Author Archives: Greg Kaz.

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.

EPDM and the Environment

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More and more people today are concerned with the environment and going green, and they want to make choices that are sustainable. This includes when it comes to the buildings they own and the roofs on those buildings, particularly in the commercial sector. Builders and buyers alike are looking for ways that they can create environmentally friendly roofing systems, and one of the best options on the market is EPDM, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. This material offers a number of benefits that help to make it an environmentally friendly product, and it could be the perfect option for your business.

Energy Efficient Roof

Energy efficiency is important, and this is one of the areas where EPDM can truly excel. The product is available in both white and black. This means that it can work well to accommodate different types of environments when it comes to being energy efficient.

If the white EPDM is used in a climate that tends to be warm and get a lot of sunshine, it can help to keep the building cooler. The white will reflect the sunlight. This can help to reduce the use of air-conditioning. For those that live in colder climates, having the black roofing can help, as it will more readily absorb the sunlight to keep the building warmer. This means reduced heating costs throughout much of the year.

In fact, a study conducted by Ashley-McGraw Architects have shown this to be the case. They found that using white roofing will provide 30% higher thermal heat loss than the black roofs.

Highly Durable and Long-Lasting

Another way that EPDM is environmentally friendly is in its durability. It’s very common for the coatings on roofs to last and stay in great shape for decades. They are not going to need to be recoated and repaired every year, which means less of the product is being used. Not only is this good for the environment, but it shows that EPDM is also a good value.

A study by a strategic environmental consulting firm called GreenTeam, Inc. found that EPDM performs better than other similar types of roof assemblies. They found that it has a lower environmental impact than asphalt, TPO, and PVC roofing systems.

Another one of the benefits of EPDM that helps it to last so long is the fact that it is not a rigid, inflexible material. You will find that the rubber can expand and contract with the weather, which means there is a far less likelihood of it cracking and allowing for leaks.

Applying the EPDM

If you want to have a quality roofing system that is environmentally friendly, you will find that EPDM tends to be fast and relatively easy to install. In fact, depending on the size of the roof, the slope of the roof, and the amount of time you have, it is a project that you could conceivably complete on your own. However, if you do not have the time or inclination to do it on your own, you can find some great roofing companies that can take care of the installation for you.

epdm

EPDM (ETHYLENE PROPYLENE DIENE MONOMER)

During the application process, be sure to follow all of the guidelines from the manufacturer to ensure proper installation. This includes cleaning and preparing the roof before you begin, applying a single coat, and ensuring you are following safety guidelines while applying.

Whether you choose to install the EPDM on your own or hire someone to do it for you, it is worth it. The peace of mind it can offer, along with the environmental friendliness, are priceless.

Why Choose EPDM for Roofing?

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When you notice that there is some damage on your roof, whether it is leaking, or it simply appears as though there may be some cracks forming, you can’t ignore it. Problems with the roof are not going to get better on their own. In fact, they are only going to get worse. Therefore, you will want to act as quickly as you can to make sure that the roof is repaired. One of the best options for many types of roof today is to use an EPDM coating.

EPDM, or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, is a synthetic type of rubber, which can be applied to the roof to provide it with a protective coating that will help to keep it safe and stop leaks. While there are other options available for roofing repair, you will find that this has some nice benefits, and it should certainly be considered.

Affordable Compared to Other Options

When people discover that they have a problem with their roof, such as a leak, they immediately start to think about just how much it is going to cost to repair. If you have caught the problem before it is too bad, you will find that using EPDM as a coating is very affordable. In many cases, you can take care of the application on your own. Even if you hire someone to handle it for you, the cost is likely to be minimal since the application process is relatively simple.

Simple Application Makes It a Potential DIY Project

As mentioned, you will find that applying an EPDM coating to the roof is simple. It is possible to do it yourself with a little bit of time and the right equipment. You will also want to understand the basics of how to apply the coating to the roof, and you will want to make sure you follow all of the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure it sets properly. Always take the proper safety precautions when you are applying the EPDM, as well.

