Copperstate Roofing Supply logo Best Materials logo
              Log-In          Log-Out     
FAQ 
 Terms
 
 
  Search
 
Search
   Advanced Search
 
 Shopping Cart:
  0   Items  In Cart
 Total: $0.00
   
   
   
   
   
   
   EPDM  
   Fasteners  
   Hardware & LPG  
   Metal Goods  
   Paint & Tape  
   Pipe Flashings  
   Roof Coatings  
   Roof Hatch/Vent  
   Roof Repair  
   Roof Tiles  
   Safety Products  
   Support Systems  
   Tarps  
   Tool Accessories  
   Tools & Equip.  
   Underlayments  
   Waterproofing  
 
 
Shop With
 
Confidence
 
 
RV Roof Repair & Roof Repair Procedures

 

This is our RV Roof Repair information & resource guide. We are constantly adding new resources for you to use in repair of RV roofs and roofs built with EPDM rubber or metal and others. These solutions also apply to commercial buildings, trailers, patios, & many house boat repairs. We welcome your RV ideas and solutions too. For recoating your RV rubber roof with a premium bright-white light traffic capable roof coating, we recommend RoofMate HT . We now offer replacement EPDM Rubber Roofs.

4 Inch RoofSeal White is our most popular RV roof repair product.

Questions? Email us at info@bestmaterials.com
Or call 1-800-474-7570 /  602-272-8128
You'll get a prompt response !
 
 
POPULAR ROOF REPAIR & PRODUCT PAGES:
Repair Recommendations:
 
For RV or trailer roofs and seam repairs, we recommend Eternabond® RoofSeal White. It's specially packaged for us with a White Ultra-UV resistant surface and wound in economical 50' rolls (rather than 37'). RoofSeal White can be used over all types of roofs including EPDM. UV resistance of RoofSeal White is estimated at 18 to 35 years (tested by Eternabond). RoofSeal is also available in Gray and Black. All finishes are compatible with RoofMate and AES roof coatings.
 
For aluminum trailer & home seam repairs, we recommend A-Seal ®. It is an aluminum faced version of RoofSeal.
 
All the Eternabond products are supported with a 10 year warranty by Eternabond.
 
For recoating a RV EPDM / rubber roof or metal trailer roof, we offer several good choices. For a light-traffic roof, we recommend Roofmate HT (high tensile). It cures harder to take light foot traffic.  EPDM Primer is recommended with any EPDM coating.
 
For a complete or partial replacement of the EPDM roofing materials, see EPDM Replacement Roofing Materials
 
Caulking & Sealing (air conditioners, vents, flashings, skylights, etc): The best materials depends on the roof surface. For sealing aluminum to rubber / EPDM roofs we recommend M-1 sealant These are premium high-performance materials designed for this application. These two materials will work on ALL roof surfaces.
 
For sealing a vent/hatch/skylight to a fiberglass roof surface we suggest NP1 caulking. NP-1 has 800% elongation, 350 psi tensile and +/- 25% joint movement capability (double most home-store materials). Its also UV resistant & paintable!
 
For resealing RV windows we recommend M-1 or Sonolastic 150. Either has tremendous adhesion to glass and the RV and will provide many many years of trouble-free sealing.
 
Common Questions & RV Roof Repair:
 
Complete EPDM roof replacement pictorial / instructions
 
FREE INSTRUCTIONAL MOVIES:
Eternabond instructional Movies:
 
   Cold Weather Modified Roof Crack Repair
   Repairing Single-Ply Roofs (TPO, Hypolon, TPO, PVC)
   Rubber EPDM Roof Repair (for RV and all types)
   RV Roof Repair (general repairs)
   RV Slide Room Repairs
   RV Vent & Skylight Repair (general procedure video)
   Skylight Rooftop Installation
        MORE MOVIES...
 
What is EPDM?
EPDM is synthesized from ethylene, propylene and  Diene Monomer. EPDM is a highly flexible and stable material. EPDM creates the binder for the final product, vulcanized EPDM mixed rubber, which contains carbon black, antiozonants, antioxidents, oils, and curing agents. The oils are added to act was plasticizers and low temperature flexibility. Over time, the oils can deplete and the EPDM sheet will shrink. This is one of the primary aging factors.
 
EPDM is not resistant to oil or many solvents. Roof repair products must be compatible with EPDM and many are not (tar, bitumen, and high solvent content products can attack & decompose EPDM).
 
