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
  • On an older 5ver I had....roof was getting in sorry shape.....bought some Liquid Roof and did the roof. Cost was about 60 bucks a gallon and used 3 gallons. Not the easiest to put on being so thick......but when I was done...it looked like a brand new roof!!
  • There are several products out there. I use Bus Kote.
    Its the same as used on busses. A gal of primer and a gal of
    finish less than $100. One coat primer than two coats
    finish.
    .
  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    KATOOM wrote:
    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 think you've answered your own question - roof doesn't require repairs yet. When it will, then you will do it. "Wearing faster than I'd like" - yeah, well, you're probably also aging faster than you would like, so what? :)

    $600-800 about covers the cost of materials only - membrane or liquid stuff. There are 2 liquid coats commonly used, Liquid Rubber and Liquid Roof: http://www.epdmcoatings.com/. Same stuff, one is more expensive than other. You'll find it on Amazon as well. One gallon covers about 40 sq.ft. In comparison, Superflex linked in earlier posts covers 1 gal/200 sq.ft, so this sounds pretty much like paint.

    Liquid Rubber is a "restoration" and is done when it has to be done. Until then, most people don't do anything other than careful washing (optional, IMO) and/or sprinkling UV protectant like 303. Sorry, don't know any super-wax that would cover it and thus stop it from deteriorating completely. Some people try this or that magic goo, most don't, and there is no evidence that it makes a difference. If such thing existed, we wouldn't hear about membrane replacement or restoration.
  • Good question. I'll be following this thread. Ours is chalky as well. It hasn't ever been "treated". It has been maintained by the previous owner with Dicor lap sealant applied in the appropriate places. I seem to find people will put a coating on every 2-3 years from what I have reading. I was planning on applying a coating this spring.
  • http://www.amazon.com/CORPORATION-RP-CRC-ACRYLIC-COATING-RP-CRC-1/dp/B000BRF3WM/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1454288523&sr=8-3-fkmr1&keywords=Superflex+Rubber+Roof+Coating
  • ".......but still just looking like its wearing faster than I'd like."

    My 2004 is wearing also, but what do you see that looks like you need to do something to slow it down?

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