Forum Discussion

solismaris's avatar
solismaris
Explorer
Sep 30, 2019

Black starting to show through on rubber roof

This year for the first time I noticed the black starting to show through on my 15 year old rubber roof. Only in a few places - mostly where I tend to scrub more in preparation for Proflex touch-ups.

I know this means the roof is starting to wear out and will have to be dealt with by replacement or recoating. I wonder how much "grace period" I have before it starts leaking? I really don't want to tackle a major project like this this year. Think I'll make it another 1/2 year?
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Oct 01, 2019
    The coating isn't just cosmetic. It's there to keep UV off the rubber.
    Without the coating the rubber will quickly break down and crack.

    Good luck,
    Scott
  • RJsfishin's avatar
    RJsfishin
    Explorer
    Sep 30, 2019
    mine was showing black seem like forever before I sold it, You got years of life left
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Sep 30, 2019
    the bear II wrote:
    As long as there are no cracks you should be good for at least another year provide you don't experience really harsh inclement weather.

    The OP lives in Massachusettes. Harsh inclement weather is a normal winter. :)

    If you're not going to coat the roof, I would at least cover the RV for the winter.
    Even winter sun can cause damage. Trust me.
  • John_Joey's avatar
    John_Joey
    Explorer
    Sep 30, 2019
    I have seen them completely black. White is nothing more then to reflect the sun. Rubber roofs should on average go20 years.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Sep 30, 2019
    As long as there are no cracks you should be good for at least another year provide you don't experience really harsh inclement weather.

    My roof started cracking at each edge and that's when I began seeing water damage in a couple of areas.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Sep 30, 2019
    Wouldn't you feel more comfortable coating it now with Fall and Winter coming? Besides it is just "when" you do it, not whether you do it.
  • camperdave's avatar
    camperdave
    Explorer
    Sep 30, 2019
    The roof of my old TT was turning black in places for about 2 years before I got around to recoating it. Not suggesting you to wait that long, but it's not going to suddenly disintegrate on you.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Sep 30, 2019
    Hard to predict time length before leaks appear, as many RV roofs leak long before 15 years. When the black is showing, it is time for a recoat, but does not mean a leak is likely. I think the white coating is mostly cosmetic, and to reflect heat.

    Jerry

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