Forum Discussion

arhayes's avatar
arhayes
Explorer
Jul 05, 2015

Advice on roof repair

I have a year old Grand Design product that I assume is an EDPM roof. In inspecting the roof today, I discovered a small "v" shaped tear in the center top that I need to repair. I feel this happened last week in our previous campground as they had trees overhanging the roadway. I can see the decking if I pull the flap open and it appears to not have been wet, though we had rain here 4 days ago.

What is the best approach? Of course with this being July 4th weekend the closest RV place was closed, so I'll be driving there tomorrow morning, to buy what is suggested here tonight so I can make the repair and move to our next stop in the U.P. of Michigan. Any advice appreciated.

9 Replies

  • arhayes's avatar
    arhayes
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2015
    I always climb the ladder, look at the roof and sweep the slides of debris each week when we relocate. Glad I got in that habit, but wish I'd caught this one sooner. I'll try the dicor, but think I'll get the eternabond to have on hand for future use anyway. My guess is this'll happen again at some point. :-0

    Appreciate all the help!
  • Explorer1016's avatar
    Explorer1016
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2015
    Charlie D. wrote:
    With that size tear and all of the original roof intact and none missing I would lay a bead of Dicor sealant and keep an eye on it.. It would be an expensive patch if you had to buy a roll of Eternabond. Ideal solution would be for the RV dealer to give you a piece.

    X2
  • Charlie_D_'s avatar
    Charlie_D_
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2015
    With that size tear and all of the original roof intact and none missing I would lay a bead of Dicor sealant and keep an eye on it.. It would be an expensive patch if you had to buy a roll of Eternabond. Ideal solution would be for the RV dealer to give you a piece.
  • arhayes's avatar
    arhayes
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2015
    The tear is only about 1" by 1" triangle and lays flat. I'll see if they have the tape tomorrow. Thanks for the help!
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2015
    Most RV places will carry Eternabond. You don't need the adhesive spray.
    You will need a roller to apply it properly.
    Clean the area well.
  • Explorer1016's avatar
    Explorer1016
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2015
    Without knowing how wide the tear is I can only give assumed advise. I tore my rubber roof several years ago on a piece of low hanging metal as i was backing into a large shop with a small door. I used heavy duty roof repair tape. There are several brands but Eternabond is a trusted product that works. I used acetone to clean the area where I would be placing the tape. Make sure you buy a width large enough to cover the tear side to side, clean the area good with a cleaner, apply the tape and roll it flat to get air bubbles out. Do it right the first time because that tape is highly tacky and is harder to remove than install. Good luck and have a safe fun trip
  • arhayes's avatar
    arhayes
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2015
    Is that something most RV places will carry? We're in Northern Michigan headed to the UP then across to WI, so there are few choices of places. We won't receive mail again until mid-July when we're in Duluth. I could order something and have it shipped there. Would an ATV sealant serve as a temp repair?

    It looks like eternabond comes in various types (tapes, caulks, etc). Would you use the tape for a small repair, and do I need the spray adhesive as well? Since I'm still under warranty, I want to do it right and not have future problems over a repair they claim was done incorrectly. Thanks.
    http://www.eternabond.com/RV-Leak-Repair-Products-s/22.htm

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