Forum Discussion

bob57434's avatar
bob57434
Explorer
Dec 05, 2016

Is exposed EPDM on roof a bad thing?

So the previous owner of my travel trailer covered the EPDM roof with Henry's 587 Elastomeric Roof Coating - from what I gather not something normally used on trailer roofs? When it gets wet, it doesn't seem to adhere to the black material below it very well, which I assume is EPDM. It kind of bubbles and stretches and tears easily when it's wet. There are now a couple of rips in the Henry's coating where water can come in contact with the EPDM - is this a problem?

Why does EPDM require an additional coating between it and the weather?

Thanks!
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2016
    bob57434 wrote:
    Why does EPDM require an additional coating between it and the weather?


    Normally it doesn't, in fact Alpha Systems which produces much of the EPDM membrane used on recreational vehicles suggests you do nothing with EPDM other than to wash it occasionally. EPDM rubber is white on top, black on the underside, and does naturally chalk over time, effectively thinning the material. Once you see black showing through that's a sign it's time to coat the membrane to restore some thickness to the material.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Dec 05, 2016
    It has a coating to keep the UV off of the black portion. It's safe against water but the sun will age and crack the black part quickly.

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