Roof Coating

as others have said, a lot depends on the condition of your roof. A few years back I was in the same boat. 1976 camper, original aluminium roof. it had pinholed, stretched and split in a number of places. $40 in kool seal(about 5 coats) and it's 5x cooler, 10x quieter and leak free. Roughly 4 years later and never been covered, and there are 0 issues.

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Within my region, TT/RV EDPM roofs last from 10 to 20 years. At 12-15 year mark, their EDPM roof maternal looses their elasticity and its outer top white layer starts showing black patches. At this condition, the EDPM roof material is wearing out. One can see it. And within a few short years, the entire roof material needs to be replaced.

Since OP mentioned his "'83 16' Scottie RV", his roof is probably factory build. And being 20 years old and if EDPM material, its at its EOL (End of Life). To proactively fix before it starts leaking water, one can:

1 - Replace with new EDPM Sheeting. Very Expensive - if one includes glue, EDPM sheeting and some new outer trim. This EDPM replacement cannot be done by most DIY folks. Thus, contracting this depth of work out is the norm.

2 - If exiting EDPM material is still firmly glued to roof's underlying wood, simply apply Liquid Rubber Roof over existing worn out factory EDPM sheet roofing material. Simply clean (power washer), let dry, tape off its edges, lift the AC unit a few inches and apply liquid rubber with brush / roller, let dry, remove edging tape. Simple DIY task that many folks can do themselves. A few folks in my Seasonal site applied liquid Rubber to their 12-15 year old RV and they love its results. No more black streaks either. And best of all, liquid EDPM is fraction of the cost - compared to new EDPM roof sheeting (with its underlying glue).

If one visits You-Tube and searches for EDPM liquid rubber roof (or other liquid rubber roof coatings), you'll find many positive DIY video clips. And, positive feedback under each video clip as well. IMO, liquid rubber on RV roofs works. And, last for 10-20 years. And best of all, much less cost compared to new EDPM roof sheeting.

If one is talking about "roof treatment?" (which is different question), then many folks recommend NO treatment. But, "treat roof?" is a different question than "roof coatings?" on 20 year old RV/TTs.

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Heiny57 wrote:
I am not sure, but I am disappointed someone hasn't suggested something.

Thats because you DO NOT need any "coating".

A lot really depends on the roof material as to what needs or should be done but for the most part blanketing a roof with a paintable roof coating is more of a waste of time and money. It does not buy you any time if anything it will shorten the remaining usable life time of the roof.

Typical roofs are factory painted aluminum which can be one entire piece or can be "seamed". This roof is very "hardy" and can last 40-50 yrs with no needed coatings.

The seamed roof does require some maintenance at the seams. Periodically you will need to remove old seam sealer and apply new seam sealer to the SEAMS ONLY.

Fiberglass, typically nothing needs done for the life of the unit unless the gelcoat wears out, then repainting the fiberglass with automotive paints would be the best option.

Rubber, vinyl, EPDM and any other soft type roofs, the material self destructs over time. Basically the material loses a small amount of thickness per year. Typical life of this roof is 12-15yrs.

Best thing to do with this material is to remove completely and replace with all new material. Coating it with any paint on aftermarket rubber material will not last long and you will become a slave to reapplying it every several years. Paint on rubber coatings do not give enough thickness per layer painted on to last very long, just not worth spending time and money on.

Some folks have managed to get a white "Rino" bedliner painted on, have never ever heard back from those folks but it would most likely cost nearly the same as buying new roof material.

Whatever you do, PLEASE, do not use Roofing TAR, it simply looks bad does not stay sealed long since it will crack at any joint, is a pain in the bottom to remove or fix and gets extremely hot in the summer sun.

I really don't know what is up there now. It just seems like white paint., Ed

Need to know current roof material (Fibreglass, Metal, EDPM, etc.)

Need to know if factory roof or if roof recently replaced.

Would be nice to see pictures of existing roof as well.

If looking to "top coat" a roof, do investigate Liquid Rubber Roof products.

Many different companies but a famous product is - click here -

I also hear great things about - click here -

Whether DIY project or store bought (re: they apply it), I like the idea of liquid rubber roof coats. Especially if "base" roof material is still good.

Hope this helps.

What is up there now?

I am not sure, but I am disappointed someone hasn't suggested something.