Tuesday, May 1, 2007

RV Roof Inspection by the RV's Corner

The first step in any RV roof inspection is to get out the step ladder and take a good look at the roof condition. If the roof is metal, especially if it is the seamed type, (has crosswise seams every 48" or so), then lay a plywood strip or some wide boards (lengthwise) to walk on. This way the boards span the roof rafters and distribute your weight evenly over several supports. A rubber covered roof has an underlying layer of material, usually a 3/16th to 1/2 inch plywood or particle board sheeting that evenly supports your weight.

The membrane on a rubber or metal roof is made of a very tough and durable material but it is fairly thin and can be punctured by a sharp object. Yes, you can carefully walk on the surface, however first check your shoes for embedded stones and such, that could do damage to the roof covering.

Natural weathering will occur on a roof of any material and various contaminants will discolor all or portions of the surface. Aluminum will "age" to a slate colored state and a rubber roof may present a chalky residue. In any case be prepared with casual work clothing and footwear to conduct a proper inspection. You WILL get dirty.

An aluminum roof can and does last for many years if it is maintained properly. The same goes for rubber, fiberglass or any combination of the above materials. The sealants that are used may last for several years, but the conditions they are subject to vary so widely in the extremes between hot and cold and humidity. Sealants may have to be renewed or repaired in as little as 6 months!

The roof should be inspected at least twice a year and any developing condition corrected immediately. Different brands of sealants preform better than others. For example, our Fleet wood trailer line (Wilderness and Mallard), have recently changed the brand of sealant used on their rubber roofs. (I don't have access to the name of the brands they use, as yet, and getting an answer from them is a time consuming process! Even for a Dealer!). The new one is very poor and needs touching up almost as soon as they come onto the lot. They may have solved the problem because the 2001 models seem to be better.

Aluminum and fiberglass roofs use a fiber impregnated roof coat material to seal the seams and accessory openings. These materials are applied with a paint brush or putty knife and should be applied to a clean prepared surface for best results. Any loose or flaking roof coat should be removed and the surface cleaned with soap and water. A wire brush can be used to "rough" up the surface. A heat gun will help soften the old roof coat to aid in removal. So will the hot sun on a 100 degree day, but that is no time to be up on the roof!

Remember, it's not the roof material that usually leaks, it is all the extra holes cut into it for various items and the sealant used on these openings that creates the leaks.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the very informative site. I have used the liquid epdm a couple of years ago and it is unbelievable. No leaks for the first time ever. My roof was not aluminum but I know what you are referring to. I had a pop up that gave us problems years ago. I will keep coming back for more reading !!

Cheers
TJ Andrews

Anonymous said...

Can you tell me if the liquid roof can be applied on black roofs. I do have an epdm roof but some of it is black in places

Thanks
George Launghin

Liquid Roof said...

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