive or sealant. They can also be attached mechanically, although this can create opportunities for future leaks because you are perforating the membrane with screws or other hardware.

Liquid EPDM offers a pour-over style application, allowing you to use a roller or squeegee to spread the liquid EPDM over the entire roof. The process, on an RV, is quick and easy plus, liquid products are enhanced with a self-leveling additive that creates an even surface and helps prevent pooling.

Of course, both liquid EPDM and rubber sheeting are better options for RV roofing in terms of ease of installation, durability, and longevity when compared to other materials.

EPDM and Sealants

If your RV has an EPDM rubber roof, you will still need to add an additional seam sealant to your roof vent and other fixtures. There are typically two options for this:

  1. Seam tape can be installed prior to installing or pouring the EPDM roofing material, creating a watertight seal for all fixtures and seams. This tape helps increase the quality of the seal, especially in problematic areas and with difficult angles.
  2. Caulk-style sealants can be applied over the rubber roof material to add an extra layer of protection on the seams of all of your fixtures, including roof racks, air conditioners, and more. There are a number of different styles of this product, including sealants specifically designed for EPDM roofing.

EPDM for the Future

EPDM continues to evolve and offer better solutions for RV roofing. Even the latest 90 mil products, while limited in availability, are offering previously unheard of warranties because of their superior performance and protective ratings. This should be a good sign that if you are considering this type of roofing material, you are making a solid choice.