DIY RV Maintenance and Repair Projects: Liquid Roof Repair

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Greg Kaz.

If you’re like most RV owners, you appreciate the ability to handle your own maintenance and repair needs. After all, labor costs a fortune when you hire someone to do the work. The materials for most RV projects, including liquid roof repair, are fairly inexpensive and available at most home improvement stores and online RV supply stores. Therefore, if you are a somewhat handy person, you can save a lot of money on maintenance and repairs by doing the work yourself.

Liquid roof repair might sound intimidating, but it is actually one of the easiest types of roofing to work with on an RV. Keep reading to learn more about repairing your liquid RV roof.

Inspect the Roof Condition

Don’t even bother shopping for repair supplies and materials until you can get up on your RV roof and take a look at the damage for yourself. Use your smartphone camera to notate hard-to-find areas of damage or wear that need redone while you are inspecting the roof. Also, look at the amount of area that needs repaired. Usually, this roofing material holds up better than others, but it can still get damaged or be prone to wear over the years. Depending on the amount of damage or wear, and how old the RV roof is, it might be a better idea to do a full recoat than to just repair the affected areas.

Check the Owner’s Manual

If the roofing on your RV is the same material that was installed at the time of manufacture, there is probably important warranty information in the owner’s manual. This information will advise on proper cleaning and repair methods and products that can be employed without voiding the warranty.

If your roof has been replaced since the RV was first built, you should have the warranty information for that replacement somewhere. Even if you put on the liquid roof yourself, the product that you used has some kind of manufacturer’s warranty. Again, you’ll want to look into this to make sure that whatever you do doesn’t void any warranties or guarantees.

How to Choose Liquid Roof Repair Materials

Now that you are familiar with how to complete repairs or recoat your RV roof without voiding any warranties, you can pick up the products that you need and get to work. Choose liquid roof coatings and repair kits that work with your existing roofing material. You can find repair and patch kits or purchase the liquid roofing and accessories or tools you need separately, making it easy for you to get the right supplies for the job. As long as you have the correct type of materials, the rest of your purchasing decision will be based on things like:

Price
Brand Reputation
Application
Durability and Longevity

Recoating is More Common than Repairing

When dealing with a liquid roof, repairs are generally minimal because the material is designed to be durable, flexible, and hold up to all kinds of extremes and elements. This cost-effective roofing option generally needs a recoat before it needs repair, simply due to wearing down with age. Resealing or recoating a liquid roof is a routine part of ownership, and you can expect your roof to need a fresh coat every 3-5 years, depending on frequency of use, climate, and how your RV is stored.

If you do find yourself in the position of needing repairs on your liquid roof, the process should be a simple one. Just remember to start with a clean slate and remove all of the debris and damage so that your repair creates a strong, watertight seal. When done right, repairs should last a long time, or at the very least, until your next recoating job.

The Importance of RV Liquid Roof Sealant on Your RV Roof

Posted on June 24, 2019 by Greg Kaz.

When it comes to RV maintenance and care, the roof is one of your biggest priorities. This is what keeps your home on wheels protected from the elements, and what keeps a roof over your head while you’re on the road. Fortunately, modern roofing materials make it fairly easy to maintain and care for RV roofs, no matter which material you choose. RV Roof Sealant is a popular choice for those who want a cost-effective, full coverage option for protection

Beyond popularity, though, it is also a must-have for those who want the best protection for their RV roof. This product can be installed over just about any surface, including your existing roof. As long as you take the time to clean and prepare the surface according to the manufacturer’s instructions, liquid roof coatings will easily adhere to wood, metal, fabric, fiberglass, and more.

Low Cost Protection

A single gallon of liquid roof sealant can cost as little as $50. More expensive products are available, of course, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good rubber roof for your RV. When applied correctly, rubber roof sealants can provide years of durable protection from all kinds of extreme elements and climates. They even outlast many more expensive roofing materials, and yet they cost so much less.

For DIY types, this is one of the biggest selling points of liquid RV roof sealants and roofing products. The fact that they can essentially have a brand new roof for just a few hundred dollars is hard to pass up. Of course, the application process doesn’t take a lot of time. Therefore, even if you choose to hire someone to do the work, the labor costs will be minimal.

Flexible, Durable Seals

There is no material that is as flexible and still as durable as liquid roof sealant. Unlike rubber sheeting, which is less flexible once cured, liquid roof dries to a flexible finish for even better protection from tears and debris damage. The single-coat application provides full coverage of the entire roof. The only additional step you have is sealing around your fixtures, and you really only need to do that for the air conditioner and other serviceable items. You can use the liquid roof on the rest.

With proper application, liquid roof sealants can basically be left alone for the first 10 years after installation. You should still clean and inspect your roof regularly, of course, but you can depend on a mostly hands-off roof maintenance plan. Even in extreme temperatures, rubber roofing holds strong and provides full protection from UV rays, ozone, and all kinds of other elements. Over time, the coating may need to be replaced, but this is normal, and usually doesn’t happen for 10 or 15 years.

It’s All in the Application

The reason that liquid roof sealant is such an effective product is simple: it is a liquid. Although an RV roof is relatively flat, it has a lot of attachments and seams that need to be covered and protected from the elements. A traditional roof would require you to place a separate caulk over all of the seams, including those created during the installation process. With liquid roof, you can simply pour the material on the roof, spread it out, and let it dry.

If you’re looking for a quick and affordable way to upgrade your RV, consider using liquid roof sealant to create a brand new roof. For just a few hundred bucks, you can have a stronger, longer-lasting roof for your RV. Plus, you won’t have to worry about a lot of maintenance like you would with other roofing materials. If you can overlook the fact that this roofing provides such great protection, these are all great reasons to consider liquid roof for your new RV roof.

