Maybe this is a common thing I don't need to worry about, but on one of the "seams" (from one side to the other) underneath my rubber roof, it feels like one of the boards (or whatever is under there) is loose. It pushes down when I walk on it (which I now try to avoid). It doesn't stick up enough (apparently) to damage the roof itself, but it definitely will at some point. I see no indication or any tear or weak spot in the roof. You'll probably laugh at me, but my instincts are to drive a couple of short stainless screws down into it, then seal them with Dicor and Eternabond. Is that just a completely stupid idea?I've also thought of running Eternabond all the way along that seam. It won't keep the board (or whatever) from moving, but at least it would lessen the chance of "wear" on the roof where that seam is. Any thought are much appreciated.

I would only consider driving a screw in if I knew what was under the OSB for the screw to grab. I don't think the manufacturers take the time and love we do when they build these things. The one drop of glue they used and the 2 staples holding the underlayment down have probably just wiggled loose, barring any signs of water damage.

I guess I'm trying to figure out how long of a screw I need to get...long enough to go through whatever is "loose" and get into what's below it, but not too long...And yes, I too am concerned that I really don't know what's under there for sure. Maybe the safest thing to do since I see no indication of any wear on the seam, and no indication of water inside, is to run the Eternabond strip across it which will do nothing other than ease my mind, but at least if I accidentally walk on it I won't be afraid I'm going to rip it open...

Contact trailer builder and pose your question to the folks who built it.Jim

Would it be close to a roof vent? If so, you could remove the roof vent and you might get a good idea of what's between the roof and the ceiling inside?

Movement of underboard on EDPM roof | Good Sam Community

Berndawg
Explorer
Aug 12, 2017
Yes. There seems to be trusses under the boards. I don't see any screw heads popping up when I step on them.
Roger10378
Explorer II
Aug 12, 2017
You say it pushes down when you walk on it. Does it push down onto something or not? That will tell you whether there is something underneath to screw into.
Berndawg
Explorer
Aug 12, 2017
George H, I just read your reply about the roof mat'l on a Carriage. My Carri-lite has a few boards rising on the edge. Some in the middle are rising as well. No damage to the TPO as of yet. Are those boards just glued or staple/screwed or what. I am not impressed. I am a pretty fussy guy and if I have to I'll remove and recover the roof. My thought was to use Torx screws through the board and into the aluminum tubing. Reseal with Eternabond and Dicor.
riggsp
Explorer
Sep 04, 2016
I would use a stud finder first to make sure there is something to screw to...very possibly, the deck boards aren't centered over the "rafter", making the edge of the board flex because of no support under it...if that's the case, driving a screw into it will do nothing to help...the only thing the eternabond will do is give you some peace of mind.
Dayle1
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2016
One reason why it is popping up may be misalignment, meaning the seam is not directly over a rafter so the original staples had nothing to grab and new screws may need to be driven in at an angle. If the rafters are aluminum, they are probably just 1" wide, so not much tolerance for error. Also possible alignment is spot on but installer missed the mark or was out of staples. In any case, use screws not nails and 1" length should be fine, but 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" would be ok as well.
larryn
Explorer
Sep 03, 2016
would a stud finder locate where the nearest rafter is?
George_H
Explorer
Sep 03, 2016
Roof material and rib space will vary by manufacturer and even model. Carriage used 5/8" structer board and ribs were on 16" centers. You need to check with your builder, or maybe brand forum.
Dr_Quick
Explorer II
Sep 03, 2016
On a previous trailer I had a similar problem. One of the roof boards had come loose at a seam in the roof deck and it was sticking up above the adjacent board. I got some special roofing nails or screws with a "rubber washer" on them, then secured the deck through rubber roof to joist. It was about a 18" long section. Covered screws with Dicor and never had a problem with boards coming loose again, or a leak. You do not need very long screws as most rood decks or about 1/4 or 3/8 inch thick.
MSGTRETIREDCSP
Explorer
Sep 03, 2016
Would it be close to a roof vent? If so, you could remove the roof vent and you might get a good idea of what's between the roof and the ceiling inside?
Jim-Linda
Explorer II
Sep 03, 2016
Contact trailer builder and pose your question to the folks who built it.

Jim

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Movement of underboard on EDPM roof

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