Tag Archives: Rv Roof Coatings

Tips for Caring for and Maintaining RV Roof Coatings

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RV roof coatings e.g. (Liquid RV Roof) offer many benefits, including cost-effectiveness, durability, weather tightness, and more. However, they can suffer from aging-related issues over time. The answer to these potential problems is to care for and maintain your RV coatings correctly. Not sure how to do that? We’ll walk you through what you should know below.

Visual Inspection

Several times per year, you need to visually inspect roof coatings for signs of damage. This is particularly true for RVs that are stored outside without any protection overhead. What signs should you look for that might indicate there is damage that must be addressed? Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Ponding Water: This indicates that there is a low spot in the roof that is allowing water to collect. You will need to address this for the roof’s structural integrity.
  • Swelling: If you see areas of the roof that seem to have swollen, this is a sign that water has penetrated the underlying substrate and caused it to swell up. It may also be a sign that a petroleum distillate was used by a previous owner and has caused damage to the rubber roof.
  • Signs of Water Leaks Inside: If you notice dark stains on the ceiling or walls inside, this is a sure sign that the roof has been damaged in some way and water is leaking through/under the membrane.

Washing and Cleaning

While RV roof coatings are incredibly resistant to weathering and very strong, they do require regular cleaning. Our recommendations are to create a bi-annual cleaning program to help ensure that you’re taking the best care of your roof possible. What do you need to do? It’s not actually all that difficult. Here are the things to know:

  • Pick Up: Before you do anything, pick up any large debris, such as branches and sticks, pinecones, and other items that might scratch or damage the roof.
  • Sweep It: Use a soft bristled brush to sweep the debris, dust, and dirt off your roof.
  • Start at the Right Point: If your roof is flat, you can begin at any point you like. If your roof has peaks, sweep downward from them.
  • Motion: Use a side-to-side motion when sweeping your roof.
  • Check the Gutters: While you’re on the roof, make sure you check and clean your gutters out. Leaves, twigs, pinecones and needles – these are just a few of the things that can build up in your gutters, weighing them down and slowing the movement of water.
  • Water and Soap: Once you’ve swept your roof, you can then prepare to wash it. You’ll need a bucket of warm water and some gentle dish soap. Do not use harsh cleaners or you may damage rubber roof coatings.
  • The Brush: You need to use a soft bristled brush to clean your roof. Never use stiff bristled brushes or scouring pads, as these can damage the roof.
  • Washing: Gently wash the roof, scrubbing away dirt, mold, and mildew. Use smooth, circular motions to ensure you cover the entire area well.
  • Protect: Once you’ve cleaned the roof coatings, it may be wise to apply a protectant. This can help prevent staining, and it helps prevent visible edges from becoming unsightly. Make sure that any protectant you apply is rated specifically for use with EPDM, though.

Conclusion

In the end, RV roof coatings are actually quite easy to care for. You just need to take a proactive stance to ensure that your roof looks great, but is also protected from potential damage. A few minutes spent inspecting and cleaning your roof two to four times per year can provide a major return on your investment.

Tips for Success When Sealing Your Camper Roof

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A camper rubber roof sealer is a great addition to any RV, but only when it is used and installed correctly. If you are looking into a sealant to add extra protection to your roof seams and fixtures, there is no shortage of products on the market that you can use. However, the process is generally more important than the product. For that reason, here are some tips to help you succeed with all kinds of camper sealing jobs.

Inspect the Situation

The first thing that you need to do is inspect your RV roof. Bring a marker and a camera so that you can make notes and have images to reference when applying the rubber roof sealant that you have chosen. You don’t need to mark obvious cracks or leaks, but small fractures in seals or tears in the roof should be clearly noted so that you can find them again when you come back to do the repairs. If you have recently installed a roof and are applying a camper rubber roof sealer for the first time, this step isn’t necessary.

