Author Archives: Greg Kaz.

Get to Know EPDM: Keep Your RV Roof in Perfect Condition

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EPDM is a synthetic rubber composite that is designed to offer premium protection from many elements and environmental hazards. This synthetic rubber membrane has incredible protective properties when it is applied correctly. It can do a lot more than the average Liquid RV roof material, including helping to offer a seamless membrane of protection for total water resistance. Plus, EPDM is UV-resistant and will dry flexibly to allow for temperature fluctuations. All of this means that EPDM rubber ages slower and stands up better over time.

Even if you use your RV all year long, you don’t have to be constantly maintaining and cleaning the roof. When you choose a product like EPDM, it’s going to be simple to maintain. Just remove debris and wash it periodically, and check for cracks and issues while you’re topside. It’ll take a couple of hours of your time, and you’ll have peace of mind that your roof is protected.

EPDM is a Long-Term Solution

The biggest benefit of EPDM is that it can last for years, with many products having a 20+ year warranty that guarantees that you won’t have a lot of issues with your roof. The use of liquid EPDM creates better longevity with a single membrane that has no gaps, seams, or joints where damage and water could occur. Most EPDM roofs will last for 30 or 40 years, or more, provided that they are maintained and cared for well.

Many EPDM materials will list a lifespan of 50 years or more, but the reality is that whether it’s 30 or 50 years, this product still lasts longer than most of the other roofing solutions. Plus, while you’re enjoying your RV, you’ll know that your roof is protected and doesn’t need constant attention or care.

EPDM is Eco-Friendly

One other thing that makes this synthetic rubber compound preferable is that it is an environmentally friendly solution. For starters, EPDM is 100% recyclable and many roof coatings are made from recycled rubber. Compared to fiberglass and other materials, it also requires less energy to produce this type of roofing and it can provide better insulation for the RV over time. All of this points to a reduction in energy usage and energy costs, which is a win-win for your wallet, your conscience, and the planet.

Is EPDM New?

No. EPDM has been around for years, although it is just now becoming a popular subject among the RV community. There are so many different products available today that it is getting more notoriety and new technology is helping create better and better products all the time. The only new thing is the growing interest and the increasing benefits available from this roofing material.

Ultimately, the only real drawback that people can find with this roofing material is the fact that it is not as aesthetically pleasing as some materials. However, you can still make it look pretty good and when you are thinking about how well it protects your roof, you might not care how it looks. You aren’t going to spend a lot of time looking at your roof, anyway.

Now that you know more about EPDM coatings and roofing materials, including why they’re the preferred choice for many, you should take the time to see what’s out there to assist with your roofing needs. You’ll find affordable, cost-effective solutions that will help you maintain your RV roof and provide durable, long-term protection. Take the time to consider what you want from your roofing materials and you’ll quickly see why so many people are taking EPDM as their preferred choice.

Save the Planet, Switch to EPDM

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Greener, more eco-friendly options have become such an important part of so many people’s lives. They want the choice of sustainable products that don’t pollute the Earth and contribute less to global climate change. This expands across so many industries, and home roof repairs are no exception. Fortunately, greener roofing options such as EPDM cause less harm to the environment, but they’re usually less expensive in the long run. This has led many builders and home remodelers to switch to EPDM. This material offers some of the most environmentally friendly benefits a roof can have. Let’s take a look at why.

Being Eco-Friendly is Black and White

EPDM, or ethylene propylene diene monomer, is a synthetic rubber that is rolled out as a liquid to create one of the most durable EPDM roofing materials on the market. But durability isn’t its only selling point; color is too. Color might sound like a cop-out when it comes to a marketing point, but in the world of roofing, color matters a lot—particularly black and white.

Think of a hot summer day in Miami. You probably imagine a swimming pool with fruity cocktails and men dressed in white suits and Panama hats. That white suit didn’t become a fashion trend just for the sake of style. White is white because it reflects back all shades of visible light, i.e., it doesn’t absorb sunlight. For your building, this translates to a cooler outer surface. With less sunlight absorbing into your building, you’ll use less energy to cool the interior. 

The same goes for buildings in cold climates. If you spend most of the year heating your property, opting for a black roof can cut the energy you spend on heating. Where white reflects light, black absorbs it. And we don’t just mean a few degrees worth of light. Making the switch to this style of roof can affect your building’s overall temperature by up to 30%!

