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retiredcamper20's avatar
retiredcamper20
Explorer
Apr 15, 2014

EPDM Rubber Roof

I have a 2006 Forest River 24' Surveyor. The roof is confirmed rubber EPDM. There are no leaks, but some black speckles here and there,over all areas, some worse than others. RV shop says MUST do something now to re-store roof as the black spots are showing through and will soon give way to sun, water, etc and water starts getting under roof, etc, which will cause need for a whole roof replacement. He recommended cleaning then covering with some DICOR product of 2 coats which will effectively give it a new EPDM coating. Cost with labor $1800. Last week I called a 2nd RV shop for opinion - he stated: We do not and will not cover a rubber roof with any product. It won't bond or hold. You need a new roof. You can wait til the existing roof gives you trouble and then do it or you can do it now. I said roof is only 8 yrs old. He said if all previous owners had cleaned and put a sealant on the roof 2 - 3 times a year, the roof would have lasted 15 - 20 years. What is your opinion of cleaning, sealing, re-coating roofs? Does one really need to clean and seal 2 - 3 times a year?
Seeking Advice
  • Roman_Duck's avatar
    Roman_Duck
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2014
    black spots are nothing more than mildew. Just buy some rv roof wash for rubber roofs and follow directions, using a soft brush with a cup of elbow grease and it will look like new,
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2014
    The Dicor two step process if done properly will bond. One of the steps is a bonding agent.

    First make sure the black specks aren't just dirt that is really stuck on to the rubber. I would wash off my roof every couple of years and was always sure the white was going away. But once I used a soft bristle brush and scrubbed it turned out to be dirt. Once finished with the good scrubbing the roof looked like new.

    My roof is 20 years old and has sat out in direct Southern California sun everyday since new. Last year I paid to have the 2 step process for my roof by an RV detailing company that works in the RV Resort we stay at during the summer. It was a lot cheaper than $1800. It took two people about 4 hours total. So far it's not peeling off.
  • Road_Runners's avatar
    Road_Runners
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2014
    I don't know if all that is needed. The black specks are just bits of mildew which will not harm the roof. My EPDM roof is 14 years old. I used to wash it, but I don't even do that anymore. What is most harmful for your roof is to get it snagged and torn on a tree branch.

    These rubber roofs are put on commercial buildings and last for years with no maintenance whatsoever.

    This is all my opinion, but don't let them talk you into anything that you may not need.

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