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Timberwolf50's avatar
Timberwolf50
Explorer
Sep 01, 2015

Rubber Roof Mistake

Please HELP, need advice.

My wife bought a 2001 Jayco Kiwi with a rubber roof and when she brought it home the previous owner used petroleum based sealant on the rubber roof. Not sure where to proceed from here or how to repair it.
Not an option in selling it...

Any advice will be helpful....Thank you

4 Replies

  • If this were me, I would try to peel off any caulk that is loose. Use ONLY a plastic tool on the roof membrane and do NOT poke any holes in the roof trying to get at caulk that is not hanging loose.

    I would then gently scrub with a soft bristle brush the roof with SPic and Span liquid cleaner and rinse off throughly.

    I would then get wither 2", 3" or 4" wide Eternabond tape (from Amazon) after doing some measuring and estimating what you might need. I have used Eternabond tape as a preventive measure on all seems, including the roof edges (front, back and sides) where the roof ends and meets the trim, or side gutters or any other vent.

    There are numerous youtube videos on how to apply Eternabond tape.

    Use a small amount of Mineral Spirits on a cloth and rub off any dirt/deposits on the roof where you will be applying tape. DO NOT use in excess as the roof will stretch. IMMEDIATELY wipe with generous amount of rubbing alcohol on another cloth and let dry for a few minutes. The Mineral Spirits will take up dirt that cannot be touched by any other cleaner, but must be removed quickly with the rubbing alcohol to prevent roof damage. Do small sections at a time.

    Apply Eternabond over seams and old caulk. Wipe tape outer layer with rubbing alcohol and overlap 1/2" if applying a second strip.

    This Eternabond should last 10 years or more. Clean and inspect your roof at least every 6 months.

    I hope this helps
  • Welcome to the forum Timberwolf 50 I hope this helps. I'm pretty sure that Jayco used TPO type rubber roofs in 2001. Since it appears too be in good condition I'd just clean it and seal it with a good rubber roof cleaner and sealer. What I found on my 2007 Jayfeather is the original roof was TPO and had a texture and the roof that was replaced under warranty is EDPM and is smooth. So you might want to check it since I don't know if the same sealer can be used on both types of roofs. There is a new type of roof that I just saw the other day and don't remember what it's called but unless your KIWI had a new roof installed recently You probably have the original TPO.
  • gbopp: the roof looks like it's in good condition, no leaking, peeling noted only some bubbling or lifting on one edge.
    I was wondering if any rubber tape or sealant can be used over it or should I just leave it.
    thanks
  • What is the condition of the roof? Is it leaking, peeling or showing any signs of problems?