R U B B E
R R O O F I N F O R M A T
I O N
WARNING:
Never use any product that contains petroleum distillates on an EPDM
rubber roof, as they are incompatible with this type of roof and will cause
damage.
WARNING:
Never allow anyone to replace your EPDM rubber roof without first
removing the old rubber roof completely and covering with 1/8th inch
luan prior to installation of the new roof.
Questions We Have Been Asked
Q: What are rubber roofs made of?
A: They
are made from EPDM rubber sheeting that is highly puncture resistant,
reflective and refractive to UV rays and tear resistant.
Q: What
does EPDM stand for?
A:
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Engineering.
Q: When
buying a used RV what things should be inspected to insure the rubber roof is
OK?
A: Areas
of loose or ballooning rubber on the roof.
Look for silicone caulking as we find this is common
practice around
roof vents. Silicone sealants contain
petroleum distillates.
Q: What
can a rubber roof be cleaned with?
A: We
recommend only those products formulated specifically for rubber roofs. Products such as Dicor
Rubber Roof Cleaner and Dicor Rubber Roof Protectant,
which are formulated specifically for EPDM
rubber roofs.
Q: Can I
replace the rubber roof myself?
A: It’s
not recommended. Aligning and cutting in
roof holes, and lining up sides and corners is work that
requires
professional experience.
Q: What
products are compatible with EPDM rubber roofs to seal around vents, antennas, air
conditioners, etc…?
A: We
recommend Dicor Lap Sealant as it comes in a tube
fitting most caulk guns. Plas-t-lote rubber roof
coating can be
used and is packaged in quart and gallon size cans.
Q: When
there is heavy dew or rain streaks from the roof that runs down the side of the
RV is this a
problem?
A: Most of
the time it isn’t a problem as the EPDM rubber roof is designed to slowly
oxidize, and the
rubber may lose up
to 10% of its overall thickness in 12 years.
Cleaning at least 2 times a year will
greatly reduce
this problem.
Q: Can a
rubber roof be patched if there is a tear?
A: Yes,
but be very observant after patching a rubber roof as we have found that most
patches are short
lived due to the
integrity of the adhesive holding the patch to the rubber roof is
compromised. The
smaller the hole
the better the chance of success.
Q: Are
patch kits for rubber roofs available?
A: Yes,
but none we feel confident in recommending.