5 Things to Look for in a Quality RV Roof Sealer

Posted on June 19, 2020 by Greg Kaz.

Sealing your RV roof is a routine part of the ownership process. Typically, when you apply a sealer or coating to the roof, it will last for about three to five years under normal wear and tear. This may vary from one RV to the next, of course. For example, someone who uses their RV on a regular basis and exposes it to many more potential dangers may need to recoat their roof every two or three years. On the other hand, the people who rarely use their RV and keep it in climate-controlled storage may be able to get away with not resealing for five or six years.

With over a 30-year history of success join the thousands who have already benefited from a system specifically formulated for RV, Trailer and Mobile Homes industry. Never a primer needed and backed by a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. Apply today and drive away tomorrow. Over the years we have taken valuable feedback from RV owners, repair shops and retail stores and formulated RvRoofMagic to address the needs and demands for a quality roofing sealant within the rv community. We continue to listen to our customers year after year and value their comments in making the product better and better!

Add another 15-18 years to your roof’s life before a recoat is needed. A primer is never needed! When you compare other products that require primers and multiple coats, you far exceed the cost of RvRoofMagic. Why add unnecessary weight and extra time by using products requiring multiple coats? Cut your time and labor costs in half. RV Roof Magic is a professional grade solvent-based product with a fast set up time. Apply RvRoofmagic today and drive away tomorrow!

Specifically formulated for:

Recreational vehicles
Trailers
Mobile homes
Buses
Shipping Containers
House boats
EVEN POOLS!!!

Again, this all depends on the condition that your roof is in and the products that you choose. Finding the best RV roof sealer is not an impossible task, but it is one that takes your undivided attention. The following list should help you with choosing the right RV roof sealer, no matter what type of RV you have.

Base Material: Most RV roof sealers are either silicone-based or in Liquid Butyl Rubber. Therefore, they will be ready to go when they arrive, saving you the trouble of a lot of extra prep work. Today, Liquid Butyl Rubber remains a popular choice, and as a base material, it can make a great sealer. Silicone is also a good choice, although it doesn’t have the same benefits as Liquid Butyl Rubber in some cases. Elastomeric coatings are a type of EPDM with an elastic finish for added protection and durability.
Application Method: The sealing process should be quick and easy, and many seasoned RV owners will tell you that it can easily be a weekend project if you do it right. Therefore, you need to choose products that offer a simple application. Typically, the options for sealants and recoating include liquid products that are either rolled on or sprayed on.
Flexibility: While you want to protect your RV roof from the elements, you also need to make sure that the material will bend and flex with potential damage or debris hitting it. The flexibility will also be helpful to prevent cracking in the event of extreme temperature changes. After all, if you’re looking to get the protection that you need, it’s more than sealing the cracks.
Guarantees: While there is never a guarantee that nothing will go wrong, the leading brands and best products on the market will offer some type of guarantee or warranty on their product. These are the ones that you want to use because then you will have peace of mind that no matter what happens, you have extra protection on your side.
Color or Finish: Although it might seem arbitrary at first, the color of your RV roof sealer will make a difference. For corners and flashing seams, a clear silicone might be preferred. In most cases, people choose a white finish because it will reflect the sun’s rays and extreme temperatures, making the RV more comfortable on the inside while providing top-rate protection outside.

DIY or Do You Need Help?

Typically, applying an RV roof sealer is something that can be done by just about anyone. All of the products come with easy application instructions and don’t take much work at all. Some people might not feel comfortable doing the work themselves, but you can definitely save some money on professional labor if you do. As mentioned above, resealing your RV roof is a regular part of maintenance for as long as you own the RV, so you’ll want to make sure that you take the time to do it right.

Easy Ways to Avoid Costly Forms of RV Roof Repair

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Greg Kaz.

No one wants to spend the time and energy on getting their RV’s roof repaired. But you’d never know it, judging by how some people treat their vehicles. If you don’t take the necessary steps along the way, RV roof repair will become inevitable. Continue reading to learn some simple things you can do to make sure that your RV doesn’t end up needing constant repairs to its roof.

Safety First
Before you ever do anything involving your RV’s roof, be sure you check the owner’s manual. You’ll want to be well informed about how much weight it can carry. Even if you’re well below the maximum amount that it mentions in the manual, it’s best not to spend any more time on top of your RV than you absolutely need to. The fact that you can see damage has been done means that there could be more elsewhere. Take the wrong step, and all of a sudden you could need professional help for your RV roof repair.