Eternabond's unique adhesive system has solvent or petroleum products. It is 100% compatible with EPDM and all other roofing materials. RoofMate HT is solvent free and designed to be used directly over EPDM (primer recommended).
 
What is TPO Roofing?
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing was introduced to the RV industry in about 1994. It has a glossy white surface. TPO sheeting claims to provide tear and puncture resistance 20 to 50 percent higher than un-reinforced EPDM rubber (depending on the material thickness - Best Materials). The material offers excellent UV protection, will not retain odors and is resistant to rot. It is easily melted or burned. This is the quickest method to identify it. Cleaning TPO can be done with Murphy's Oil Soap® type product and a soft nylon brush or sponge.
 
What Preparation is Required for Roof Repairs?
Brush dirt off and out from under repair area. Clean all dirt and oxidation from the roof surface. The exact method depends on roof material and type of contamination or oxidation. For small repairs to EPDM use solvent and a rag and scrub the repair area. As needed, use a plastic abrasive kitchen scrubber. Wipe and/or scrub until clean.
 
If you are re-roofing large areas you can usually power wash then aggressively scrub surface using a stiff street broom (keep scrubbing until the roof is completely white again). Generally stiff brooming with a floor cleaner is good enough, followed by EPDM Primer.
 
If oil or grease are present, remove them FIRST.
 
Important: When using Eternabond tape (as well as all other roof repair products), all traces of silicone sealants or waxes much be removed. Cut out any silicone caulking, then remove any silicone surface wax with a commercial automotive pre-paint silicone / wax remover.
 
Caulk any voids in the area under which the Eternabond tapes will go. Select the caulk or sealant which best matches your roof surface material (and prior to applying the caulk/sealent into the voids, be sure to scrub seams with plastic abrasive scrubber). M1 sealant is recommended.
 
What Tools Are Needed For Repairs?
Each job is different, but generally you just need to have some simple tools:
 
* Roller - This is the most important tool. It is critical to "roll-in" and flow the Eternabond adhesive.
* Plastic Pot Scrubber or sandpaper - For sanding & cleaning roof repair surfaces. Alternatively, an electric drill with a wire wheel can be used for bigger jobs.
* Razor Knife or Roofers Scissors - To cut Eternabond.
* Scraper - To remove old unwanted caulking.
 
Do I Need to Prime Before Applying Roof Repair Products?
For Eternabond tapes, Use EternaPrime when surfaces to be bonded are very dirty (oxidized and cannot be cleaned well). EternaPrime prepares the surface into an adherent platform for the Eternabond tape to adhere to. Also use EternaPrime if the installation temperature will be below 40 degrees F (except when using WebSeal and One Step, which can be applied down to zero degrees F). 
 
Use EPDM PRIMER prior to applying Elastomeric roof coatings, such as Roofmate HT over aged EPDM (but the EPDM must be cleaned first).
 
How Much of an Overlap Seam is Needed When Applying RoofSeal Over Large Areas?
Two inches of overlap is the recommended minimum "best practice" (2" on EACH side of repair area, using 4" tape).
 
How Do I Repair a Tear?
Clean the repair area. Remove any silicones. Clean surfaces as above. Apply M1 sealant to any recesses and tool to a level surface. Let caulk cure. Glue down any loose EPDM areas using M1. Add fasteners as needed to re-enforce repair area. Let cure 24 hours. Apply Eternabond RoofSeal with two inches of overlap to either side of the repair area, covering any reinforcement fasteners used.
 
How To Replace a Roof Vent, Skylight or Hatch etc: Scrape away caulking around screws that secure the item then remove screws.
 
Cut away all old caulking at the metal vent-flange edge (avoiding cutting into the rubber roof). Use a putty knife to get under the vent and loosen. Carefully lift off the old vent to prevent tearing the rubber roof.
 
Clean the roof area under and around the opening.
 
Fill any screw holes with caulking.
 
Now you have a decision. Do you want a permanent seal, or one which could be serviced in the future if needed?
 
Permanent Sealing Process:
Remove ONE side of the non-stick backing and apply Eternabond Doublestick tape to the bottom side of the new vent flange. Press the tape into place, then roll well to seal tape to flange. (Note: If needed, you can easily "double stack" the Doublestick for sealing greater gaps).
 
