Is my roof ok?

[NJ6PACK]

I was doing a roof inspection the other day and I took these pictures.

Black spots are in certain areas. Is this ok? When I run my hand across the spots there is a gritty feeling.

They have been there for a year or so, There is no leaks I just am wondering about these.....Is it time to think about re coating the roof soon?

The TT is a 2007 but it was made in 2006

Any thoughts are appreciated

[JJBIRISH]

Unless a roof is really so bad that it requires a coating to extend its life a little, a roof benefits very little from it, and more often than not makes to more difficult to find leaks the do develop later…

[harold1946]

wrvond wrote:
I read that EPDM roofs will only lose 10% of their material over a 20 year period. So I have to wonder if rubber roof coatings aren't just a marketing ploy, selling something not really needed...

I realy coundn't say for sure. Many use the coating to keep it looking nice. I am awar of one friend with a 30 year old RV that coated his at about 20 years and 10 years later its still fine.

[wrvond]

I read that EPDM roofs will only lose 10% of their material over a 20 year period. So I have to wonder if rubber roof coatings aren't just a marketing ploy, selling something not really needed...

[harold1946]

Possibly mold or mildew which can be removed, but I tend to believe it is the normal sluffing off of the top layer of the EPDM material. It is normal as the material ages and does not compromise the roof.
Dicor makes products that work well for recoating the roof if desired.

[colliehauler]

JJBIRISH wrote:
I believe it’s mildew also it’s primarily in areas where water damns up and takes longer to dry…
Mildew don’t grow on the rubber it grows on dirt that is on the rubber…

It should mostly wash off with soapy water and a little bleach… no citrus or petroleum products…

X2. A roof should last 20 years.

[spike99]

.

If planning to keep the TT for the next 5-8 years, it might be worth applying liquid Rubber Roof coating. Apply before it shows too much black spots.

For some cool DIY videos, surf - Click Here - and - Click Here -

If wondering, I have a 2006 (made in late 2005) TT and plan to apply liquid rubber roof within the next 2 years (when roof is at its 10 year mark). Apply new liquid rubber roof coating before EDPM roof "base" is too far gone.

[mockturtle]

I'd be more concerned about that plastic bag sitting atop your A/C. :W

[ScottG]

If it's mold or mildew then it doesn't hurt anything (and since it's in places that stay wet longer, I think that's what it is). OTOH if it's the black rubber showing through then your its nearing the end of its life and a coating will make it last longer.

[BillyGo]

or black mold

[JJBIRISH]

I believe it’s mildew also it’s primarily in areas where water damns up and takes longer to dry…
Mildew don’t grow on the rubber it grows on dirt that is on the rubber…

It should mostly wash off with soapy water and a little bleach… no citrus or petroleum products…

[2oldman]

NJ6PACK wrote:
I live in New Jersey

Yes you do.

[NJ6PACK]

I live in New Jersey

I clean the roof twice a year using the rubber roof cleaner sold at Walmart

[2oldman]

Kinda looks like mildew. I'd try washing it. Are you in a wet climate?