A Greener Source

If the idea of a rubber roof causes you to balk, that might be because you know where rubber comes from—the rainforest. While it’s easy to forget, rubber is a natural product produced by rubber trees deep in the hearts of the Amazon, Congo, and jungles of Southeast Asia. Collecting sap from these trees is not the most eco-friendly of industries and can cause deforestation in our planet’s lungs.

The good news is, though, with EPDM roofing, your worries are put to rest. Rather than being sourced from the rainforest, EPDM is a synthetic rubber made without causing deforestation. This also has the added benefit of producing a better product. Compared to natural rubber roofing, EPDM roofing can stand up against higher and lower temperatures, prolonged exposure to UV radiation, and even ozone.

Durability Equals Environmentally Friendly

Even still, synthetic rubbers might set off a few alarm bells for an avid environmentalist. But thanks to how much more durable these roof coatings are, EPDM roofs last far longer than a standard roof. This means they won’t have to be repaired or replaced as frequently, and less product gets used. With an EPDM roof, you can go decades without replacing your roof even in harsh climates. At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a way to cut energy expenditure, slow the rate that the rainforest is being commercialized, and still walk away with a roof over your head, you can’t get much better than an EPDM roof coating. You’ll save on money and also help benefit the planet. 

How You Could Be Saving Money with An Elastomeric Roof Coating

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Is your business’s roof in need of replacing? Has it aged past its sell-by date and needs a good facelift before it starts to leak into the property? Before you go about cashing in your business insurance for a completely new roof, have you considered refreshing your roof with an elastomeric roof coating? Rather than paying for an entirely new roof, you could be saving money by applying an elastomeric coating and adding years back to your business’s rooftop.

What Is An Elastomeric Coating?

In short, an elastomeric coating is a coating of elastic. It seals your roof from sun exposure and the elements and helps prevent leaks from developing. Adding an elastomeric coating keeps your roof from aging any more than you want it to and can even fix pre-existing damage.

Reason Why It Will Save You Money #1 – Avoid a New Roof

The first and most expensive cost you won’t have to pay for by using an elastomeric roof coating is the price of a new roof. Having your old roof completely removed and replaced is pricey and time-consuming, and unless you have proof of damage, your insurance might not pay for it. The hours of labor and massive volume of materials quickly raises the price of a brand-new roof into the tens of thousands of dollars. Comparatively, laying down an elastomeric roof coating costs near pennies. You’ll be finished soon with more money left in your pocket, and your roof will be as good as new, nonetheless.

Reason Why It Will Save You Money #2 – Save on Energy

Every family has that one parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle who refuses to touch the thermostat even when it’s boiling hot. That’s because energy bills are expensive! Fortunately, elastomeric roof coatings can help cut your electricity bill without sacrificing your comfort. That’s because these coatings are colored with your environment in mind. Think of it this way—on a hot summer’s day; you wouldn’t go out wearing a black because you’d end up sweating to death. So why do we use black roofs? With an elastomeric coating, you can switch your roof from black to white, thus reflecting the sun’s rays off your home and cutting your home’s temperature drastically. 

Reason Why It Will Save You Money #3 – You’ll Save on Installation

Going back to what we said about installing a new roof, one of the main costs is labor. A total roof replacement takes more than a few days, and you won’t likely be able to do it yourself. Paying a team of roofers to work all day for several days quickly adds up. On the other hand, though, elastomeric roofs take about 60% the amount of time. You’ll spend less on labor and less on equipment, and you’ll lose less business from having to stay shut for repairs. In short, an elastomeric roof coating is a far more economical choice than a new roof.

Conclusion

If your commercial roof is looking lackluster, it might be time to make some repairs. But before you go and have the roof completely replaced, consider a better option. Rather than paying tens of thousands of dollars for a tear-out job, think of the benefits of an elastomeric roof coating. In a day, you’ll have all repairs done, you’ll have saved on a new roof, and you’ll be set to continue saving on your power bill down the line. Who knew a new roof could be such a money saver? With an elastomeric roof coating, there isn’t anything to lose.

Getting the Most Out of Your Liquid Rubber Roof Application

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Looking to boost how much protection your roof offers? Dealing with a leaky roof can spell the beginning of a long road to repairs, and if you’re a business owner, you know that those repairs can put you out of business until they’re finished. But if you have a flat or gently sloping roof, you can stop leaks in their track, long before you even have to make repairs. The best way to do this is by laying down a layer of protective liquid rubber roofing. If you’ve already decided to do so, you’re probably looking for a few tricks and tips before you get started. Let’s talk about how you can get the most of your liquid rubber roof application.