Inspect It Regularly
If you aren’t constantly looking, it can be easy to forget how much abuse your RV’s roof takes. From tree sap to rain to debris and much more, your RV is constantly being exposed to issues that could easily result in its roof needing repairs.

So the first step in avoiding RV roof repair costs is inspecting the roof every 3 to 4 months. If it stays parked under trees for prolonged periods of time, you’ll want to do this more often. Otherwise, you risk issues like algae and mold building up. Be sure that the seams get a close inspection every 6 months, as well.

This means checking the inside, too. Just because you don’t notice any issues from the outside, that doesn’t mean your RV isn’t in trouble. Water stains on the ceiling or towards the top of the walls are reliable signs that something has gone wrong.

Clean Regularly
Inspecting your RV’s roof is important, but so is keeping it nice and clean on a regular basis. Oftentimes, you can’t see the beginning of a problem forming, but cleaning your RV’s roof is a big step in stopping that issue in its tracks. Always be sure that you’re using products that have been specifically made for RVs.

Handle the Issue on Your Own
Sometimes, no matter what you do, problems arise. Fortunately, if it’s a leak, many will fall under the kinds of RV roof repairs that an amateur can handle on their own. You can save a lot of money this way, too. So, if you notice a leak, be sure to address it as soon as possible. Just like with cleaning supplies, though, you’ll want to make sure that you only use products that were made for an RV. For example, if you have a leak, you’ll want to use a sealant. Plenty are made for actual shingle-and-tar roofs, but that will only make matters worse in this scenario.

Fortunately, if your RV springs a leak, there’s plenty you can do to handle the matter on your own. Most people would like to avoid any RV roof repair with Liquid Roof as much as possible. As such, follow the above advice, and your roof will be less likely to need your help.

Flat Roofing Materials Compared

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Greg Kaz.

There are three basic types of flat roofing materials, although there are variations within the three categories that allow building owners to have more choices. Whether your building is new and this will be its first roof or you are replacing older roofing material, here are the three main categories you will be able to consider. There are inherent advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Built-Up:

Built-up bituminous roofs have been the standard for many years. They are still relatively popular primarily because they are inexpensive.

Built-up bituminous roofing is created using layers of hot tar, gravel, a smooth river stone ballast and tar paper or fiberglass membranes. Other than the lower cost, the advantages include fire resistance and some people think the appearance is more attractive.

There are several disadvantages. The material is very heavy. The underlying joints of the roof may need to be strengthened in order to install this type.

The installation itself is messy and smelly. It is not a do-it-yourself job for the building owner.
Once installed, it is hard to find leaks in the material and repairing leaks can be difficult. As time goes by, the gravel can break loose and clog the gutters. This choice is not recommended for buildings that are currently occupied.

Modified Bitumen:

Modified bitumen sheeting has a mineral-based surface to convey the fire resistant benefits of built-up bituminous with less weight. The sheeting consists of a single layer that is rolled onto the roof. The sheeting may be attached using a “torch-down” system, although newer modified bitumen rolls have a peel-off backing that sticks to the existing surface. The peel-and-stick installation can be a DIY project for the building owner.

One advantage of modified bitumen has to do with the light colored minerals that are embedded in the sheets. The minerals reflect heat, which can convey energy savings in areas where summer air conditioning costs are high. This is also an affordable alternative.

The main disadvantage of the torch-down system is the risk of fire. The process is not recommended for buildings that are currently occupied. The sheets are not the most resistant to scuffs and tears. Modified bitumen is considered less durable than the next type.

EPDM:

EPDM is a type of synthetic rubber. It resembles an inner tube but has been engineered to resist damage from sunlight. EPDM sheets are available and can be anchored with fasteners, glued on or ballasted with stones. Liquid Roof is another form of EPDM rubber is also available for waterproofing or coating existing roofs to extend the lifespan of the roof.

The advantages include easy installation and high durability. Rubber is inherently accompanied by a reduced risk of leaking. If leaks do occur, they are easy to locate and repair. There may also be a sound-reduction advantage.

The only disadvantage may be heat absorption depending on the color selected. Lighter colors are recommended for warm climates but may cost more.

Some building owners feel that the cost is a disadvantage. EPDM does cost more than other roofing materials. But because it is more durable and typically lasts longer, EPDM may cost less in the long run.

For product information or ordering visit EPDM Coatings or call them at 855-281-0940.

The Causes of Ice Dams and How to Prevent Them

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Greg Kaz.