Remove the remaining non-stick backing from Doublestick sealing tape. Carefully Position the new vent cover over the opening and press hard into place. The Doublestick tape provides an even, permanent, watertight seal. In lieu of this, use a heavy bead of caulk/sealant under the flange.
 
With the vent positioned, secure it with new exterior grade screws, such as #9 SS HWH W/NEO SEALING WASHER. Tighten all screws gradually to pull the flange down evenly and seat the Tape.
 
Finish the sealing by using strips of RoofSeal over the flange outer surface. Cover the screws and vent flange edge and roof surface 2". As always, be sure to thoroughly roll-in the Eternabond to seal it permanently.
 
Serviceable Sealing Process:
For a seal which is temporary or can be more easily removed in the future, use butyl sealing tape under the flange following the above procedure for Doublestick. Form a good sized bead mid-way around the bottom of the vent flange in the screw hole area. Place the vent. Move the vent around a bit to seat the vent-to-flange putty to the roof surface. (Note: Butyl Sealing Tape forms an air-tight, but not a long-term water tight seal).
 
With the vent positioned, secure it with new exterior grade screws, such as #9 SS HWH W/NEO SEALING WASHER. Tighten all screws gradually to pull the flange down evenly and seat the Doublestick.
 
After screws are installed, caulk the outer edge of flange-to-roof interface and screw tops with caulk/sealant.
 
How Do I Just Fix a Leaky Roof-Vent or Hatch?
Scrape away all old caulking. Use a plastic scrub pad or sandpaper to clean the surface. Swab with solvent and a rag. Be sure ANY silicone type materials are removed.
 
Seal using strips of RoofSeal or A-Seal around the flange edge to roof interface. Also be sure and cover all screws. Overlap the vent flange to roof surface edge by about 2" in each direction. As always, be sure to thoroughly roll-in the Eternabond to seal it permanently.
 
How Do I Remove Old Caulk?
Cut with Razor knife or sharp pocket knife then scrape out with a putty knife or scraper. Remove ALL old silicone residue. Clean surface with Eternaclean cleaner , or similar, and a rag.
 
How Are NEW EPDM Lap Seams Best Handled When Replacing EPDM?
After adhering new EPDM down, clean the new lap seam areas with Eternaclean. Cut Doublestick seam sealant to length and apply in seam. Roll seam well to fuse sealant.
To create permanent long-life very durable seams, a secondary layer of SEAM COVER TAPE is highly recommended. Its applied over the seam, overlapping the two pieces. Its available by the foot or roll. First apply EPDM Primer to any OLD EPDM surface where COVER TAPE will be adhered (new EPDM just needs wipe down with cleaner). Then apply the peel and stick COVER TAPE and roll well to fuse sealant.
 
How Are Wood Seam Areas Prepared Before Adding New EPDM to the Roof?
Set any screws with protruding heads so they are flush. Clean off repair areas. Caulk any deep gaps with NP1 sealant. Apply a layer of NP1 along wood seam about 4" wide with a putty knife. Embed fiberglass reinforcement into NP1. Apply more NP1 and feather out the joint (like taping a sheet rock joint). Let NP1 cure before adding new EPDM sheet. It takes 1-3 days, depending on weather. NP1 will not cure below 50F.
ALTERNATIVELY, use 4" WEBSEAL. Its a peel and stick product which has reinforcing web. Set screws, clean seams, peel/stick and roll well to fuse sealant. Then you can immediately apply new EPDM roofing or make other repairs.
 
How Are OLD EPDM Seams Repaired before Recoating?
Clean repair areas. Remove all silicones or old coatings. Stick down any lifted areas using Eternabond DOUBLESTICK sealant (no cure) or M1 Sealant (which must cure). Then apply 4" WEBSEAL.
Before applying an coating to EPDM roof, EPDM Primer is recommended. Apply EPDM PRIMER in a thin layer. Let cure (about 30 minutes). Apply EPDM roof coating, such as RoofMate HT.
 
What Do I Do With Edge-Metal & Screws?
For Temporary Repairs, overlap the entire surface with RoofSeal White, or seal with NP1.
 
If screws are not recessed, we recommend replacement with an exterior grade PanCake head screw, such as PanCake Head Screw along with a "Sealing Washer". The screw + sealing washer forms a nice looking, long-lasting, watertight seal.
 
