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Duncanator583's avatar
Duncanator583
Explorer
Dec 04, 2017

Applying a Liquid Rubber Roof In Cold Temperatures

Hi, I have never applied a rubber roof before and am excited to get my camper all sealed up.

I am debating applying my Heng's Rubber Roof tomorrow even though the temperature high is only 41 degrees. (Heng's recommends not applying when temperatures are bellow 50 degrees).

To counteract the outside temperature differential I am debating applying it while cracking my heat inside the RV. I currently have the interior aluminum roof exposed (No insulation or anything). My thought process is that if I store the Rubber Roof in a warm place and apply it on a warmed up metal roof it should create more ideal conditions.

The entire reason I am debating rushing this step is that I currently have the RV parked outside without cover and would like to get it as weather proof as possible ASAP.

Am I just creating a recipe for disaster?

Has anyone heard of or tried anything like this?

Any feedback on how big of a moron I am would be appreciated.

~Thanks
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Dec 04, 2017
    Simple test
    Park in the shade?
    Turn on the heat in the camper
    Allow camper to warm up
    Place bare hand on outside roof
    Is roof warm to touch?
    Yes you can try it,
    No.. for get it!
    Leave heat on in camper until roof fully cures
    Could be several days
    Heat/ambient temp is a BIG factor , the No Mix type rubber coat, cures by exposure to Dry Air
    If the air is too cool and damp, it will take on moisture every night, it could take weeks to cure, provided it doesn't rain or snow during those weeks

    One that might cure better in this environment, is the real liquid roof, the one that is a two part mix with catolyst , it cures via chemical reaction, once mixed it must be used, any unused portion left in the pail will eventually cure solid, it can be stored for a few days in the fridge to allow second coat, touch up etc..
  • TurnThePage's avatar
    TurnThePage
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2017
    Is your roof damaged, or just old. If it's just old, it'll likely be just fine until spring. I'm planning the same thing myself. Minor damage can be easily repaired with Eternabond or one of the self leveling caulks, which can then be covered over with the roof coating next year.
  • NMDriver's avatar
    NMDriver
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2017
    Boon Docker wrote:
    Your best bet would be to contact Heng's Industries directly and ask them.


    Good advice. If Heng says to wait, you can go buy a tarp or try shrink wrap link
  • TakingThe5th's avatar
    TakingThe5th
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2017
    The temperature on that aluminum roof could change in an instant - if the air starts to blow harder, if the sun goes behind a cloud, etc. It's amazing how fast and how much your surface temp can change. You could wind up with a real mess to clean up. Follow the directions on the can.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2017
    I would get a cover or even a large tarp for the winter. Wait until the weather is warmer to apply the Heng's.

    I used Heng's to our 96 Southwind a year ago. it's holding up well.
    But, I applied it during warm weather. It may or may not cure properly the way you want to apply it to your roof.
    I wouldn't take the chance.
  • Ralph_Cramden's avatar
    Ralph_Cramden
    Explorer II
    Dec 04, 2017
    Not a good idea IMO with any type of coating, paint etc. They did not say only to apply above 50 just to put more printing on the can. Will it cure correctly? Maybe.

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