Prepare Yourself

Once you have identified the problems or the type of sealing job you are facing, you can gather your materials. You will need a putty knife or a utility knife to scrape off old sealant, sandpaper or another abrasive material to sand off all the excess and create a smooth surface, and paper towels to wipe up the debris. If you are using a caulk-style sealant, you will also need a caulking gun. It will be in your best interest to bring pliers and a couple of wrenches so that you can access vent fans and other fixtures to touch up their sealant correctly.

Prepare the Area

Now that you’re ready, you can get the roof ready for the repair or sealing. If you are replacing old sealant, you will need to completely remove all of the damaged material from the roof. You can use mineral spirits to assist in removing all of the adhesive residue. Sandpaper will also help in removal, and in creating a smooth surface for the new application.

If you are applying sealant to a new roof for the first time, you simply need to clean the area and make sure that it is dry prior to application. Also, wait until the roof has set, in the case of liquid rubber roofing, so that you can ensure that you get a watertight seal when you apply camper rubber roof sealer.

Prevent Water Damage

The main goal of any camper rubber roof sealer is to prevent water damage and leaks in your RV. Of course, the roof is designed to protect the entire vehicle, but the majority of RV owners that report roofing issues are dealing with leaks and water damage. Make sure that you apply the sealer liberally and carefully to all seams, joints, and fixture flanges to protect the roof and all of its attachments from the elements. Sealants are usually less than $20 a tube, and can save you thousands of dollars in expensive repairs and replacements that result from leaky RV roofing materials.

Know Your Roofing Material

Finally, the most helpful thing that you can do for your roof sealing job is to know the roof material that you are working with. This includes knowing which sealants to use and how often they need reapplied. Even though rubber roofs require less maintenance than other materials, they do still require a little attention. Keep this information in mind to get the best results with sealing your camper roof.

Five Reasons to Consider an RV Roof Replacement Kit

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Since the majority of RV owners are also the DIY type, there are plenty of RV repair and replacement products on the consumer market today. One of the most popular items, for a lot of owners, is the repair or replacement kit. A “kit”, as the name implies, includes everything that you need to either replace or repair your RV’s roof. You can find kits for all types of roofing materials, including the liquid RV roof replacement kit, which is growing in popularity for its versatility and convenience.

If you are in the market for a new RV roof, you typically have a few options. You can buy the materials yourself and install a new roof. You could also take the RV to your local dealership or shop and have them replace the roof. This, however, could cost a small fortune. Most shops charge upwards of $100 per hour for labor, after all, and with modern RV roof kits, anyone can install a new roof without a lot of time or effort.

Here are five reasons that you should consider an RV roof replacement kit for your next RV roofing upgrade:

  1. Get everything at once. By purchasing a pre-packaged kit, you can guarantee that you will have all of the products and tools that you need to get the job done. You won’t have to worry about forgetting the primer or running to the hardware store for a mop or other supplies, because they are all included.
  2. A kit can save you money. When you have to buy all of the items for a new RV roof one piece at a time, it is going to add up quickly. Kits are designed by manufacturers to help you reduce your expenses while also giving you an easier way to re-roof your RV when the time comes. Furthermore, a kit costs a fraction of what a shop or dealer would charge for a roof replacement on an RV.
  3. Rubber is low maintenance. Unlike other roofing materials that require routine resealing and other time-consuming maintenance, a replacement rubber roof is more of a “set it and forget it” product. This roofing doesn’t need resealing every year, and can stand up to the elements much better than products like fiberglass or synthetic TPO roofing.
  4. The kit might even be cheaper than repairs. Look closely at your roof and take a true assessment of the situation. Then, you will be able to see what kind of repairs need done and what products you need to buy to do the job. In some cases, you might realize that you need so much stuff to complete a simple repair that a replacement kit is just as easy, and maybe even more affordable.
  5. Rubber roofing kits are DIY-friendly, even for novices. Unlike some roofing products, a rubber roof is fairly simple to install and maintain. Even the newbie RV owner can manage replacing a roof with the right kit, and save a lot of money in the process. Not only do you get everything that you need, but you have an easy long-term solution that you can take care of yourself.

