Re-coat roof already?

[Njmurvin]

I had a mobile RV service guy come over to the house to look at a couple of items on my 2011 Arctic Fox 27-5. One of the items was to check out the caulking on the roof. He told me that besides the caulking being all cracked and needing replacement, he also said my roof needs a complete re-coat (he calls it paint - in two stages of base and top coats) job. He quoted me $3,000 for the whole job. The first owner lived in Bakersfield, CA and I'm in SoCal. Yeah, it's hot in the summer but certainly not desert type heat. I would have hoped the roof would have lasted longer than 8 years before needing this level of service.

I'm a DIYer for many things, but climbing on a roof is not something I'm comfortable with. If I go up on a ladder next to it, can I see enough to confirm that it really needs re-coating? What should I be looking for?

If it does, is this a fair price for a 28ft trailer (includig re-caulking)?

[Njmurvin]

Lenny K wrote:
I would get a second opinion to see if you really need to do all that work. It is also unlikely that the dicor needs replacing, Touch-up yes, replacing no.
I think someone might be looking for work.

That was my conclusion as well. Thanks.

[Lenny_K]

I would get a second opinion to see if you really need to do all that work. It is also unlikely that the dicor needs replacing, Touch-up yes, replacing no.
I think someone might be looking for work.

[memtb]

sayoung wrote:

pcm1959 wrote:
Or better yet, RV Flex Armor.

Our 5er is at the Denton Tx location now getting the roof repaired & sprayed. I hit a tree in my own yard duh.

Trees aren’t a problem in Wyoming, but, if we had one.....I’m sure I could find it! :R

[sayoung]

pcm1959 wrote:
Or better yet, RV Flex Armor.

Our 5er is at the Denton Tx location now getting the roof repaired & sprayed. I hit a tree in my own yard duh.

[jimmyfred]

............A year ago I needed to completely recoat my EPDM rubber roof on a 1999 Travel Supreme 5'ver ! I ordered 5 gallons of Dicor EPDM Rubber roof coating ! I paid `$50 per gallon plus shipping ! I also ordered a gallon of their cleaner\catalyst that is applied prior to the application of the EPDM coating .
............The proper application is a multi step process , (1)apply Dicor cleaner catalyst , let stand ~20 minutes , (2)Pressure wash roof with water and let air dry OR use an air hose and blow water off roof to speed up process of drying (3), Apply FIRST coat of EPDM rubber roof coating with a roller (5)Wait ~ 2 hours and apply the second coat and you're done !
.............Now , the perimeter of my roof had the normal hardened and cracked layer of lap sealant that most older trailers have ! SO.....instead of completely reapplying a new layer of lap sealant I did something different ! ...........I used an air blower and cleaned out all the cracks in the old sealant ! Then I squirted the cleaner\ catalyst over the entire perimeter and simply applied the EPDM coating over the lap sealant when I applied BOTH coatings . Worked like a charm !!!!!!
.............The factor that makes the Dicor method of Recoating Superior , is the application of the SECOND coat !!!!! , jf

[BarneyS]

REM13 wrote:
I would suggest 4" Eternabond on all joints, front and back and over all caulking on hatches and then do the coating, if really needed, yourself.

This would be my suggestion also. I did exactly that to my trailer some years back. Still is waterproof and looks good today.
Barney

[REM13]

I would suggest 4" Eternabond on all joints, front and back and over all caulking on hatches and then do the coating, if really needed, yourself.

[mileshuff]

Makes a huge difference whether the RV sits out in the sun or is stored under shaded cover. Sun quickly rots a roof and caulking especially if its allowed to build up dust on it which dries it out.

My last TT was always in covered storage when not in use. After 11 years the roof looked good as new as did the front and side paint, gel coat, plastics etc.

[C_Schomer]

I used Henry sf287 on a previous 5er when I lived near PHX and it still looked great when I sold it 5 yrs later... Never stored inside. Henry has a newer rv roof coating I might try. I started on recoating my 2008 and I'm still on the recalling part. Craig

[JIMNLIN]

Let him do the resealing. Give your rubber roof material mfg a 1-800 and ask them what they recommend.
My 31' 1997 5er with a rubber roof has never had any type of coating. It no longer white after 22 years however this unit has sat in its trailer barn when not on the road.
I do a roof inspection (everything) twice a year (spring and late fall) and reseal spots here and there with Dicor if needed maybe every 5-6 years. Some OEM seal areas is still doing its job. The trailer was nine years old before the sealant around the skylite and one roof jack needed a bit of self leveling Dicor.

[pcm1959]

I visited Rvroof.com aka RV Flex Armor store in Green Cove Springs, FL, yesterday. I have seen them at the Tampa RV show for years now. Even though My roof is in great shape and only 5 years old, I have decided to do the $6100 roof on my fiver. It will put an end to checking, re-caulking, etc., to the roof.
After all, if you have a good rig you plan to keep, then just like your home, a good roof is s must.
Your AF fiver has good bones and if you plan to keep it then I think the investment in a sprayed roof is well worth it.

[slomark]

A friend is an rv tech and recently suggested that the lifespan of the roof on my 09 Sundance would be extended considerably by painting it with the Decor product, it's an EPDM roof. After purchasing several gallons of paint and cleaner on eBay, I tackled this project last week. It took two hours to tape off everything and hang plastic on everything (following the Dicor instructions video) and the results were worth a full days effort.

I had cleaned the roof and touched up the caulk annually, and store it in the shade here in San Luis Obispo. But I can definitely see the benefits of doing this project.

[ItsyRV]

If looking at a DIY application, consider a high solid silicone roof. Unlike a membrane roof, it's a solid continuous roll/brush on application that eliminates the need for caulking, tape or lap sealant. It's also a soft roof so fused repairs are done with a tube of the silicone and a putty knife. It also has insulating properties especially on metal or solid fiberglass roofs. Another benefit is you can buy the material at major home improvement stores like Loews or Home Depot. Since this is a raw material applied application, you can do things like create a water diverter or channel on the roof or edges to suit your needs. Since it's a flexible material, you really don't have to worry about stretching, twisting, bending, flexing or anything else as it just becomes a huge silicone sheet bonded to your roof.

Now, there are some pros and cons that must be considered and not all roofs are good candidates, but it's a excellent product at a reasonable cost that is becoming more and more popular. If you can paint an exterior wall, you can coat your roof with this product.

[memtb]

Another vote for Flex Armor.....if you plan on keeping your RV for a while, as it’s not cheap. The application charges are based upon linear feet of coverage, and if roof repairs are needed prior to the roof application! Do some research, it’s darn near “bullet proof”, and eliminates all of the roof seams.

Everything is removed from the roof, the roof is inspected, the mounting flanges, brackets, etc. for all of your roof components are reattached to the roof, then the new roof material is sprayed on. Essentially the entire roof and all flanges, brackets, etc., become part of the roof.....no potential leakage. Then the ac’s, fan bodies, vent caps, etc. are connected to their bases.

We did this two summers ago, including our slide-outs....it’s not cheap, but we thought it was worth the expense. The only potential negative....When it is wet, or has snow on it....it is slick as “snot on a door knob”! We do some fall/winter camping...To remove the snow is an extreme challenge. If videoed, you may make an episode on “Wipe Out or “ Jackass”! You will be on your hands and knees, holding on to whatever is available. Golf shoes would help....but, not recommended! :B