Forum Discussion

dpgllg's avatar
dpgllg
Explorer
Sep 07, 2013

Rubber Roof Treatment Recommendations

I am looking for recommendations on a Rubber Roof Treatment. I have searched the forums and the discussions all seem centered around to treat or not to treat. I am looking for specific brand advise.

I will bringing RV home later this morning and my plans are to clean it up including roof and to winterize it for the season as we will not be able to go out at all the remainder of the year.

Thanks!

6 Replies

  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    If you have any recommendations from the manufacturer - follow them. This forum is not an ultimate source for everything, so the following is just my opinion:

    Wash it with dishwasher liquid. No other treatment is needed for storage under roof. If you store it uncovered and there is a lot of sun in your area, you may spray it with 303 Aerospace after washing. You will find detailed instructions for EPDM roof on 303 website. It won't hurt spraying it again in summer, as 303 is getting washed off slowly with rain water.

    I am not spraying it with anything, and when time will come, I will apply a coat of Liquid Rubber. The roof will degrade after 12-14 years no matter how hard you try. A 23ft trailer roof needs 4-5 cans of Liquid Rubber at total cost around $300. Over 14 years you would spend 2-3 times as much on spraying it with 303 few times a year.

    My understanding is that white paint that manufacturers put on the roof, protects it from UV better than 303, and this paint stays on top of rubber for quite a long time.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    scbwr wrote:
    I've done quite a bit of searching on this topic, and there doesn't seem to be much proof that using rubber roof treatments do much. Keeping the roof clean seems to be the best thing you can do. Storing inside will really help. The most important thing is to clean and apply sealant to seams, joints, etc to prevent leaks.

    On the other hand, using any of the protectants made for rubber roofs doesn't hurt and some claim that it makes it easier to clean the roof.


    Very good advice. Most important thing is to keep it out of the sun the best you can and keeping it sealed. All the mfg information I've read from mfgs like Alpha, etc, discourage the use of ANY protectants on their rubber membranes. Generally they recommend cleaning with spic and span and water.
  • I've done quite a bit of searching on this topic, and there doesn't seem to be much proof that using rubber roof treatments do much. Keeping the roof clean seems to be the best thing you can do. Storing inside will really help. The most important thing is to clean and apply sealant to seams, joints, etc to prevent leaks.

    On the other hand, using any of the protectants made for rubber roofs doesn't hurt and some claim that it makes it easier to clean the roof.
  • Gale Hawkins wrote:
    After 10 years applying Liquid Rubber can make them white again and add a few mil of new EPDM rubber. It is not easy or cheap but it can be done in the driveway.

    Is is also sold as Liquid Roof through the RV supply channel but the mark up is a bit more.


    OP here

    My roof is still in pretty good shape so I don't need to go to this extreme. I have not treated my roof but I do keep it clean. I am looking to keep from having issues like this down the road by performing preventive maintenance.
  • After 10 years applying Liquid Rubber can make them white again and add a few mil of new EPDM rubber. It is not easy or cheap but it can be done in the driveway.

    Is is also sold as Liquid Roof through the RV supply channel but the mark up is a bit more.
  • I don't treat ours, just wash and inspect once a year. But, ours is stored inside.

    If you feel you must treat it (I guess it's suppose to protect from UV), here is an option that lots of folks use.

    Roof Treatment...LINK

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