Which RV Replacement Roof Kit Should I Buy?

There are a number of products on the market today. Not all of them are the same. For starters, you need to focus on RV roof replacement kit options, because rubber is the most user-friendly, cost-effective option for RV roofing. Make sure that the kit provides enough materials for the size of your RV, and if not, make sure that you purchase additional kits as needed. Look for reputable brands and ask fellow RVers for recommendations to make sure that you get the best replacement roofing kit for your RV.

The Pros and Cons of an RV Liquid Roof

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The RV liquid roof, also known as a liquid EPDM roof, is one of the most well-known roofing products on the market today. This material has all the same characteristics and benefits of a traditional EPDM rubber roof once it cures, but is easier to apply due to its liquid form. Of course, there are pros and cons to consider with any roofing material, and this one is no exception. While there are a lot of products to choose from, here are some pros and cons to consider when thinking of investing in a liquid roofing product.

Pros:

  1. RV liquid roof products are versatile. They can be applied to just about any surface, including existing rubber roofing, fiberglass, plywood, and even fabric and metal. Application is quick and easy with a brush, squeegee, or roller.
  2. Liquid roofing is convenient. This product is instantly waterproof once it is cured, and only requires a single coat application for optimal protection. The products available today even have self-leveling properties to cut down on your labor.
  3. Liquid roof materials are the economical choice. A single gallon of liquid EPDM coating can cover as much as 40-45 square feet, and costs less than $100, in most cases. Plus, the coating dries white and will reflect sunlight, saving energy costs by keeping your RV cooler during the warm summer months.
  4. Liquid roofing is flexible and durable. Because this is a rubber-based liquid product, it will fill all the cracks and crevices for a watertight seal, and can withstand extreme temperatures without cracking or other damage.
  5. An RV liquid roof offers total protection. This roofing material resists UV rays and ozone emissions, and can withstand saltwater, acids, snow and ice, and more. The even application and self-leveling properties even help prevent pooling of water and ice that could lead to future damage or leaks.

Cons:

  1. Liquid roofing materials expire. If you are planning to use a liquid roof product, make sure that you only buy enough for your needs. If you have to buy extra, consider splitting the cost with someone who also needs a new RV roof. After about a year of being opened, the product tends to separate and will be unusable.
  2. Some RV owners complain that liquid roof application is difficult due to the thick, gooey texture of the product. This is mostly a personal preference, and will not affect how well it does or does not work for your roofing needs.

As you can see, the only real cons to this type of roofing material for an RV are matters of personal preference or misuse of the product. RV liquid roof products are made of high-quality materials and provide amazing performance to protect your RV from water, wind, UV rays, and all of the elements that it may face down the road. If it’s time to reseal or replace your RV roof, liquid EPDM might be just what you need.

Liquid Roof vs. Resealing

One of the biggest questions people ask, despite the many benefits of the RV liquid roof, is if they might just be better off resealing all of the cracks and seams on their roof periodically. Since you will have to remove all of the old sealant before putting down your new liquid roof anyway, this is a valid question. However, think of liquid roofing like a blanket. Instead of applying a product that will only cover the direct seams, you can apply a full liquid roof and provide even more protection for your RV.

As you can see, liquid roofing materials can provide a lot of benefits. If you are looking for an easy, versatile product that will get the job done right without costing a small fortune, this may be just what you need. Remember to familiarize yourself with the liquid roofing process before you get started for the best results.

Is There Such a Thing as a Permanent RV Roof Coating?

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The bad news is no RV roof coating is really permanent. No matter what a manufacturer may promise, there are just too many factors that can affect RV roof wear. The good news is there are products on the market that, when properly applied, can last for many years; call them semi-permanent if you’d like.

