Roof leak

This is an interesting article by the "rv doctor" on cleaning EDPM roofs and petroleum distillates.

Basically it says most if not all EDPM cleaners contain "petroleum distillates" in one form or another. You should use them according to directions, and especially do not "soak" the roof.

Long story short, it works if you use it sparingly. Soak it and you may cause the rubber to swell, and you may void the warranty if you use a product with petroleum distillates although the manufacturer's cleaner may contain them.
Lots of CYA corporate BS.

Me: I used rubbing alcohol after cleaning the grime with spic-n-span. It evaporates quickly, and it worked great.
The eternabond is holding just fine.

I just don't feel comfortable using gasoline, acetone, mineral spirits and the like.

Campfire Time wrote:
Using a rag dampened with mineral spirits will NOT damage the rubber roof nor "dissolve" it unless you are pouring it on. Even then I doubt it would. I was not advocating pouring it on. I've used mineral spirits on my rubber roof and soft plastics without damage. And mild soap and water will not clean the roof enough for Eternabond to work well. In fact, you might be interested to know that Eternabond recommends using acetone because it softens the surface to increase the bond with the tape. I find mineral spirits to be far less caustic.

http://www.eternabond.com/articles.asp?id=169

I see that link recommends using acetone.
bumpy

Using a rag dampened with mineral spirits will NOT damage the rubber roof nor "dissolve" it unless you are pouring it on. Even then I doubt it would. I was not advocating pouring it on. I've used mineral spirits on my rubber roof and soft plastics without damage. And mild soap and water will not clean the roof enough for Eternabond to work well. In fact, you might be interested to know that Eternabond recommends using acetone because it softens the surface to increase the bond with the tape. I find mineral spirits to be far less caustic.

http://www.eternabond.com/articles.asp?id=169

just don't use mineral spirits in any manner and avoid issues.
bumpy

..........You should never pour mineral spirits , acetone , lacquer thinner , etc. directly onto a Rubber Roof(EPDM)! Doing so will dissolve the rubber roof as well as the glue that attaches it to plywood underneath . You will end up with a Bubble and potential problems down the road ! Mineral spirits is a very good cleaner , BUT it should be poured on a rag , and IF the roof is rubbed too hard it can still cause the roof to come lose from the plywood . I would use some kind of mild soap rather than MS's .
...........You should clean the area around the leak then apply a length of Eternabond to fix the leak . Eternabond can be applied over existing caulk if the lose caulk has been removed . , jf

Campfire Time wrote:
Find the cracked/dried caulking and pull it all off. Use mineral spirits to clean it up followed by a good general purpose cleaner like 409. Recaulk and cover it with Eternabond tape. That stuff is the bomb. Follow the instructions to the letter though. Make sure the temperature is above 55 when applying it and don't be in a hurry. Once that stuff sticks, its really hard to remove.

be careful with mineral spirts on a rubber roof. Most/all mfg say do NOT use any petroleum products on the roof.

I'd use a plastic putty knife to remove old bad calk, clean it with soap/water or dicor roof cleaner or spic and span, go over it with water to remove any residue then let it dry and use the dicor lap sealant or eternabond.

Find the cracked/dried caulking and pull it all off. Use mineral spirits to clean it up followed by a good general purpose cleaner like 409. Recaulk and cover it with Eternabond tape. That stuff is the bomb. Follow the instructions to the letter though. Make sure the temperature is above 55 when applying it and don't be in a hurry. Once that stuff sticks, its really hard to remove.

Not LIKELY that the rubber roof is leaking (that's pretty rare unless it's an old RV) but caulking is USUALLY the source of leaks. Examine all caulking for cracks and loose edges and make necessary repairs with the product of your choice. Dicor self leveling is probably what's already on the trailer but many prefer Eternabond tape for repairs. Either will work.
Good luck / Skip

Dicor lap sealant and Eternabond tape are good.

If you use the Eternabond tape, make sure the area is very clean and dry. I used alcohol to clean the area when I put it on my roof.
I had a leak where the rubber roof meets the aluminum at the front of the trailer.

Youtube has good videos on how to use the tape.
I really like the tape.

Good luck with your leak.