EPDM rubber roof on 1997 monaco windsor

Bill/Diana wrote:
I tried the cheap fix and wasted $600.

We had the same year/make/model coach, so please don't take offense. But, your roof was not leaking just like mine was not leaking at 19 years. You were being pro-active which I can fully understand. Now you can sleep better. I'm thinking that $600 was spent on a coating which did not stick to your non leaking roof.

Like I said in a prior post when I called the maker of the roof they said they had lab tested it to 20 years with no issues when they stopped testing. It might have failed at 21, 31, or 41 years. There simple is not enough information out there. IMO roofs fail because of lack of care. I know of one rig down south where 80% of the white is gone, yet it is still a functioning roof because of yearly care. :h

I tried the cheap fix and wasted $600.

John&Joey wrote:

timmac wrote:

msturtz wrote:
EPDM roofs last about 10 years.

I have seen them 20 years old and still in good shape if cared for..

They are warrantied for 10 years. When I called the manufacturer they told me they have been tested to 20 years. In the housing industry EPDM roofs (thicker) are said to go 30-50 years. Not many 30-50 year old RV's out there with rubber roofs so time will tell what RV rubber roofs will really do when they are kept well sealed.

Mine is 17 years old and still in good shape. It is always covered when at home but that is only about half tome now.

Here is a link that answers many questions about EPDM roofs: EPDM roof questions

timmac wrote:

msturtz wrote:
EPDM roofs last about 10 years.

I have seen them 20 years old and still in good shape if cared for..

They are warrantied for 10 years. When I called the manufacturer they told me they have been tested to 20 years. In the housing industry EPDM roofs (thicker) are said to go 30-50 years. Not many 30-50 year old RV's out there with rubber roofs so time will tell what RV rubber roofs will really do when they are kept well sealed.

msturtz wrote:
EPDM roofs last about 10 years.

I have seen them 20 years old and still in good shape if cared for..

EPDM roofs last about 10 years.

Yep as Fire Up said {The Dicor product is designed for use on Rubber roofs} that's the cheapest fix for these roofs and does a good job, I cant see spending $5000 for a new replacement type when this is cheap and fast compared to the other companies..

Bartviii wrote:
Ihave a 1997 monaco windsor, 34 feet long. I have maintained it completely since I have owned it (15 years). It has always been stored under cover. Today I noticed that my EPDM rubber is starting to flake (the white top part) and I can see grey underneath it. It doesent leak. This is happening where the air conditioners drain on the roof. Do I need to invest in a new roor??? Thanks for any help in advance.

Wow,
15 years, that's absolutely great that you've owned it for that long. Rubber roofs are actually fairly durable. But, as with anything, the older they get, the less they're able to withstand some of the elements and, normal wear and tear. They do get to a point that they start to deteriorate. Some will show signs earlier and some, later. You say you've stored your coach for 15 years UNDER COVER? Well, there's your reason why it's in the "just starting to show the signs of age" part.

At this point, you have a couple of choices here. One, some of the folks on here and other RV forums have used roof coatings sold at places like Home Depot and Lowes etc. and, have some fair to good results. It's without a doubt, a cheaper way to go. Two, you can do what I and, a couple of other folks have done and that's to do the two-step procedure of a product made by Dicor.

The Dicor product is designed for use on Rubber roofs. The rubber roof on our previous coach, a '99 Fleetwood Bounder, 34V, was seriously deteriorating by the time it was 10 years old. Almost all the white had sloughed off and, the roof was almost completely black. Talk about adding additional heat to the inside of the coach, yeow!!

So, after a bit of research, I decided to go with the Dicor product, sold at Camping World. I'll have to tell you, this was one tough, long day. But that's all it was, ONE DAY. The procedure for application is this:

1. The roof is washed thoroughly with a good stiff brush, soap and water.
2. Then, based on the chemicals involved in the next part, some, including myself, will tape off the sides, front and rear of the coach, from roof line down, with visqueen.
3. Following the directions of the product, it's a Primer/Prep product and, you put it on with a sprayer, like a garden (pump type) sprayer.
4. Then, it gets PRESSURE WASHED OFF! Yep, that's right, a pressure washer.
5. Once it's dry, then the first coat of the cover product is applied.
6. Once that's dray, a second coat is applied.


Now, normally, that's more than enough for a substantial coating and preservation. Some, might put a third coat but, it's really not needed.

I did that very application, several years ago and, the last time I saw it, (and the roof) it looked as good as the day I did it. That was over 7 years ago. I'd recommend it.

Below is what it looked like the day after the application process. I just wish I'd have taken pics of the "before". Oh well.
Scott

Bartviii wrote:
... I can see grey underneath it. It doesent leak. This is happening where the air conditioners drain on the roof...

I'm also thinking it might not be your true rubber roof, but scales from the AC unit's drain water. Under the white is black not gray.