EPDM roof - should I, or can I, coat it, or not.....?

This stuff.... but not cheap either.

".......but still just looking like its wearing faster than I'd like."

My 2004 is wearing also, but what do you see that looks like you need to do something to slow it down?

http://www.amazon.com/CORPORATION-RP-CRC-ACRYLIC-COATING-RP-CRC-1/dp/B000BRF3WM/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1454288523&sr=8-3-fkmr1&keywords=Superflex+Rubber+Roof+Coating

Good question. I'll be following this thread. Ours is chalky as well. It hasn't ever been "treated". It has been maintained by the previous owner with Dicor lap sealant applied in the appropriate places. I seem to find people will put a coating on every 2-3 years from what I have reading. I was planning on applying a coating this spring.

KATOOM wrote:
I have a 2005 5th wheel and the EPDM roof is in OK condition. Looking chalky as normal but still just looking like its wearing faster than I'd like. And I really dont feel like having to spend $600-$800 for a new rubber roof if I can prevent it from wearing out as fast.

I think you've answered your own question - roof doesn't require repairs yet. When it will, then you will do it. "Wearing faster than I'd like" - yeah, well, you're probably also aging faster than you would like, so what? :)

$600-800 about covers the cost of materials only - membrane or liquid stuff. There are 2 liquid coats commonly used, Liquid Rubber and Liquid Roof: http://www.epdmcoatings.com/. Same stuff, one is more expensive than other. You'll find it on Amazon as well. One gallon covers about 40 sq.ft. In comparison, Superflex linked in earlier posts covers 1 gal/200 sq.ft, so this sounds pretty much like paint.

Liquid Rubber is a "restoration" and is done when it has to be done. Until then, most people don't do anything other than careful washing (optional, IMO) and/or sprinkling UV protectant like 303. Sorry, don't know any super-wax that would cover it and thus stop it from deteriorating completely. Some people try this or that magic goo, most don't, and there is no evidence that it makes a difference. If such thing existed, we wouldn't hear about membrane replacement or restoration.

There are several products out there. I use Bus Kote.
Its the same as used on busses. A gal of primer and a gal of
finish less than $100. One coat primer than two coats
finish.
.

On an older 5ver I had....roof was getting in sorry shape.....bought some Liquid Roof and did the roof. Cost was about 60 bucks a gallon and used 3 gallons. Not the easiest to put on being so thick......but when I was done...it looked like a brand new roof!!

I was thinking about this product.Any one use this
http://www.amesresearch.com/default/roofs/epdm-rubber-roof.html

It was used when I bought it, and the roof had never been coated,.. looked just like you describe. I never coated it, and 8 years later, the roof looked just like you describe. The new owner, who knew these rubber roofs well, was impressed w/ how good it looked, and that it had never been coated.
From all that, I concluded that these roofs are supposed to look just as you describe.
I was always worried about tree branches hurting it because it looked so fragile, so I always carried Eternabond tape. Darned if I never was able to even try the tape,....still a sealed package in my current RV.
Wash the roof now and then,....quit worryin about it.