Forum Discussion

KATOOM's avatar
KATOOM
Explorer
Jan 31, 2016

EPDM roof - should I, or can I, coat it, or not.....?

I'd like to say sorry ahead of time as I seemingly have a knack for creating some heated threads on this forum, but that said, I have another question which I have never been able to get a straight answer on. And yes, I've searched and read many other threads for quite some time but still the vagueness and opposing views makes it confusing.

I have a 2005 5th wheel and the EPDM roof is in OK condition. Looking chalky as normal but still just looking like its wearing faster than I'd like. And I really dont feel like having to spend $600-$800 for a new rubber roof if I can prevent it from wearing out as fast.

I've researched this in the past but repeatedly I've had people say DONT touch a EPDM roof as they're not supposed to be. But then I also see people say its perfectly OK to coat a EPDM roof and that they've coated theirs many times over. And there's even coating material companies who sell all kinds of stuff.....but trusting the people who want to sell their product doesnt seem like the best person to ask.

So.....what to do? Thanks everyone. :B
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Feb 01, 2016
    Determine what brand the roof is and use the manufacturers products to ensure compatibility and it will be ok.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Feb 01, 2016
    My rubber roof is 20 years old. At about 12 years old a friend bought a new MH with a FG roof and gave me a gal of Koolseal and a gal of primer. I used it because he gave it to me. I had enough for one coat. It looked great for 4 years and it began to slough off. My roof looked like yours and based on my experience I would wait until the black starts to show through the white surface before you coat it. As another data point another friend has a 20 year old Bounder and his roof it totally black the white has all sloughed off but it still doesn't leak. Coating the roof will reflect the sun reducing the inside temps in the summer. Also it becomes the sacrificial coat that will wear preserving your original roof.
  • KATOOM's avatar
    KATOOM
    Explorer
    Feb 01, 2016
    Gjac wrote:
    My rubber roof is 20 years old. At about 12 years old a friend bought a new MH with a FG roof and gave me a gal of Koolseal and a gal of primer. I used it because he gave it to me. I had enough for one coat. It looked great for 4 years and it began to slough off. My roof looked like yours and based on my experience I would wait until the black starts to show through the white surface before you coat it. As another data point another friend has a 20 year old Bounder and his roof it totally black the white has all sloughed off but it still doesn't leak. Coating the roof will reflect the sun reducing the inside temps in the summer. Also it becomes the sacrificial coat that will wear preserving your original roof.


    Interesting point of view..... So essentially the "white" part is only a protective sacrificial material over the "black" rubber material underneath.....also aiding in reducing radiant heat? So therefore, as long as the black material isnt compromised then its all good? I've never heard anyone ever explain it like that. :)
  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    Feb 01, 2016
    KATOOM wrote:
    Interesting point of view..... So essentially the "white" part is only a protective sacrificial material over the "black" rubber material underneath.....

    It's just a paint. Paint on the original roof or paint-like protective coat that that you put over the original paint. I didn't try this in 5 years since purchase, but I would agree with another poster that there is nothing worse than an added coat peeling off, when you have to sell it. Will interfere with Liquid Rubber restoration as well. Clear 303 UV spray is as far as I would go, until it needs restoration. 303 is washed away with rain and has to be repeated annually. Chaulky surface is normal, this is paint aging and oxidizing.
  • John_Joey's avatar
    John_Joey
    Explorer
    Feb 02, 2016
    KATOOM wrote:
    Gjac wrote:
    My rubber roof is 20 years old. At about 12 years old a friend bought a new MH with a FG roof and gave me a gal of Koolseal and a gal of primer. I used it because he gave it to me. I had enough for one coat. It looked great for 4 years and it began to slough off. My roof looked like yours and based on my experience I would wait until the black starts to show through the white surface before you coat it. As another data point another friend has a 20 year old Bounder and his roof it totally black the white has all sloughed off but it still doesn't leak. Coating the roof will reflect the sun reducing the inside temps in the summer. Also it becomes the sacrificial coat that will wear preserving your original roof.


    Interesting point of view..... So essentially the "white" part is only a protective sacrificial material over the "black" rubber material underneath.....also aiding in reducing radiant heat? So therefore, as long as the black material isnt compromised then its all good? I've never heard anyone ever explain it like that. :)


    I agree with Gjac, and that is my point of view also. I will add to it some.

    I would not do anything until the roof was 15-20 years old (depending on where you are located, down south - 15 years, up north 20.) What you will see is a crazing of the rubber roof. Fine spider cracks everywhere. The coating will fill those cracks and not allow water to sit in them.

    If you do use something make sure it can handle what is known as "puddling." Most can not, the paint will dissolved if there is a puddle of standing water. These are normally the very areas that will leak on a roof.
  • haydoracin's avatar
    haydoracin
    Explorer
    Feb 02, 2016
    From my 1994 Southwind owners manual:
    RUBBER ROOF SYSTEM
    Cleaning
    For normal cleaning standard household detergents or cleansers may be used. Use a non-abrasive, common household detergent and plenty of water. Be sure to keep the sidewalls wet to reduce streaking. Road tar, tree sap or other stubborn stains can be removed with a soft rag and xylene.
    Care
    The rubber roof itself does not require annual coatings or additional sealants. Periodic washing with soap and water is all that is required.

    Do the math. Mine is coming up on 22 years of age. Still looks good with no signs of deterioration. I am the third owner and it has been kept inside by myself and previous owners. I'm sure that makes a big difference in condition.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Feb 03, 2016
    haydoracin wrote:
    From my 1994 Southwind owners manual:
    RUBBER ROOF SYSTEM
    Cleaning
    For normal cleaning standard household detergents or cleansers may be used. Use a non-abrasive, common household detergent and plenty of water. Be sure to keep the sidewalls wet to reduce streaking. Road tar, tree sap or other stubborn stains can be removed with a soft rag and xylene.
    Care
    The rubber roof itself does not require annual coatings or additional sealants. Periodic washing with soap and water is all that is required.

    Do the math. Mine is coming up on 22 years of age. Still looks good with no signs of deterioration. I am the third owner and it has been kept inside by myself and previous owners. I'm sure that makes a big difference in condition.
    Storing inside makes a big difference in preserving the rubber. But for those of us that store our MHs out side that white layer of EPDM will will wear off in the elements and the black will begin to show. If it has been stored inside since new you may have the equivalent of 5 years or less of use in the elements.
  • John_Joey's avatar
    John_Joey
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2016
    I will add one more thing. Rubber roofs shrink. I have had conversations with a few RV owners where this became a problem for them. If that is the case, makes me wonder what good it is putting on a faux rubber roof liquid. The problem is the rubber is pulling away from the connection points. Appling a liquid rubber will not fix that.

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