For complete re-coatings, it is best to repair any damaged joints using the techniques for seam repair.
 
What Do I Do Around Vents & AC units etc?
Follow the seam repair methods, using RoofSeal or A-Seal
 
How Do I Seal Around Irregular Surfaces? Clean surfaces and seal using Eternabond "WebSeal". WebSeal’s unique closed weave fabric backing and microsealant composition you to use the tape not only on all flat surfaces but also perfectly seal around curbs, angles, pipes and bolts, making the tape ideal for any roof-sealing application. It is especially useful for difficult details, penetrations, areas where water ponds, and even imperfect surfaces. This 30-mil tape has no memory, so it will not “spring” back to it’s original shape when it is molded to fit unusual shapes, yet it remains flexible (expands and contracts) in temperatures as low as negative 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Webseal is designed to have a secondary surface coating over the top, Eternabond UV Protector. Roofseal is one-step, but does not form as readily around irregular surfaces.
 
Will Eternabond Products Stick Directly to Wood? Yes. Be sure to "roll-in" product like other applications.
 
Can I Do My Entire Roof with RoofSeal Tape? Yes. This is an excellent solution and quite cost effective compared to a roof replacement. Eternabond RoofSeal White is available in widths up to 24". You simply lay down overlapping strips to cover the roof (and using the pre-cleaning and post roll-in processes).
 
How Do I Avoid Slight Dirt Collection Along the Visible Edges of RoofSeal?
We recommend running a thin bead of white caulk (M-1, Sonolastic or Np-1) along the visible tape edge (just enough to cover the exposed Eternabond adhesive at the edge).
 
How Do I Recoat My RV EPDM Roof?
 
This is the basic process for recoating an EPDM roof:
 
REPAIR:
* Repair water leaks using the above techniques.
 
CLEAN:
* Use a stiff street broom.
* Remove all oil/grease stains.
* Use 1:3 Bleach/Water mixture applied with a stiff street broom or scrubber on other tough stains & mildew. Try TSP and water if the bleach does not perform.
* Powerwash.
* Let dry thoroughly.
 
PRIME: Apply EPDM roofing primer as per manufacturers instructions.

APPLICATION:
* Open can. Remove any skin at the surface (you should have none with a new can).
* Stir with paint stick if material has set for a long period and any separation is visible (again, you should have none with a new can).
* Apply FIRST COAT with 3/8" nap roller at rate as specified by manufacturer.
* Let cure as required (1 to 3 days (depending on temperature).
* Apply a SECOND COAT as above.
 
What are my RV roof Re-Coating Options?
  • Ultra Shield Elastomeric Coating: Good performance yet very cost effective. Easiest to apply (roll-on). Quick cure. Non-flammable. Comes in several standard colors and can be custom color-tinted. Not recommended for foot traffic.
  • RoofMate High Traffic: Elastomeric Acrylic roof coating. Non-Flammable. Easy roll-on application.
  • Sonoguard Urethane Coating: A very high grade Urethane roof coating. The ultimate in coating protection. Excellent for roofs with foot-traffic. ICBO rated. Easy roll-on application. Available in 40 standard top-coat colors and most any custom color. Outstanding stain and abrasion resistance.
  • EPDM Rubber Coatings: Liquid rubber & EPDM in a 2-part solvent base. Highest cost. Lower elongation, Not oil resistant. Flammable when uncured. The most difficult to work with. Not recommended for foot traffic areas.
MORE ABOUT ETERNABOND:
 
What is Eternabond Tape?
Eternabond Leak Repair Tape is one the most aggressive adhesives available. Originally developed and available for industrial use, Eternabond is manufactured from specially formulated elastomeric resins (MicroSealants) bonded to woven, aluminum, or mixed polymers for maximum conformability. These materials are prefabricated to provide uniform thickness and will expand/contract within normal ambient thermal conditions without ever hardening or losing its adhesive qualities. Eternabond is perfect for surfaces like rubber, fiberglass, metal and even polyethylene and is now available in many convenient sizes.
 
What makes Eternabond different from other leak repair products?
Most repair products fall into one of three categories: a material with a glue applied to its surface (like duct tape), a gum material that lacks adhesive aggressiveness, or a liquid that you pour and spread.
Eternabond repair tapes have no glue or solvents because Eternabond IS the glue/sealant. The highly aggressive adhesive is extruded through a die, creating the tape shape needed for easy repairs. One side is laminated to a strong backing material and a release liner is applied on the other side.
 