Keep in mind that you will also have to wait for the EPDM to cure. This does not typically take very long, and one of the benefits of the material is that it can cure in any temperature. It tends to cure faster when the temperature is above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will still cure in lower temperatures.

EPDM Is Durable

When you make a fix to your roof, you do not want the same problem cropping up a few months later, or even a couple of years later. One of the nice things about EPDM coatings is the fact that they can last for a long time thanks to the durability of the rubber. In fact, it has the potential to last for decades. It’s nice to have that kind of peace of mind when it comes to your roof.

Use EPDM as a Preventative Measure

Even if you do not have any major problems with your roof right now, you might still want to consider using an EPDM coating. Applying it before there is a problem will give your roof a layer of “armor” that will help to keep it safe now and for years to come. This simple preventative measure can help you prevent some headaches down the road.

As you can see, there are many reasons to consider using EPDM when you have to make sure your roof is in shape and stays that way. If you have issues with your roof, this could be just the cure you’ve been hoping to find.

6 Advantages of Liquid Rubber Roofing for Your Home or Commercial Building

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There is no shortage of options available when it comes to roofing materials. Asphalt shingles, sheet metal, tar and cement, clay tiles – these are just a few of the choices that homeowners and business owners have. However, one option stands out from the rest – liquid rubber roofing. It can be installed at a residence or on a business, and it offers quite a few important benefits. We’ll take a closer look at six of those below.

1. An Eco-Friendly Solution

Liquid rubber roofing might not be made from natural rubber, but that does not mean that it isn’t a green roofing solution. Because it is made largely from recycled materials, it removes waste from landfills and helps to prevent pollution. It also helps reduce the need for air conditioning by controlling the temperature within the building better, thereby reducing your demand on the local power grid.

2. Reduced Need for Maintenance

Another significant benefit of liquid rubber roofing is the reduced need for maintenance. With other types of roofing, even those vaunted metal roofs that can last up to 50 years, there’s a need to reseal periodically, or to replace damaged shingles and tiles. With rubber roofing, there is very little need for anything but the occasional recoating of the roof with a single layer of new rubber.

3. Reduced Installation Time

Liquid rubber roofing requires less time for installation than traditional asphalt shingles, or sheet metal, and drastically less time than clay or slate. The material can simply be poured onto a flat roof and then rolled out. On other roofs, it can be sprayed on for even faster application. Not only does that save a dramatic amount of time, but it reduces costs associated with labor, too.

4. No Seams to Worry About

The weakest points on any roof are the seams where materials are joined together. These are the most common sources of leaks, and the most likely point of failure in high winds. With liquid rubber roofing, there are no seams to worry about. The material is sprayed or rolled on, and then it self-levels, creating a single, seamless membrane (called a monolithic membrane). With no seams to fail, you have fewer worries about leaks or storm-related damage.

5. Low or No VOC Emissions

VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are found in a wide range of things, from new carpeting to furniture to roofing materials. These can create serious health problems, including asthma and COPD. However, liquid rubber roofing formulations contain low or no VOCs, dramatically reducing the potential for odors and unwanted health issues with family members or employees.

6. Outstanding Waterproofing

Finally, liquid rubber roofing is completely waterproof, and it is from the second it is applied. Unlike other like roofing materials, EPDM-based roofing material repels water naturally and does not need to wait for curing to be waterproof. This is a boon for installers, homeowners and business owners, as it means that an unexpected storm during application doesn’t mean disaster. However, note that this material does require time to cure. It will take several hours to dry to the touch, up to two days to dry to the point it can be walked on, and up to seven days to cure completely.

As you can see from the information above, there are many benefits associated with EPDM liquid rubber roofing. Affordable, easy to install, durable, environmentally friendly and inherently waterproof, it is one of the best choices available for homes and businesses alike.