Author Archives: Greg Kaz.

Are You Considering Doing an RV Roof Coating Repair?

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Wouldn’t it be great if everything that we invested in lasted forever, if nothing ever had to be repaired? Of course it would, but in the real world, regular maintenance and repair of our possessions is an essential part of ensuring that they are always available and working properly. Whether you purchased your RV new or used, it is an investment in yourself, in your relaxation and leisure time. You inspect your coach and perform routine maintenance before and after each season so that it will be ready for you whenever you’re ready for it. One of the most important areas of your RV to maintain is the roof, because it takes the most punishment and can be the most expensive thing to replace if left unattended. This year, you have noticed some minor cracks in the roof and have decided to head off disaster by performing an RV roof repair coating.

RV Roof Repair Coatings

RV Roof Repair Coatings

What Product to Use When Performing an RV Roof Coating Repair

There are a lot of RV roof repair-and-seal products on the market, all making different claims regarding their ease of application and durability. Choosing the product that is right for you can seem overwhelming. The first thing that you will need to consider is the composition of your RV roof. Chances are your coach roof is made of metal, asphalt or EPDM synthetic rubber. The smartest approach is to choose a coating that will work equally well on any of those surfaces; most EPDM rubber coatings fall into this category. Many of them can also be used on asphalt roofs, if the appropriate primer is applied first. Also, an EPDM rubber coating that is a liquid is excellent for filling in and coating tiny cracks and imperfections in the roof’s surface. You’ve decided that a liquid EPDM coating is ideal for performing an RV roof coating repair. Now it’s time to choose one.

Which Liquid EPDM Coating is the Right One for You?

Even after deciding to go with a liquid rubber coating, there are still some things to consider. Performing an RV roof coating repair requires quite a bit of prep work to ensure that the coating will adhere well and last for years. A poorly prepared roof surface is a formula for disaster. You’ll need to thoroughly inspect and wash the surface, being certain to remove all mildew and dirt. Any necessary repairs to the caulking or surface structure will need to be made as you go. If it rains while you’re working, you’ll need to allow time for the surface to thoroughly dry before applying the coating. Some liquid coatings require two coats, with hours of drying time between each, to achieve a satisfactory result. What happens if it starts to rain in between coats? As you can see, performing an RV roof coating repair, while not difficult, can be time-consuming when done properly. Choosing a product that goes on as a liquid and effectively covers the surface in one coat will save you a lot of money and hours of time. Another nice feature of this product is that it becomes water proof the moment that it touches the roof’s surface, so your efforts won’t be wasted if it does start to rain.

If an RV roof coating repair is a part of this year’s RV maintenance plan, you’ll want to consider all of the factors, cost, durability, ease of use and time required, when deciding which product will best fit your needs. Whichever one you choose, Happy Camping!

A Typical EPDM Roof Life Expectancy

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If you are the owner of a flat or low-slope roofed building (whether residential or commercial), and you are in need of a new roofing material, you might have already heard of EPDM. Experts in building and design have long known that it is a remarkably durable material that installs easily and comes with a very budget-friendly price. In this guide, we’ll also look at the typical EPDM roof life expectancy and just why it is probably an optimal solution to your roofing needs.

What is EPDM Anyway?

EPDM is an oil-based rubber material that can be easily applied to a flat or low-sloping rooftop. It is often described as a DIY-friendly material, too, because it does not involve any specialized skills or tools to install correctly and effectively. Preparing the area properly is also going to have an effect on any EPDM roof life expectancy.

EPDM Roofing

EPDM Roofing

Why? If you want to get the very most EPDM roof life out of an installation, it means you’ll have to consider what issues might shorten or interfere with a longer life span on the material. Generally, it is the following factors that can shorten the roofing material’s life span and decrease its performance:

  • Moisture – Any EPDM roof life expectancy can be shortened if the materials are applied to wood a foundation that is damp or retaining moisture. This can cause adhesives to fail or for trapped moisture to degrade the base materials quickly.
  • Debris – The prep work before installation involves removal of old asphalt and oil-based materials, as well as ensuring there are no sharp surfaces or pieces of debris that could work away at the backside of the roofing, causing a tear or fracture in the future, and leading to leaks inside the building.
  • Poor drainage – Preparing a roof for EPDM means ensuring that water drains away from the rooftop and into gutters. This means the installation of batten boards and other trim that channels water where it needs to go. It also means that installation requires flashing to help channel water away from vulnerable surfaces and/or joints between the EPDM and other parts of the building.