Is Eternabond hard to install?
Installing Eternabond is as easy as putting on a piece of tape! Eternabond requires no glue, mixing, or caulking. For quick, emergency repairs Eternabond usually will not require cleaning (although they recommend the repair to an unclean surface be checked at a later date for proper adhesion) and in many situations, Eternabond can be installed underwater. DO NOT INSTALL OVER SILICONE.
 
What is the Eternabond Tape Warranty? Eternabond provide a 10-year limited warranty. Click here for the details:
www.eternabond.com/warranty.jpg
 
How UV resistant is Eternabond RoofSeal White?
In UV testing, Eternabond was subjected to a 4000 Hour QUV Weather-O-meter Test with UV Light UVA 340 in the presence of humidity. Under these grueling conditions Eternabond lost only 2.8% of it's flexibility for each 1000 hours of exposure, while gaining 11.8% in tensile yield (strength) per 1000 hours of exposure. This extrapolates to an expected exposed life of 18 - 35 years. Technically speaking, any product that will last 18 - 35 years exposed to the weather is "environmentally stable".
 
Best Materials has Tips and Techniques for RV Roof Repair, RV, roof repair, Eternabond roofseal, A-Seal, miracle RV roof tape, EPDM roof repair, rubber roof repair, Formflex-6000, Plas-t-cote, Kool Seam, rv roof coating, rv roof coating, trailer roof repair, RV sealant, RV waterproofing, RV leak repair, RV roof coating, RV caulk, and RV caulking products.
 

Other popular products and pages: Backer Rod, ChemCurbs, Chinking, Concrete Repair, Concrete Stain & Sealer, Deck Hardware, Diamond Saw Blades, EPDM Roofing, Eternabond Repair Tape, Expansion Joints Fall Protection Kits, Flashing Tape, Foam Roofing, Gas & Safety Cans,  Generators, Hidden Deck Fasteners, Hot Air Welders, Electric, Hot Air Welders, Propane, Hot Dipped Roofing Nails, Houseboat Roof / Deck Repairlog home products, Metal Roofing, Metal Roof Repair Items, Miami-Dade Nails, Narrow Crown Stainless Steel Staples, NP1 Sealants, Parking Garage Repair, Pipe Flashings, Pipe Support Systems, Polyurethane Foam, Propane Parts, Retrofit Pipe Flashings, Rivets, Roof Anchors, Roof Jack, Roof Leak RepairRoof Paints and Coatings, Roof Repair Materials, Roofing Nails, Roof Supplies, Roof Screws, Roofing Fasteners, Roofing Repair, Roofing Supplies, RV & Trailer Roof Repair, Safety Cans, Safety Rail Systems, Saw Blades, Sealants, Sealing Washers, Solar Panels, Snow Guards, Solar Fans, Solar Roof Fans, Solar Panels, Sonolastic Clear 25Stainless Nails/Fasteners, Tarps, Tile Bond, U-Seal, Vents, Roof Vents 

Popular suppliers ACRO, Active Ventilation, AES Epoxies, AES Raptor, AJC, Albion, Alcoa, Alpha ProTech, AOSafety, ASI Products, Aztec Washer, BAK WeldersBASF, Berger, Brewer, Calsak, Chem Link, Cleasby, Compass International, Dow Chemical, Eagle, ERB Safety, ES Products, Everhard, Falltech, Flame Engineering, Flashco, Foxy, Fry Reglet, Green Bull,  Guardian, Henry, Hitachi, Hyde, IFG Fasteners, Igloo, JL IndustriesLeister, Luco, Makita, Marathon, Marshalltown, Maze Nails, Milwaukee, Miro, National Nail, Natural Light, Olympic, Pam Fasteners, Polycoat, Polyguard, Portals Plus, Powers Fasteners, ProTech, Protecto Wrap, RHH Foam, Roofers, Roofmaster, RoofTop Products, RPM, Senco, SFS Intec, Sievert, Smith. Solomon, SonnebornSpotnails, Super Anchor, Surebond, Swan Secure, Trimline, Trufast, UltraSafe, Uniroof, United Coatings, Vulcan, Wade, Watts, Weatherbond, Werner, Western Colloid, Winco, Zurn


 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
Recent Views