Factors That Prevent a Permanent Roof Coating

All RV roofs wear over time, even the EPDM rubber roofs that are becoming the standard of the industry. So many external forces come into play that cause even the best RV roofs to wear down. Low spots in the roof can develop, especially around vents, causing a condition known as ‘ponding’; a low spot where a puddle of water forms that lasts for more than 2 days. Extreme variations in temperature cause the rubber roof to expand and contract, weakening its structure. The sun’s extreme heat and ultraviolet rays take their toll too. No matter how good RV roof surfaces start out, they all need regular inspection and maintenance if you want to achieve anything close to a permanent RV roof coating.

RV Roof Coatings

RV Roof Coatings

Getting Close to a Permanent RV Roof Coating

If you check out all of the advertisements for RV roof coatings, the ones with the longest warranty periods have one common denominator; they all use a liquid EPDM rubber coating. That’s because EPDM rubber can withstand extremes of hot and cold, resist the sun’s ultraviolet rays, help insulate the coach and is waterproof, even if there’s ponding. Also, because these coatings are liquid when being applied, they are great for filling in any minor cracks in the roof’s surface.

Sifting Through the Claims

Are all EPDM liquid rubber coatings the same? All require that the surface be thoroughly cleaned and prepared before applying the coating. No liquid rubber will properly adhere to a surface that is dirty or that is covered with a detergent film. Some products can be applied by the do-it-yourself person, but are labor intensive, requiring two coats of sealant with several hours of drying time between each coat and they depend upon optimum weather conditions. Many people use a liquid EPDM roof coating that they can apply themselves and that only requires one coat; that saves time and money. The single coat product is waterproof the moment it is applied. That’s about as close to a permanent RV roof coating as you’re going to get.

Hiring a Professional

A few coating systems use the very same EPDM liquid rubber, but insist that their employees do all of the prep work and install, then they charge many thousands of dollars for the same job that you can do yourself on a weekend. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t have a professional roofer do the install. If you’re not comfortable getting up on your RV roof, then you definitely should hire someone to do it. You probably have several roofers in your area that are fully licensed and insured. Many will allow you to supply the coating material, so you can shop around, get the best price and reduce your total cost considerably. If you decide to hire someone local and can supply your own materials, you’re still going to save thousands of dollars over hiring an RV roof coating company that insists upon using their people and materials

You may not be able to get a truly permanent RV roof coating, but there are products out there that can help you get pretty darn close.

Consider Adding a Liquid Coating Over the RV Roof

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Protection for your RV roof is important for everyone who owns an RV, but it is something many people do not immediately consider. If they don’t notice any issues with the roof, they assume there won’t be a problem. However, just as with the roof of a house, there is always the chance for problems to arise and leaks to develop. A leak in the roof of your RV will be damaging unless you take care of it as soon as possible. However, there is a way that you can avoid leaks in the first place or take care of them quickly if they are already present. What you will want to do is add a liquid coating over the RV roof.

What Will the Coating Do?

Using RV Liquid Roof will provide your roof with a range of benefits. This type of coating is formulated for vehicles like RVs. When you are choosing your coating, it is important that you get RV Liquid Roof and not Liquid Rubber, which is for stationary properties, such as businesses and homes. This RV liquid roof coating will provide your RV with waterproofing and weatherability, which means it can help to prolong the life of your RV.

The coating is white and will reflect the UV rays, which have the potential to damage other roofs. In addition, this reflective value will help to keep the interior of the RV cooler, which is sure to be helpful when you are out and traveling during the hot summer months.

The elastomeric coating will help to ensure that your vehicle’s roof is truly protected from leaks. It acts as a shield against inclement weather, so you will not need to worry about waking up in the middle of the night to the telltale sound of dripping inside of your RV. Even if you have already found a leak, you will be happy to know that adding the liquid roofing over the RV roof will help to stop that leak from continuing and others from starting.

RV Liquid Roof

RV Liquid Roof

How Hard Is It to Add?

