Hello All--I have a 1998 Jayco 243RKS that has an EPDM rubber roof. The roof has a couple of repairs that appear to have been done well, as they were done with galvanized sheet metal and screwed down to roof about every 6" or so. repairs are about 2'X3' on two sections of roof; one near front and one in front of AC condenser. There are no signs of leaks inside anywhere. The previous owner took pretty good care of this RV. I believe there may have been an incident that tore through the rubber roof.I know about the use of butyl tape under skylights, vents, etc and self leveling sealant over all seams, edges, vent/skylights edges, over screws, etc.Am I correct with the above? Am I missing something?I wanted to know, as I have heard of some folks doing this, but is it recommended to cover the entire roof with a roll on, paint-like finish that seals and protects entire roof? It sounds logical, especially for older EPDM rubber roofs like mine. However, I do not want to do something to diminish or be harmful to the rubber roof material.Thanks!

Baja Man wrote:Hello All--I know about the use of butyl tape under skylights, vents, etc and self leveling sealant over all seams, edges, vent/skylights edges, over screws, etc.Am I correct with the above? Am I missing something?I think you have that down. What I have seen on older rigs (mine is a 2001) is that many owners simply pile more lap sealant over the existing without consideration of its integrity. Unfortunately, the old sealant often needs to be removed before adding new. As an example...the sealant on my skylight looked OK but in reality the under coats were loose and allowed for leakage. The picture shows how easily the sealant came off the roof.I wanted to know, as I have heard of some folks doing this, but is it recommended to cover the entire roof with a roll on, paint-like finish that seals and protects entire roof? It sounds logical, especially for older EPDM rubber roofs like mine. However, I do not want to do something to diminish or be harmful to the rubber roof material.Most people are not supportive of using these coatings preferring a complete new membrane installation. I plan on using one of these in a year or two. The product I am considering is Liquid Roof. There is another brand that gets good reviews and they will come to your rig to apply! Thanks!

interesting....I'd like to know why some are opposed to these coatings.

Keep an eye on those two repairs as using sheet metal to repair an EPDM roof is not a standard fix. The screws create more chances for leaks. Normally a rubber patch is glued over the damage and then the edges are sealed.

Baja Man wrote:interesting....I'd like to know why some are opposed to these coatings.I think many feel if it needs a coating it probably needs replacement and they could very well be right but not everyone can manage or justify that large expense especially on an older rig.Another option is Flex Armor

That liquid roof looks like it could be good stuff. Perhaps someone on this board has tried it and would like to comment on it.

EPDM Rubber Roof Maintenance and repairs | Good Sam Community

Baja_Man
Explorer
Oct 10, 2015
Since I currently have no leaks, I have decided to perform the following maintenance and repairs. Question: When using self-leveling Dicor to cover cracks in current Dicor caulking, does this older stuff have to be removed before new caulk is added?

Does my process sound correct?

1. Eternabond tape all around the edges of the metal panels (panels appear to be previous owner's repair).

2. Remove plexiglass over shower and replace with a skylight. Use butyl tape between skylight and rubber roof. Screw skylight down to roof. Apply Dicor over all edges of skylight, covering all screws.

3. Apply Dicor over all existing areas of caulk (vents, AC, etc) that are cracked.

Thanks
SH
Explorer
May 23, 2015
Baja Man wrote:
...Or should I just leave metal alone and seal all edges with Eternabond tape. 4" wide will give 2" overlap on each side of metal (2" on metal and 2" on EPDM roof).

Can't really tell you what to do but I personally would simply cover all the seams/edges with the 4" Eternabond and leave the sheet metal in place as long as it is secure and not loose. You're not going to have a leak where the Eternabond is placed.

There are some tricks to applying the tape! Be sure to clean the area really well and do use a small roller to help activate the tape. Lots of information and videos HERE
Baja_Man
Explorer
May 23, 2015
No leaks that I can see. No stains anywhere. Roof looks good and appears to have been sealed regularly, except for two metal spots. All of the side seams, windows, handles, plugs, etc... have even been resealed/caulked.

I live in So Cal so we don't get much rain. This 5er has been in So Cal its entire life so I don't think it's seen much water....not compared to those in the Midwest or East. I don;t believe trailers out here in the West see much rot as those back East. Heck, where I live it's about 80-100 from May-Sept. And if we're lucky, So Cal will get a 12-15 inches of rain per year!!

Should I remove the metal and replace with EPDM rubber sheet?

I'm a big guy (6' - 280#) so I don't like to walk around roof and cause any damage. Looks like I will have to get up there to replace skylights and seal or replace metal.

Or should I just leave metal alone and seal all edges with Eternabond tape. 4" wide will give 2" overlap on each side of metal (2" on metal and 2" on EPDM roof).
RAS43
Explorer III
May 21, 2015
Njmurvin wrote:
If it were me ... whether or not you replace the missing screws, I would cover the screws and the edges with Eternabond tape. I would try to get tape wide enough to have at least 3/4 to 1" margin on both sides.

Looks like a new roof might be in your future.

I agree. And if the screws have been missing a long time you may already have some damage. Check for softness in the roof under the patch and look from the inside for water leakage by removing lights of vents for access.
Njmurvin
Explorer
May 21, 2015
If you decide to leave the metal in place ... I would cover the screws and the edges with Eternabond tape. I would try to get tape wide enough to have at least 3/4 to 1" margin on both sides.

I once saw someone do an entire roof with Eternabond (in large strips). Find out the max size it comes in. It may be possible that it could cover the entire area that your metal is covering.

Looks like a new roof might be in your future.
Baja_Man
Explorer
May 21, 2015
I have attached a couple of pics of the repair. Should I leave it alone and just replace missing screws and tape edges with Eternabond (leaving bumps in tape)

Or

Should I remove metal, not knowing what's underneath metal, and cover section with a piece of EPDM and then tape edges of EPDM with Eternabond?
SH
Explorer
May 20, 2015
I purchase from Best Materials. That is also where I purchase a lot of sealants specifically ChemTech M1
Baja_Man
Explorer
May 20, 2015
There appear to be a few different Eternabond tapes.....which is the one most by us RVers for EPDM rubber roofs?
SH
Explorer
May 20, 2015
Baja Man wrote:
Good information here.
Is it preferred to use Eternabond tape over seams, edges, around vents, and the edges of metal repair....

I am an advocate of the Eternabond for most situations. It is more or less permanent unlike the Dicor which will need yearly maintenance. I especially like it for the seams where the front and rear caps join the roof.

I also used it after repairing my skylight. I am confident it will not leak again. I decided to deal with the "removal" issue when and if needed for a little more "piece of mind" over water intrusion worries.
Baja_Man
Explorer
May 20, 2015
Good information here.

I think I will replace a couple of screws that have fallen off of metal repair, replace old vents with new vents or Fantastic Fans, replace plastic vents for heater, stove, plumbing, etc......and then possible use the EPDM Liquid Rubber.

Is it preferred to use Eternabond tape over seams, edges, around vents, and the edges of metal repair....

OR

is it better to use the self-leveling Dicor sealant on these same locations?