Where to Get Started

When it comes to liquid roofing materials, you’ll find a couple of different options. You can opt for a sprayer that would work best for larger areas or opt for a roll-on option. It comes down to how much area you want to cover and how quickly you want to be finished. Generally, a roll-on application will be sufficient for most people’s needs.

While you’re picking up supplies, also be sure to buy some roof cleaner. Before you get started, you’ll first need to prepare the roof by giving it a good scrub. This helps get rid of any dirt, grit, or grime that would cause the liquid rubber roof not to adhere completely. Once cleaned, you can get to work applying the first coat.

Applying the Right Amount

One of the cool things about liquid rubber roofing is that you can apply multiple coats. What’s cooler, though, is that you don’t have to. You will find that, in most cases, a single coat will be enough to protect your roof completely. As little as a few milometers of the product will seal your roof for years and prevent further weathering or aging. You’ll finish quicker and won’t have to spend nearly as much as you would on other roofing products.

Taking Care of Your Own Business

When it comes to roofing concerns, most people worry that they’ll have to pay a professional to do the job for them. This might be true for businesses or homes with sharply sloped roofs, but for the most part, liquid rubber roofs can be applied by anyone. If you’ve ever painted a wall, you’ll quickly realize how similar it is. With nothing more than a few paint rollers, brushes, or a sprayer, you’ll be done in no time.

One of the only true limits on applying your liquid rubber roof is if you cannot access your roof. If you feel uncomfortable and unsafe getting on top of your business or home, we do not recommend attempting a DIY roofing project. Instead, contact a professional and let them help you finish the job. There’s no point in attempting a home repair project if you’re just going to get hurt.

Conclusion

When it comes to roofing, quality, durability, and longevity are what matters. Before your business’s roof falls into disrepair, consider adding a liquid rubber roof coating to help protect it. You’ll put years of life back into your building and not worry about paying for a whole new roof. With the right tools, the right amount of time, and the right mindset, you’ll have a new looking roof guaranteed to keep rain and heat off your business in as little as an hour. Switch to a liquid rubber roof coating, and you’ll see the benefits!

Can I Apply My Own Liquid EPDM?

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RV roof maintenance is a standard part of RV ownership. Therefore, almost every time someone asks whether they can handle roofing repairs or maintenance, the answer is going to be a resounding “yes”. Of course, it’s not just about whether you can do the work, but whether you can do it right. There are a number of products on the market in the liquid EPDM family, and most come either in a roll-on or spray-on format that is easy for anyone with basic handy skills, or anyone who has ever painted in their lifetime.

Choose Your Product and Gather Your Tools

Now that you know you can do the work yourself, it’s time to shop around and find the right liquid EPDM roof coating solution. Since most products are relatively similar, you will want to primarily focus on brand quality and reputation, as well as the specific application process. For example, some people specifically search for a roll-on product because they aren’t comfortable with the spray-on idea. Ultimately, it’s about getting the product that best suits your needs.

You will also want to check out available RV roof maintenance and repair kits, which will include the roof coating that you need, along with primer, seam tape, rollers, brushes, gloves, cleaner, and more. You’ll have everything that you need to do the job in a single package, which can save you the hassle of buying everything separately.

If you decide on a product that doesn’t come in a kit, take notes on the list above for items that you will need to apply the new liquid EPDM coating. Brushes and rollers will be required for liquid products so that you can apply them evenly across the roof surface. You will also want to invest in gloves to protect yourself, RV roof cleaner, and anything else that you need for the job. Check the instructions on the sealer to make sure that you have all the tools that you need.

Prep for Best Results

Anyone that has ever taken on a resealing job will tell you that the products often dry quickly, so you won’t want to waste a lot of time when you actually start the resealing or recoating process. That means that you will need to make sure that you plan ahead to set yourself up for success. Make sure that the roof is clean, free of debris, and that any damage has been repaired ahead of time. Then, when you go to apply the liquid EPDM, you can just roll it on and go, and you’ll be done in no time at all.

If you have any silicone, tar, or other materials on the roof, remove those completely before you start the recoating process. You may or may not need a primer for your application, depending on the product that you choose. Give your RV roof a good wash and dry, and then you will be ready to apply the new liquid EPDM coating. A little prep work really can go a long way.

The Bottom Line

Most of the RV maintenance issues that are required of owners are things that they can do on their own. Unlike passenger cars that often require a lot of dealership service calls, RVs are made for those who like to take care of themselves, and that includes offering easy DIY maintenance solutions. You’ll have to recoat your roof every three to five years, depending on the liquid EPDM that you choose, so there is no better time than now to learn how to do it right the first time.