Naturally, one of the next questions that people tend to ask after learning about these types of coatings is how difficult it will be to add to their roof and whether it is expensive. The cost is a fraction of what you would pay if you had to have a brand new roof or to repair a lot of damage done by water. In addition, it is also possible to apply the RV Liquid Roof coating on your own. You do not need to hire a professional to do it for you, which means even more savings and convenience.

If you would like to apply the coating, the first thing you will want to do is inspect your roof. You will look for areas where leaks could occur, such as cracks or holes, for example. You will then clean the roof and apply patching to those areas. Once you have the roof patched, you can then apply the liquid roofing over the RV roof. It comes in a large bucket and it goes on just as simply as paint. You can apply it to large areas of the roof with a roller and around the vents and other, smaller areas with a brush.

You only need a single coat, and you will be happy to know that it goes to work protecting your vehicle immediately, even though it will take some time to cure. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions on applying this coating, and make sure you have a few days of sunshine so it will cure faster.

Why You Need a Permanent RV Roof Coating

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When you purchase an RV, it can be rather expensive. With a major purchase that costs more than typical cars or trucks, it makes sense that you want to keep the RV in perfect shape for as long as possible. This ensures that you will be getting the most value and enjoyment from the RV. You will find that this is different from simply keeping your car or truck in good condition, as you need to think about more than oil changes and basic upkeep. With an RV, you also need to think about the roof. You may have been considering getting a permanent RV roof coating, but you want to know more about the potential benefits that it can offer. Let’s look at the best reasons to choose coatings like RV Liquid Roof.

Your Roof Will Last Longer

Naturally, this is one of the biggest and best benefits that comes from using permanent RV roof coatings. You want your RV to last for a long time, and these coatings make that possible. The roof is exposed to UV light from the sun, rain, snow, hail, sleet, debris and twigs, and more. Over time, they are going to degrade your roof. Eventually, elements such as leaks and drafts will occur.

RV Roof Coatings

RV Roof Coatings

However, when you take the initiative to use RV Liquid Roof, you will not have to worry quite as much. The product can provide your RV roof with an added layer of protection that helps to keep it safe for up to two decades. This means you can enjoy your RV for much longer without worrying about leaks that could cause severe damage, which we discuss next.

You Can Prevent Leaks

Leaks are the bane of any roof, and that certainly includes the roof for your RV. Few things are as problematic for an RV. Not only will it be uncomfortable to have the rain getting inside, it will also cause serious damage. It can rot away parts of the RV, and it can create mold and mildew. Before long, the RV will be the last place that you want to spend time. Fortunately, the coatings can provide you with protection from leaks. It can prevent leaks from occurring in the future, and even better, it can stop leaks that might already be present.

Comfortable Inside

One of the other benefits of a permanent RV coating like RV Liquid Roof is that it can help to keep the temperatures inside more comfortable. Because it is white, it will reflect the sun, so you will not have to worry as much about the temperatures rising too high in the summer. This will help to make the RV a comfortable place to relax when you are out camping, and since the RV won’t heat up as much during the day, it means that it should start to cool off more quickly when the sun sets.

Of course, these are just three of the reasons that you might want to choose a permanent RV coating for your vehicle. If you truly want to protect your investment – and an RV is a hefty investment – this is one of the best ways that you can do it. Even better, you don’t have to hire someone to do this for you if you don’t want. RV Liquid Roof is a simple to apply product that you can do on your own in no time at all. If there is one thing you do for your RV this year, it should be using liquid roof repair coatings. You will not regret it.

Best Product for Top Quality RV Roof Repair

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For any RV or motor home, there comes a time when the roof might start to leak. All those getaways and long trips in the rain, snow, and intense sun, lead to the roof of your RV becoming brittle and damaged. If you want to find an affordable and easy way to do RV roof repair, you should look into the amazing product called Liquid Roof. This product is an advanced form of EPDM (ethylene, propylene, diene monomer, M class), which is basically synthetic rubber and which provides a long lasting seal and durable roof covering.