A trustworthy EPDM guide can help you learn all about the appropriate steps to take before, during and after installation. Each of these steps can prolong or ensure the long EPDM roof life you desire.

The Average EPDM Roof Life

And just what is the average life span of an EPDM installation. Generally, experts know that a well done installation provides a property owner with 40 to 50 years of roof life, or more. Regular maintenance and inspections can detect any issues or signs of trouble and extend the life span of the roof for even longer.

A Lesser Known Benefit of EPDM

And though you might read that EPDM has a long life and can withstand exposure to such things as UV light, extremes of heat and cold, structural movement and more, it is also important to recall that it is a greener sort of roofing. Not only because it lasts for such a long time, though, but also because it takes much less energy to produce and when it is replaced in later years the original material is entirely recyclable.

If you are considering a new material for a low-sloped or flat roofed building, you have several ways you can go. However, if you need a cost-effective, low maintenance and easy to install option that can last for many years to come, then it is EPDM. Available in different colors, thicknesses and widths, it can cover large or small areas affordably and over a very long span of time.

Liquid Rubber Benefits for Your Roof

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Are you still wondering whether you should use Liquid Rubber for your roof? If you have heard that it could be a great option for your business, or even your home, but you aren’t sure, let’s look at some of the biggest benefits

Waterproof

Leaks could be a huge problem for anyone whether it happens at their home or their business. Leaking roofs could damage to property and stock in a store, and it could cause damage to the insulation and the walls. It could even cause hazards on the floor as water drips and pools. This could be costly to take care of, and it is not something that you would want to have to deal with if you didn’t have to. The good news about EPDM Liquid Rubber is that right after the installation, the waterproofing protection will start – even before it is fully cured.

EPDM Liquid Rubber

EPDM Liquid Rubber

Durable

While it goes on like liquid, when it dries and cures, this product will provide you with a strong and durable barrier that protects your roof from all of the outside elements. This protection will ensure that you no longer have to worry about leaks, which will let you rest a little easier when you see dark clouds gathering overhead. When you have this coating on the roof, it can last for up to 20 years. That’s a lot of protection for what amounts to very little work and cost.

Lightweight

Another benefit of this roofing option is the weight. When you compare it to other types of materials, such as tar, the weight is very minimal. After all, you will only need to have one or two thin coats, so it will not add a lot of weight to the roof.

Cost Effective

Even though there is the initial cost of the product, you will find that the cost of Liquid Rubber tends to be quite low compared with other options. Additionally, when you think about the protection that it offers, you will quickly see that it is far cheaper to spend on this type of roofing material than it is to pay for expensive repairs to the roof or building later.

Energy Efficient

Another of the Liquid Rubber benefits that many people never consider is that it has the potential to be energy efficient. You will notice that the product comes in both black and white. When you have white material on your roof, it will help to reflect the sun’s rays, and that can help to keep the building cooler. This could lower energy costs because you will not have to run the AC as much. If you are in an area where it gets colder, you could choose the black coating, which can absorb the sun’s rays and help to keep it warmer inside. Therefore, a business in Maine might want to have black waterproof sealant, whereas a company in Arizona might want to have white.

Is there anything that the EPDM Liquid Rubber can’t do? While it offers many nice benefits, there are some instances where you will not want to use it. If you have a property that has a steeply sloped roof, it will not be a good idea. This is because it will not dry fast enough, and it will run and pool toward the lower portion of the roof. It could even drip off the roof. Therefore, it tends to be a better solution for low-sloped and flat roof.

Other than that, there is no reason that you wouldn’t want to use Liquid Rubber. Just think about all of the benefits listed above.

Basics of RV Roof Coating Repair

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Finding out that you have a leak in your RV roof that is causing damage to your RV is one of the worst feelings in the world. If you are like many people, the first thing you are going to think about is just how much this is going to cost to fix. If you let it continue to worsen, you will eventually need a new roof, and you may need to make replacements to some of the interior elements of your RV. This could cost you many thousands of dollars. However, you do not have to let it get to that point. Instead, you can head off the problem as soon as you find it – or even as a preventative measure – when you use a permanent RV roof coating.

It Needs to Be Clean

The first thing you need to do is examine the roof of your RV. You want to be sure that you check the roof for any areas that might be leaking. It could be a problem with the vents, or it could be a hole in the roof, for example. Do a thorough examination and note all of the potential problem sites.

