Forum Discussion

TKW's avatar
TKW
Explorer
Mar 06, 2014

EPDM Rubber Roof Installation

Must EPDM membrane be solidly adhered to plywood substrate on installation? Wouldn't a loosely attached membrane result in premature failure?

I was out kicking the tires on some new TT and happened to climb up the ladder on one to check on the roof. I noticed the roofing material along the edge was not secured to the plywood. The curing of the sealant along the molding caused the roofing material to lift away from the substrate. In my mind, this could be problem down the road. I would like to hear from those of you who have experience in this area.
  • tempforce's avatar
    tempforce
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2014
    i've seen so many rubber roofs, stretched like a dome, going down the highway, due to the glue coming loose. it's just a matter of time before it stretches to the point of getting a tear or a puncture from something flying coming into contact with the membrane. it would be better to skip that unit and find one without glue adhesion issues.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2014
    Sometimes the front and rear plastic panels are bent to form a radius and attach to the roof. Where this plastic curve is formed there may not be any adhesive. The dicor adhesive requires a porous surface like wood and is not recommended on plastics or metal etc. So this means that there may be 6 to 8 inches of membrane not glued down at the front or rear. As I look at more and more TT I think I like the idea of the roof being crowned from side to side. Just seems like a good idea.
  • JJBIRISH's avatar
    JJBIRISH
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2014
    That is not a problem nor will it cause a problem… the edges of the ply-wood are covered with duct tape normally to protect the rubber from splinters during installation… it is the tapes poor adhesion to the wood that becomes lose… the same thing will happen over time at each ply-wood seam…
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2014
    Some minor wrinkling and lack of adherence around the edge is very common. If it is limited to very small areas it will not create a long term issue.
  • brulaz's avatar
    brulaz
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2014
    My EPDM roof is wrinkled/raised a bit, maybe 1/2 to 1" from the rear of the trailer. Seems ok, not a problem.
  • BillB800si's avatar
    BillB800si
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2014
    TKW wrote:
    Must EPDM membrane be solidly adhered to plywood substrate on installation? Wouldn't a loosely attached membrane result in premature failure?...................

    ========================

    If something is flopping around up there while driving down the road then over time fatigue will set in and weaken the material. Flexing material is never good for it's longevity especially if it's wind generated.
    Now I know for certain that many roofs are not glued down 100% but I would suspect that gluing all the edges would be a priority.
    Happy trails,

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