Rubber Roofs
The Truth - Straight from the Horse's Mouth
The Truth - Straight from the Horse's Mouth
Well, I finally got tired of all the dirt floating around about rubber roofs. So I called DICOR, the leading manufacturer of rubber roofs in the U.S., to get some answers. I spoke to one of their customer relation agents and she straightened me out on some of my misconceptions about rubber roofs.
Bleach. I hate to admit it, but I have thought for the last 30 years that it can harm your roof. Oops. DICOR assures that bleach will not harm a rubber roof. It will however, make a mess of the side of an RV if allowed to dry there. It can dull paint, decals, fiberglass, and rot the threads out of your awning. So, if using bleach on your roof, make sure it is rinsed well after application.
DICOR recommends, at least 4 times a year, washing your roof with RP-RC160C soap concentrate. Remember the roof will be very slick when wet and a virtual ice rink when soap is applied. Rinse well. (note: EDPM rubber roof materiel does not require any applications of roof UV protectants at all.) Also, if you want to appear like a Jeopardy champ around the campfire, EDPM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Momomer. Write that down.
When resealing, I always use the DICOR brand self leveling sealant. I figure they make the roof. They know what works on it. It is not always necessary to peel the old caulk off. It's actually not a good idea, as it's usually on there pretty good and you don't want to stretch the rubber. You can apply directly over old sealant in most cases. If the sealant is cracked , clean with mineral spirits on a damp (not wet) rag. Then, if the edges are still stuck, you can seal just the crack in the old sealant,
Now you know I'm not just giving you all my best secrets to be kind right? I have all the supplies and sealants you may need here at Florida Outdoors RV Center. If you can't make it in I would be happy to ship everything you need right to your door. Give me a call at 772 288 2221 or order online at www.FloridaOutdoorsRV.com
Travel Safe and Often
RV Gary
Bleach. I hate to admit it, but I have thought for the last 30 years that it can harm your roof. Oops. DICOR assures that bleach will not harm a rubber roof. It will however, make a mess of the side of an RV if allowed to dry there. It can dull paint, decals, fiberglass, and rot the threads out of your awning. So, if using bleach on your roof, make sure it is rinsed well after application.
DICOR recommends, at least 4 times a year, washing your roof with RP-RC160C soap concentrate. Remember the roof will be very slick when wet and a virtual ice rink when soap is applied. Rinse well. (note: EDPM rubber roof materiel does not require any applications of roof UV protectants at all.) Also, if you want to appear like a Jeopardy champ around the campfire, EDPM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Momomer. Write that down.
When resealing, I always use the DICOR brand self leveling sealant. I figure they make the roof. They know what works on it. It is not always necessary to peel the old caulk off. It's actually not a good idea, as it's usually on there pretty good and you don't want to stretch the rubber. You can apply directly over old sealant in most cases. If the sealant is cracked , clean with mineral spirits on a damp (not wet) rag. Then, if the edges are still stuck, you can seal just the crack in the old sealant,
The White Powder!
The white powder is supposed to be on your roof. EDPM degrades as it ages. It may lose 10% of it's thickness over 10 years or so. Not to worry. That's how it works. When there is no more powder, then worry. That's when you should plan to coat your entire roof. Now you know I'm not just giving you all my best secrets to be kind right? I have all the supplies and sealants you may need here at Florida Outdoors RV Center. If you can't make it in I would be happy to ship everything you need right to your door. Give me a call at 772 288 2221 or order online at www.FloridaOutdoorsRV.com
Travel Safe and Often
RV Gary