Ice dams occur due to uneven temperatures on a sloped roof. The greater the slope of the roof, the more damage an ice dam can do. The process is usually set into action by snow, although an ice storm could also be the trigger.

What happens is that snow or ice on the higher portions of the roof melts. The melt or water flows down the slope until it reaches a point on the roof where the temperature is below freezing. Often, the point that is below freezing is an overhang where there is little or no warming from radiation, convection or conduction of heat.

When the water reaches the lower temperature, it freezes. Water from above continues to flow down the slope and remains liquid until it reaches the ice. Over time, the result is an ice dam. It is a dam in that it traps water behind it. The water can only freeze if it reaches the colder portion of the roof.

Icicles typically form below the dam as some melting occurs during the day. Seeing icicles along the edge of a roof can be a sign that an ice dam has formed.

The damage that occurs to the building is mainly from the water, although the weight of the ice can also cause damage if the overhang on which it rests is not strong enough to support the weight. The water behind the dam searches for an outlet. It starts to work its way through the roofing material and into the insulation.

Once inside the building, the water spreads through the insulation and down the interior walls. It can also spread across the ceiling causing stains and damage to dry wall or other materials.

Ice dams can be prevented in the planning stages of a newly constructed roof. Additional insulation can be used to make sure that the ceiling is airtight. Warm air travels through the ceiling and into the attic space. The warm air rises, causing the higher portions of the roof to be warmer than the lower portions.

Reducing heat loss prevents snow melt. The roof must be strong enough to support the extra weight of the snow. In areas where a large amount of snow falls on a regular basis, there are usually requirements concerning the load that a roof can bear.

Snow rakes can also be used to remove snow and prevent ice dams. Caution is required when using the snow rakes to avoid personal injury and prevent damage to the roofing materials.

There are products like elastomeric roof coatings, liquid rubber and liquid roof that are one the best products in the market to save your roof from damage.

For product information or ordering visit EPDM Coatings or call them at 855-281-0940.

The Effects of Environment on your Roof

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Greg Kaz.

The effects of environment on your roof are responsible for how it changes in appearance as the years go by. Just as your skin ages, so does your roof. One thing that ages both your skin and your roof is the sun.

The sun can cause the temperature on the roof to be 50-75 degrees higher than the temperature of the surrounding air. The heat alone can cause some roofing materials to blister and crack. It’s the main source of roof leaks.

In addition to the heat, the sun is a source of UV radiation. UV radiation has been shown to degrade the asphalt layers that make up your shingles. A protective layer of colored granules is used to reduce this effect. Liquid EPDM Rubber coatings are the best option to coat your roof shingles. Without that kind of roof coating the shingles would degrade very quickly. The use of the granules has added years to the lifespan of modern roofs.

Sudden changes in the roof temperature also speed the shingle aging process and roof starts leaking. Thunderstorms are common occurrences on hot days in many parts of the world. The temperature on the roof rises gradually as it is heated by the sun. When the rain starts to fall on the roof, the temperature can drop as much as 60 degrees almost instantly.

The wooden decking beneath the shingles expands with the heat and then contracts suddenly with the quick cooling. This places a strain on the shingles. As with other effects of environment on your roof, the aging process is relatively slow. But you have these sudden changes in temperature many times during a year. This is one of the reasons that shingles have a limited lifespan.

Moisture from rain and snow also has a negative effect on your shingles unrelated to the temperature change. Moisture causes wooden roof decking to expand. From the perspective of the shingles, the deck is moving. The movement loosens the shingles.

The effects of environment are worsened because of pollution and acid rain. Pollution hits the roof along with raindrops. Smoke from car exhausts, factories and other sources lands on the roof. The pollution causes the color of the shingles to darken, sometimes only in spots that are noticeable from the driveway.

Acid rain degrades the asphalt in shingles. The acid eats away at all parts of your roof gradually.

None of these changes occur suddenly. It may seem sudden if you get up on a ladder to clean the gutters and suddenly notice curling, blisters, cracks or stains. There is only so much you can do to minimize the effects of environment on your roof. Some aging is inevitable.

Summer is the best time to fix your roof leaks problems. You can get rid from such roofing problems by selecting the best roofing products like liquid epdm, liquid rubber and liquid roof coatings for your roof. Liquid Rubber is the only Liquid EPDM product in the world. Liquid roof coatings are also the best option for your RV Roof Repair problems.

For product information or ordering visit EPDM Coatings or call them at 855-281-0940.