What Are the EPDM Roof Advantages?

Posted on May 21, 2019 by Greg Kaz.

As a property owner, it is natural for you to weigh the various pros and cons for any materials or systems you use on that property. Whether it is a commercial building or a residential property, you want to be sure your investments give you the returns you desire. Those returns can usually be summed up (no matter what sort of project) as long-lasting, good looking, high performing, low maintenance and affordable. All of these terms apply to the list of EPDM roof advantages, as well.

What is EPDM Roofing?

EPDM is ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, an oil-based rubber roofing option that is a long-lasting and popular choice. This is because it does exactly what a property owner hopes a roofing material will do – remain watertight and effective for many years. Naturally, there are more EPDM roof advantages than the simple fact that it is an effective option for a rooftop.

For one thing, one of the most significant EPDM roof advantages is that the material can work well on perfectly flat or low-sloped roofs. Whether it is a commercial building with a lot of venting and other issues on the flat roof or a residential structure with a very low slope or pitch to the roof, EPDM is a good option.

Flat or low-slope roofing always has more trouble because it can so easily succumb to issues like intense weather (heat or cold), pooling, structural changes, and roof traffic. Thus, the EPDM roof advantages are very significant when deciding on what materials to use for your low-slope or flat roof.

A Basic List of EPDM Roof Advantages

So, just what are the EPDM roof advantages apart from its watertight properties and durability? The advantages include:

DIY – If you would prefer to tackle the project yourself, EPDM can be installed by a novice who is willing to purchase the simple tools needed for installation AND take the time to do the prep work essential to a good outcome. This may mean installing new plywood or panels for the material to bond to, performing an intense cleaning of the entire surface, and so on.

EPDM

Affordability – Of the many materials available for flat and low-slope rooftops, EPDM is the most affordable among them. Not only can it be done by you or with a group of friends, but the materials themselves are affordably priced and considered the lowest priced among all other similar options.

Longevity – An EPDM installation will have a lifespan of 50 years or more (if cared for properly and installed correctly). It will ask for little to no maintenance and even with any issues, repairs are easy, inexpensive and fast to perform. The material resists UV damage, flexes with the building’s movement over time, and all without weakening or degrading.

Safe – EPDM materials are fire resistant, which is important as they are often exposed to intense amounts of heat and light, and if a nearby building or fire puts your property at risk, it is often noted that EPDM may slow or impede the movement of a fire.

Greener – One of the best advantages to using EPDM is that it is easily one of the “greenest” materials. It requires very little energy to produce and when you need to replace it (50 years later) the materials are 100% recyclable! You won’t even need to use heating machines to install them, meaning they ask for no energy to install.

So, if you are eager to find a roofing material with a great many advantages and few “cons” to its use, EPDM is a good choice.

A Quick Look at EPDM Rubber Roof Installation Cost

Posted on April 23, 2019 by Greg Kaz.

Ask roofing experts and they will always say that there are many factors that impact the total cost of a roof installation or replacement. These factors can include the size of the roof, pitch of the roof, level of accessibility, and the materials chosen. In this article, we’ll explore the typical EPDM roof installation cost and take a look at the factors that affect its installation.

The Biggest Factors in Any EPDM Rubber Roof Installation Cost

When looking at a EPDM Rubber Roof installation cost (or any roofing installation, for that matter), the largest cost factor is the size of the roof. With flat and low-sloped rooftops, that usually means a relatively simple to calculate figure. As an illustration, roofing is often charged “per roofing square” and this is a ten foot by ten foot area, or one hundred square feet.

EPDM Rubber Roof

So, if your flat-roofed building has a forty thousand square foot size, it is actually 40 roofing squares. The best way to give yourself a relatively accurate estimate of the EPDM roof installation cost is to begin with the actual size of the roof to be covered or re-covered with the EPDM.

The Slope and the EPDM Roof Installation Cost

A real advantage to the use of EPDM is the fact that the complexity of a roof’s design usually boosts the cost of any work done relating to the roof. Large and steeply pitched roofs are very costly to deal with, and it is because the pace of the work is slower. Steeper pitches mean materials cannot remain nearby the worker and special steps are needed to ensure safety.

Flat roofs, however, are easily accessible, materials can be brought to the roof and left in place until the work begins, and worker safety is easier to manage because there is no slope or pitch to struggle against.

The DIY Element

Of course, in looking at the issue of EPDM roof installation cost, we cannot ignore that it is a process that is able to be done on a DIY basis if desired. One of the leading advantages of EPDM is that it does not require lots of specialized equipment or training. Not many commercial property owners will do a massive installation on their own, but they also do not need to hire a huge team of experts with heavy machinery and expensive skills to do the work.

And as to the most basic part of the costs of an EPDM roof – the actual materials themselves – EPDM is ranked as one of the most affordable. It requires very little in terms of materials with nothing more than the rolls of EPDM the adhesives used, and special materials like batten boards and special trims to complete the job properly. Keep in mind that the costs of the job, and the need for roofing experts, may boost the overall price. For instance, you may find that the plywood roofing beneath the old roof needs replacement. That can mean a dumpster at the site to take materials, the new boards and their installation, and any other materials will have to be figured into the price.

If there is any water damage, that too can boost the costs as you may need to replace structural issues or work around everything from skylights and vents to chimneys and more.

The good news is that EPDM has long had a reputation as one of the most affordable roofing options for residential and commercial buildings with low-slope or flat rooftops. Long-lasting, water and weather proof, and even environmentally friendly (they can be recycled whenever they are replaced), they are a good solution if you want a budget-friendly option for your building.

Are You Considering Doing an RV Roof Coating Repair?

Posted on March 22, 2019 by Greg Kaz.

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

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!