Roof Rotting
Bought a used 5th wheel a few years ago and had to replace some rotted wood on the front slide out. Removed the whole section and replaced the lower area for under $100.00 in wood. Failed seal had allowed water to enter and the lower plastic tarp material at the underside of the slide trapped the water. It was a learning experience.
On a recent trip I noticed some of my ceiling drooping next to the wall. Starting investigating and discovered the EDPM roof was leaking and rotted the decking and supporting frame work. Currently have the 3 back 4x8 pressed wood decking boards off. I am rebuilding the supporting framework for 5 crossbeams.
The previous owner had apparently had problems with the rear roof vent and skylight over the shower. His solution was to place silicon high temp engine sealant OVER the area where the vent frame meets the wood! The EDPM roofing was cut away with about an inch gap between the vent frame and where the EDPM roof started. I'm guessing he didn't want to remove the manufacturer placed caulk so he just cut the rubber away. In was hidden with a MaxxAir vent cover and the silicon sealant just pulled right up because there was noting holding it down. Skylight was in same condition.
For the roof I am going back with treated plywood, extra insulation and eternabond around all seams and roof breaks. Back of camper was removed and outer shell was removed from its wood backing. I will use hardboard to replace the wood on the back.
I am reusing the EDPM roof since it is only 8 years old and plan on a new coating of the roof when finished. Any ideas on what else I can do while I have it apart?
Oh. I'm running electric wires to roof vent for future upgrade to electric fan vent and to side near awning for lighting upgrade.
Chuck
On a recent trip I noticed some of my ceiling drooping next to the wall. Starting investigating and discovered the EDPM roof was leaking and rotted the decking and supporting frame work. Currently have the 3 back 4x8 pressed wood decking boards off. I am rebuilding the supporting framework for 5 crossbeams.
The previous owner had apparently had problems with the rear roof vent and skylight over the shower. His solution was to place silicon high temp engine sealant OVER the area where the vent frame meets the wood! The EDPM roofing was cut away with about an inch gap between the vent frame and where the EDPM roof started. I'm guessing he didn't want to remove the manufacturer placed caulk so he just cut the rubber away. In was hidden with a MaxxAir vent cover and the silicon sealant just pulled right up because there was noting holding it down. Skylight was in same condition.
For the roof I am going back with treated plywood, extra insulation and eternabond around all seams and roof breaks. Back of camper was removed and outer shell was removed from its wood backing. I will use hardboard to replace the wood on the back.
I am reusing the EDPM roof since it is only 8 years old and plan on a new coating of the roof when finished. Any ideas on what else I can do while I have it apart?
Oh. I'm running electric wires to roof vent for future upgrade to electric fan vent and to side near awning for lighting upgrade.
Chuck
