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Tachdriver's avatar
Tachdriver
Explorer
Jun 28, 2014

Surprised by roof inspection

I know I should get on the roof every year and clean it and I have not done so this year. I was on the roof earlier today to check my AC for another issue and found three areas that look like this with small hole in the roof. The roof still has structural integrity right now and the photo you see is the worst one.

I have had this as my first trailer since 2012 and still feel like a noob.

I may have this issue due to some low lying tree limbs from some park.

I have some questions:
1) is this a rubber or EPDM or something else?
2) Is there a repair kit for the small tear/hole.
3) do the cleaners they make for this roof really make it last longer? I feel I have neglected it.

Pictures to follow.




30 Replies

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  • Almot's avatar
    Almot
    Explorer III
    Jun 28, 2014
    Tachdriver wrote:

    1) is this a rubber or EPDM or something else?
    2) Is there a repair kit for the small tear/hole.
    3) do the cleaners they make for this roof really make it last longer?

    1) Probably EPDM.
    2) Put a drop of any outdoor caulk.
    3) No.
  • Sinnettc's avatar
    Sinnettc
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2014
    if the roof is made of particle board instead of plywood, and you've had water intrusion, it might look like that. My dad had to replace the roof on his 5-er last year because of small leaks and a particle board roof. $12k I think. o_O
  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer II
    Jun 28, 2014
    Be glad you caught it and can nail it with Eternabond. Those small holes can cause a lot of rot come the wet season.
  • wrgrs50s's avatar
    wrgrs50s
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2014
    I dont think that is a seam in the roof material. It's the tape over the plywood edges before the roof material is rolled over it and it's showing through.

    If you just have a few small holes that let moisture in, it may have caused the glue underneath to let go in that pattern. I would get a small roll of eternabond tape and make a small patch over each hole and keep an eye on it.
  • Tachdriver's avatar
    Tachdriver
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2014
    Thanks all. Each area has a small hole and it is able to support my weight of 220 lbs, (telling more than I like too lol).

    It feels a bit rough and maybe that is not rot since it does not crack but maybe saw dust, half tempted to suck it out with a vac but that will make the hole bigger and cause more problems. I all run to my local dealer tomorrow and get some thing to repair it and leave it alone.

    I did not buy this new, I bought this 2009 model in 2012.
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2014
    enblethen wrote:
    I am not sure if that is EDPM.
    It almost looks like someone put snow coat over metal or some other material. EDPM doesn't show seems like in some photos.
    What type of roof does Starcraft list?


    EPDM would not have a seam from the factory. Did you buy this new?
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Jun 28, 2014
    I am not sure if that is EDPM.
    It almost looks like someone put snow coat over metal or some other material. EDPM doesn't show seems like in some photos.
    What type of roof does Starcraft list?
  • SooperDaddy's avatar
    SooperDaddy
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2014
    Looks like some construction debris (sawdust?) was swept into a pile and instead of being removed, the roof membrane was installed and glued down on top of it. Just leave it alone and DO YOUR yearly or bi-yearly inspections! May last many years more with no problems.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 28, 2014
    Looks like they roofed over a spilled cat-box. Does it feel solid under there?
  • harold1946's avatar
    harold1946
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2014
    The material is definatly EPDM.
    I suggest Eternabond tape for your repair. RV dealers sell it.
    No, cleaners will not make it last longer. Fact is agressive scrubbing is not recommended. Do not use any products with petroleum distillates or citric acid for cleaning.

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