Hi all, Looking for some advice on removing old (2010) caulk from a rubber roof on my son's 2010 KZ Spree. I'm replacing the vent fan with a fantastic fan. I have taken all the caulk off from on top of the old metal flange but there is still a thick coating on the rubber roof. The caulk is hardly pliable anymore and stuck fast to the roof. Can I put new caulk on over the old? I do have Eternabond but will that stick to the old caulk? Suggestions would be appreciated.

Use a heat gun to soften the old caulk

i use dicor self leveling caulk. if it is a rubber roof do not use regular caulk.

You can use a heat gun and plastic scraper to remove the old caulk.There is also a Caulk Remover available.I just remove the loose caulk. Clean the remaining caulk and apply new over it.Eternabond will stick to the old caulk. Just clean the area well before applying.

gbopp wrote:You can use a heat gun and plastic scraper to remove the old caulk.There is also a Caulk Remover available.I just remove the loose caulk. Clean the remaining caulk and apply new over it.Eternabond will stick to the old caulk. Just clean the area well before applying.How "delicate" is the rubber roof? I'm just wondering since you recommend using a scraper.

tnedator wrote:gbopp wrote:You can use a heat gun and plastic scraper to remove the old caulk.There is also a Caulk Remover available.I just remove the loose caulk. Clean the remaining caulk and apply new over it.Eternabond will stick to the old caulk. Just clean the area well before applying.How "delicate" is the rubber roof? I'm just wondering since you recommend using a scraper.Stated Plastic scraper used with great care.

Removing caulk from rubber roof | Good Sam Community

drsteve
Explorer
Jun 28, 2017
The Eternabond site says to use acetone, but I've had good luck using mineral spirits on EPDM. Small amounts, and wipe it off with a rag.
LarryJM
Explorer II
Jun 27, 2017
wtmtnhiker wrote:
I used mineral spirits on a 5th wheel that I had and it made the rubber pucker up and wrinkle. Wouldn't denatured alcohol work just as well?

Mineral spirits is probably one of the worst cleaners for Eternabond there is IMO. You need something that evaps quickly and leaves no residue like Acetone or Lacquer Thinner.

Larry
wtmtnhiker
Explorer
Jun 27, 2017
I used mineral spirits on a 5th wheel that I had and it made the rubber pucker up and wrinkle. Wouldn't denatured alcohol work just as well?
drsteve
Explorer
Jun 27, 2017
wtmtnhiker wrote:
ksg5000 wrote:
If you end up tearing the rubber roof suggest you patch with Eternabond. I use a rockwell sonicrafter with special flexible caulk removal blade (http://multifitblades.com/flexible-scraper-blade-271.html).

Got lucky and did not tear the roof but there was a small tear under the old vent already. I caulked it but the tube says it does not fully cure for 30 days so I assume I should wait the 30 days before covering wit eternabond?

Let it set up for a day and cover with eternabond. The trick with eternabond is to clean where you're using it with mineral spirits first, then use a small roller to press the tape down after it is applied.
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Jun 27, 2017
If the old is stuck THAT well to the rubber, why remove it at all? Just apply new on top of it.
wtmtnhiker
Explorer
Jun 27, 2017
ksg5000 wrote:
If you end up tearing the rubber roof suggest you patch with Eternabond. I use a rockwell sonicrafter with special flexible caulk removal blade (http://multifitblades.com/flexible-scraper-blade-271.html).

Got lucky and did not tear the roof but there was a small tear under the old vent already. I caulked it but the tube says it does not fully cure for 30 days so I assume I should wait the 30 days before covering wit eternabond?
ksg5000
Explorer
Jun 27, 2017
If you end up tearing the rubber roof suggest you patch with Eternabond. I use a rockwell sonicrafter with special flexible caulk removal blade (http://multifitblades.com/flexible-scraper-blade-271.html).
wtmtnhiker
Explorer
Jun 27, 2017
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'll remove all the old caulk that I can without risking tearing the roof fabric, then I'll caulk it and maybe Eternabond over that once it's dry.
tnedator
Explorer
Jun 27, 2017
rhagfo wrote:
tnedator wrote:
gbopp wrote:
You can use a heat gun and plastic scraper to remove the old caulk.

There is also a Caulk Remover available.

I just remove the loose caulk. Clean the remaining caulk and apply new over it.

Eternabond will stick to the old caulk. Just clean the area well before applying.

How "delicate" is the rubber roof? I'm just wondering since you recommend using a scraper.

Stated Plastic scraper used with great care.

Sorry, I did see plastic, but didn't repeat it. :)

Do the same instructions apply to TPO?
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jun 27, 2017
tnedator wrote:
gbopp wrote:
You can use a heat gun and plastic scraper to remove the old caulk.

There is also a Caulk Remover available.

I just remove the loose caulk. Clean the remaining caulk and apply new over it.

Eternabond will stick to the old caulk. Just clean the area well before applying.

How "delicate" is the rubber roof? I'm just wondering since you recommend using a scraper.

Stated Plastic scraper used with great care.

Forum Discussion

Removing caulk from rubber roof

About DIY Maintenance

Related Content

Caulk removal

Caulk remover

Removing caulk

Rubber roof caulk

Rubber roof edge caulk