At that point, you will need to make sure you clean the top of the roof properly before getting started with any repairs. This requires cleaning the oil and grease away if there is any on the roof, along with silicone sealants and waxes that may have been used. Make sure you remove the dirt and wash the roof with water to get it prepared for the rest of the repairs. Power washing is possible if you have a large RV roof, but it can also be done by hand. This tends to be how many RV owners prepare their roofs.

Patching and Adding the Coating

Once the roof is clean, you can then go through and add patches to any of the areas that will need it. For example, if there are a couple of large holes or cracks, patching them before adding the Liquid Roof is a good idea. Simply follow the instructions from the manufacturer for applying the patch.

After the patches have been added, you can then use the Liquid Roof to continue with the RV roof coating repair. Again, you will want to follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Fortunately, it is easy to take care of the application on your own. It goes on similar to paint, and you will only need to add one coating. When you are applying it, try to make sure that you have an even coat. You can use rollers and paintbrushes to ensure that you get all areas of the roof.

With the coating on the roof, you can then rest a little easier knowing that it will go to work protecting the roof from leaks and sun damage right away. The curing times will vary based on the weather and temperature, but the protection starts immediately.

The process of getting your roof protected and back in shape is not always as complex as many think. If you are able to catch any problems early, the coating should help to provide you with all the protection you need. For those who have severely damaged roofs, or who need to have interior repairs made to the RV, it is best to consult with a professional. The sooner you take care of your RV roof problems the less it will cost. After all, issues with the roof are not simply going to go away on their own.

7 Things You May Not Know about RV Roof Repair Coatings

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While your RV might allow you to enjoy the freedom to travel anywhere, anytime, you do need to maintain it. You’ll need regular oil changes, and to invest in new tires every now and then. You’ll need to wash and wax it, and replace the wiper blades from time to time. You’ll also need to resurface the roof periodically to prevent water leaks and systemic damage. RV roof repair coatings made from EPDM are the best solution here, but just how familiar are you with these products? Here are a few things you might not know about these coatings.

They’re the Same Material as Your Roof

You might assume that the material your RV’s roof is made from and the material roof repair coatings are made from are different. After all, one’s a solid, and the other is a liquid. However, chances are good that they are both EPDM, which is a type of rubber. It is the most common material for RV roof construction in the United States, although fiberglass and aluminum are sometimes used.

They’re Synthetic Rubber

The material you use to coat your RV’s roof and prevent leaks is made from rubber, but not the natural type. It’s a synthetic polymer, called EPDM, or ethylene propylene diene monomer. Why synthetic rubber, though? There are plenty of compelling reasons. It offers much better UV resistance than natural rubber. It also adheres much better, and is longer lived. In short, it’s a superior solution in just about every way.

They Require Just One Coat

Roof repair coatings made with EPDM can be applied with just a single coat, just a few mil thick. That offers a number of benefits. First, it ensures that just a little bit of liquid EPDM can go a very long way. In fact, a single gallon can cover up to 200 square feet. Second, it means that you spend less time resealing your roof. Of course, it also helps you save money, too.

They Are Waterproof Immediately

Roof repair coatings made with advanced EPDM rubber are waterproof from the second they are applied. Unlike other materials on the market, EPDM coatings are impervious to water, although they do take a few hours to dry to the touch.

They Can Be Applied on Your Own

There is no need to worry about professional installation with roof repair coatings. As long as you are physically able to get on the roof of your RV, you can apply it yourself and save both time and money.

They Don’t Need Primer

With most roof sealants, you need to apply a primer first to ensure good adhesion. That’s not the case when applying an EPDM sealant to an EPDM roof. All you need to do is make sure the roof is thoroughly cleaned, and the material will adhere immediately. However, if you’re using EPDM roof coatings on a non-EPDM roof, you will need to use primer.

They Help You Keep Your Cool

Finally, roof repair coatings help you keep your cool. They reflect heat and UV rays back into the atmosphere, lowering the ambient temperature within your RV and reducing the need to use the AC. They also help to reduce the effect of heat on the substructure of your roof, prolonging its life and saving you money over time, as well.

As you can see, there are quite a few interesting things about EPDM RV roof sealant. Easily applied on your own, completely waterproof, incredibly durable, these coatings embody next generation technology and ensure that you’re able to protect your investment.