Benefits of Liquid Roofing Products

Before the liquefied version of this product was introduced, the RV roof repair was done using sheets of actual rubber. This became tedious and was not as effective in sealing the RV roof. The liquid product gets into all the tiniest cracks, making sure that the RV roofing repair is done perfectly the first time. Basically this product can go anywhere and can also be used for a variety of other applications including motor homes, commercial vehicles, trailers and more, plus it can also be used on numerous materials including fiberglass, metal, wood, concrete, foam, and much more.

The single ply EPDM rubber has stood the test of time for over 30 years and the most unique features of this type of rubber are that it is completely UV resistant and unaffected by ozone, and it also can withstand extremely high temperature of over 300 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the ideal RV roofing repair product, that can retain its elasticity for much longer than other types of rubber sealants, and that it also resists fatigue and brittleness that usually comes from exposure over time.

How the RV Roof Repair Works

When you are dealing with an RV roof that has already been repaired using a different sealant, a special primer product must be used underneath the Liquid Roof. Other than this, you will simply apply the liquefied roofing product in just one coat using a paint brush, roller brush, or even a squeegee. This will ensure that the product runs into all the possible cracks and leak points, even those that you cannot necessarily see, and ensures an exceptionally tightly sealed roof. The roof will be waterproof instantly, and completely resistant to any other harsh conditions. It will also remain in perfect, flexible condition during freezing, icy weather.

What Damage Can RV Roof Repair Fix?

Any kinds of damage to your RV roof can be repaired completely using something like Liquid Roof. Your RV roof might have been scratched from branches and has started to rust. Leaks could be forming around the vents and aerials on top, or where the roof meets the edge of the RV. Whatever kinds of problems you need to repair, the liquefied rubber roofing product is definitely the way to go, as a top of the line, uniquely well suited item that works for any outdoor vehicle.

Using such a great product your RV roof repair will be a cost effective, hassle free process.

RV Roof Coatings

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Throughout the years much has changed for the RV enthusiasts in terms of roof repair.  For modern and highly effective RV roof coatings, liquid epdm rubber seems to be the most effective product options available to consumers today and has one of the longest success histories of any RV roof sealant in the industry. A liquid rubber RV roof coating can be applied very easily without any real prior experience, education.  There are numerous videos on youtube entitled Epdm Coatings that show you first hand the application and benefits.   These kinds of RV roof coatings can be implemented on an RV for a variety of different reasons; one reason that an RV roof coating will often be used is that there is some kind of problem or defect in the current RV roof structure that is exposing the vehicle to potential water damage and other problems that can arise from a compromised RV roof. Another reason for using this kind of RV roof coating is for the purpose of improving the fuel efficiency of the vehicle; fuel efficiency is typically decreased substantially when there are any kinds of holes in the roofing due to increased drag on the vehicle when it is moving. For the benefit of consumers interested in RV roof coatings, some additional information about the most frequently used variation of RV roof coating will now be provided.

Composition

Liquid rubber RV roof coatings are typically formulated using a kind of liquid EPDM coating which can be quickly and easily applied to an entire RV roof or just to small sections of it, if desired. This kind of formulation is designed to dry quickly after being applied to the roof of an RV, and has been proven to be equally strong and durable as a factory applied RV roof.

Weather-Proof RV Roofing Surface

When this type of RV roof sealant is applied to an RV, it creates a totally weather-proof roofing material that is equally effective at keeping out water and other weather related elements that can potentially cause damage or complication to the function of the roof. This is a very important quality for an RV roofing material to have, since an inability to keep out the weather will quickly compromise the overall structure of a recreational vehicle.

Easy Installation

Virtually any able bodied individual is going to be capable of easily installing the kinds of RV roof coatings that rely on a liquid rubber formulation. Only one coating is needed in nearly all cases, and this kind of roof coating can be applied using some kind of brush, roller, or other application utensil that may be preferred by an RV owner or RV refurbishing professional.