Author Archives: Greg Kaz.

How to Avoid Major RV Roof Repair Needs

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There is a lot that goes into owning an RV, but maintenance is a big part of it. When you know how to properly maintain your home away from home, you’ll spend less time repairing it and spending time waiting for it to be useable again. Of course, depending on who you talk to, you’ll get all kinds of advice and insight about maintenance and caring for your RV roof. Some of that insight will be helpful. Some of it won’t. If you want to keep your RV and its roof in the best shape and avoid serious repairs, here are some things to keep in mind.

Choose Better Roofing Materials

There are several options today for RV roofing materials, including fiberglass, aluminum, liquid rubber (EPDM), and others. While each has its pros and cons, liquid rubber roofing easily lasts as long as 50 years with regular recoating and maintenance. If you start with a better roof in the first place it will be much easier to avoid serious RV roof repairs.

Consider the options and look especially into the perks of EPDM and liquid rubber coatings because they offer several benefits over other materials. The low-maintenance design and long lifespan are two of the biggest selling points.

Keep Your RV Properly Stored

Another way that you can avoid repairs and damage is to store your RV somewhere safe and out of the elements. If you do have to park your RV outside, consider an awning or a cover to keep the roof protected when the RV isn’t in use. Some people choose indoor storage for the months when they aren’t using their recreational vehicles, too. This can help you keep the roof in better condition by keeping it out of the elements. That means there will be fewer repairs over time.

Here’s the tricky part– if you do have to park outside, it’s a good idea to park somewhere that doesn’t get a lot of direct sun, but also to avoid parking under trees. After all, there is nothing worse than a tree or branch falling on your RV and causing serious damage. That kind of RV roof repair can get expensive fast.

RV leaks

Clean and Maintain the Roof

You will also want to have a maintenance plan in place for your RV. This should include regular washing and inspections as well as sweeping to remove debris from the roof. If you take proper care of your RV and its roof over time, it will be less likely to need major repairs. Something like cleaning can go a lot further than most people think. Plus, when you clean the roof regularly, it will be easy for you to identify possible repair needs and issues before they become too big or too costly.

Make Minor Repairs as Needed

Speaking of possible repairs, minor repairs should always be made as soon as possible. The smaller cracks and signs of wear can turn into big trouble if you don’t take care of them right away. Whenever you’re cleaning your roof, and a few times throughout the year, check for minor issues and resolve them ASAP so they don’t become a big deal. It will save you a lot of time and money, and give you more peace of mind.

There you have it, the best ways to prevent serious RV roof repair issues, no matter where you live or what kind of RV you drive. It’s all about preventive maintenance and paying attention. As long as you do that, you’ll get a lot more life out of your RV roof.

Five Considerations in Choosing the Best EPDM Rubber Roofing Material

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EPDM roofing comes in many varieties, including the two main categories of rubber sheeting and liquid rubber compounds. Each has its pros and cons to consider, although most people end up choosing the liquid because it’s a seamless solution and has other benefits that make it just a little better than sheeting. However, there are applications for both and it will be up to you to take the time to consider what you need. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Are You Doing the Roofing Yourself?

If you want a DIY roofing solution, EPDM liquid rubber roof is a great choice. Liquid is the way to go, usually, and it can be applied by anyone with basic handy skills and an ability to follow instructions. Keep in mind that you’ll need to clean the roof thoroughly before you apply a new roof coating or sealant, but the good news is that this is a fairly simple process. If you aren’t doing the work yourself, it may not matter as much how DIY-friendly a product is.

What Types of Application Does it Offer?

EPDM is versatile and it is designed to work in a variety of roofing situations. Fortunately, when you are shopping for a new roofing or coating solution, EPDM roofing products are sold separately from other EPDM materials. They also keep the products categorized by the type of roofing, such as RV roofing and commercial construction roofing materials. It might sound obvious, but you have to make sure that you get the right product for the job.

Do You Want Eco-Friendly Roofing?

This is less about which product to choose and more about using EPDM in general. The synthetic rubber compound is completely recyclable, and it can provide insulation to help lower energy costs. It’s even cheaper to produce this material than other roofing materials, which makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to reduce their impact with something more eco-friendly.

How Much Do You Need?

Some products are sold in small batches, and might not be cost-effective for a larger job because you’d have to purchase so much. Fortunately, if you buy EPDM for the specific task that you have at hand, it will typically come in the quantities needed that suit that niche. Still, it’s important to think about this when you are choosing materials so you make sure that you get enough.

Can You Afford a Premium Solution?

Any EPDM roofing is better than nothing, but some products offer a premium finish or better features than standard products. If you want to take your roofing to the next level, consider investing in a premium roofing product that is made from EPDM. It might cost a bit more now, but it will save a fortune in the long run and provide you with a durable roof that lasts for decades. If you need to stick to something more basic, that’s fine, but it’s worth the look if you’ve got some wiggle room in your budget.

The Bottom Line

There are no two roofing projects that are the same. That’s why it’s important to consider your options before you make a final decision about how to proceed with your new roof. Whether it’s for the durability or the eco-friendliness, or any other perks, EPDM has a lot to offer. Check out the available products and see what kind of benefits you can find. Rubber roofing isn’t something that gets a lot of attention, but it should for all that it can do. Keep these things in mind and you’ll get the best roofing solution every time.

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.