An EPDM—or extremely durable synthetic (rubber roofing)
membrane—is a very common roofing material across the United States. Yet
because this kind of roof is often used on commercial buildings, not many
people are familiar with how to maintain and repair it. That’s why we’ve put
together a brief EPDM RV roof repair guide to help new and experienced RV
owners understand how to care for their EPDM roof and repair it in the most
efficient way possible. Here’s what you’ll need to know.
EPDM RV Roof Repair
Basics
What kinds of unique challenges might an EPDM roof pose for
your RV? Here are a few basic thoughts to keep in mind:
- Although extremely durable, it’s still important
to keep the EPDM clean and dry before working with it on your roof repairs.
It’s especially important to remove oil and grease, as these can lubricate the
area and make it more difficult for a proper adhesion to form when you apply a
sealant. Before you repair the area, make sure you clean it first. - It’s important to use specialized equipment as
well. For example, an EPDM roller and scraper for removing excess or unwanted
sealant will help ensure both a proper bond and clean edges when need be.
Now that you have an idea of what you’re dealing with, we’ll
get to the specifics of EPDM roof repair.
Repairing The EPDM
Surface & Proper Caulking
An EPDM roof can be caulked like many types of RV roofs. It’s
just important to know the essential steps along the way. First, use the proper
caulking material and have it handy. You should inspect the EPDM for leaks and
dents thoroughly before proceeding, as they can be difficult to spot. Some RV
roof repairers may even use additional light—even when there’s ample light
around them—to make sense of the potential leaks.
You’ll likely want to use a sealant that can bond to a
variety of surfaces, as you have to keep in mind that there will be many parts
to the roof that you might have to seal to effectively repair a crack. As EPDM
is considered a type of synthetic rubber, you’ll want to use a sealant that can
bond to that material. Be sure to read the labels before you use any specific
RV sealant to make sure you have the right product, as using the wrong one will
likely not result in the kind of long-term adhering you’re looking for. For example,
our Silicone
Rubber Sealant is an all-purpose
sealant.
Once you apply the sealant to the affected area, make sure
that the area is well protected. You can scrape off any excess and should allow
the sealant enough time to dry and cure—be sure to read the label for this
information as well. A proper cure might seem like a long time, but the results
will be well worth the effort.
Stock Up On RV Cleaning
& Maintenance Products
Want more products that can help you maintain your RV? Then
browse the RV
cleaning and sealing options available here at RV by LIFE to ensure
that your roof—and the rest of your RV—remains in top condition.