Varicose veins in rubber roof

[RomperStomper]

I am looking at buying a 2004 Coachman Spirit of America 525 tbs. One owner, everything works, all original paperwork, and overall in great shape. The only concern I have is the rubber roof. The owner has never cleaned or maintained the roof. Upon inspection I noticed on the surface of the membrane it has what appears to be varicose vein looking cracks. They do not go all the way through the membrane. I inspected the inside of the camper and I cannot find any signs of water damage or leaks any wear. After doing some research on rubber roofs it seem that they shed layers over time. Should this be of major concern or maybe the roof just needs a good cleaning? Anyone else have any experience with this?
http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss37/RomperStomper_01/IMG_20130922_130822.jpg

[Redhound]

Need to know if it is actually EPDM or if it is TPO or PVC. I'd bet a dollar to a penny it is TPO because it is the least expensive of the three membranes. However, your are more likely to see that type of cracking in the top scrim as a result of plasticizer loss. A lot of people confuse the actual material so need to know the actual material first. EPDM will not crack like that. At least not for 20 years or so.

[Veebyes]

No bubbles on our 6 year old roof. I'm trying the preventative maintenance route using a reconditioner product twice a year plus it gets six months of indoor storage which must help alot.

[RomperStomper]

I have been so busy I haven't had any time to post pics. Here is one after I got done washing her up. Steam cleaned the entire inside and even washed up the roof. It's amazing what a little elbow grease will do! I almost have the hitch installed and can't wait to finally pull it to the CG for the maiden voyage next weekend!

http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss37/RomperStomper_01/IMG_20130928_180924.jpg

[RomperStomper]

Well I definitly have it! As soon as I get it all washed up and lookin pertty I'll post some pics!

[shadows4]

Congrats! We will really need to see some new pics of the camper. Just so we know you really bought it. LOL I bought our new to us 2004 Coachmen last Christmas Eve. Unfortunately we just had to have the roof replaced to the tune of $6000. Live and learn, still love the camper. Not so much the place I bought it from. Good luck and post some pics when you get it. Happy camping, John.

[musicman54]

congrats hope you make many memories

[RomperStomper]

I also read somewhere that during installation the rubber roof is glued around the perimeter only and not the entire roof. I decided to pull the trigger and buy the camper. One more walk through and I pick it up Wed. CAN'T WAIT!

[Dtaylor]

rgreengas wrote:
I've got multiple bubbles on the roof of my brand new 2014 Heartland. The dealer is telling me that most likely Heartland will not cover a fix because some bubbles are normal. This is my third rv with a rubber roof and the first one with bubbles. I would be interested to know if n fact you should expect bubbles on a new unit

I have bubbles in mine as well. They move around some. I am not sure if the rubber is glued or just laying there. When you feel them, you cannot feel anything like delamanation, it just feels like a air bubble

[rgreengas]

I've got multiple bubbles on the roof of my brand new 2014 Heartland. The dealer is telling me that most likely Heartland will not cover a fix because some bubbles are normal. This is my third rv with a rubber roof and the first one with bubbles. I would be interested to know if n fact you should expect bubbles on a new unit

[RomperStomper]

Thanks for the info Harold1946, that was my thoughts also but I am no expert. Help to put my mind at ease. Its a buddy of mines camper and all he wants is the payoff on it which is under $6K. Seem's like a really good deal to me. Thanks again!

[harold1946]

Not the least bit unusual on a 9 year old EPDM roof, normal sluffing off.
As for the 2013 model I doubt a dealer will do anything as long as its not leaking. The waranty for EPDM roofing is normaly around 10 years on the material by the manufacturer, and the installation by the builder.

[Poppy___Nana]

We have a 2013 Rubicon 2900 and went up on a ladder tonight after a weekend of camping in the rain and beside water it was raining autumn leaves, which we wanted to get off the roof.....anyway noticed the same varicose veins and "bubbles" in our roof.....thank goodness it is still under warranty!!!!!! Going to the dealer mid-October!

But will watch the answers given by the "pros" (thank you one and all) here on the forum!