Old EPDM Roof / New Roof?

[Ernrays]

We own a 2008 Montana Mountaineer. Love it. It has been in the "family" since it was new: brother had it (he was a maintenance guru) and then me (kinda sorta). When not out camping (4 months per year), it is in a covered storage area.

This 5th wheel has the original EPDM roof. Gets cleaned regularly. The roof gets checked at least annually, usually more often. To date, no leaks or cracks or splits or the like. I keep the joints and junctions of the roof units coated with Dicore self-leveling caulk. Just the same, the roof is now 16 years old.

I have been doing a fair amount of reading on the web and forums about sealing the roof. Some sites say to do it, some say don't. I could care less about how pretty it looks (image); I'm strictly into function (a.k.a, keep the water out of the 5th). There is some bubbling of the EPDM roof material near the edges of the roof but no pull aways at the side rails.

I'm not excited about replacing the roof; less so about roof failure and leaks. We live in the mountain west; the RV is used at 9,000 feet with afternoon showers fairly common, and lots of wind.

I'd appreciate some feedback from those with older Montana's that haven't sealed or replaced their roofs (or know what other users did) and what the consequences are/were.

Thx, Ernrays

[Mikendebbie]

My only thought about roof coating…it looks great…fresh white may reflect more sun than dirty white. It may provide an additional few millimeters of material to keep the elements out. It’s like arguing for or against ceramic coatings to get that super shine and sparkle. But it’s your money and your rig. I just don’t have the need or the budget for it right now. I might do it someday - who knows.

Also - I have worked in commercial construction/general contracting for 47 years. Seen lots of huge buildings with new EPDM and TPO roofs - also lots of renovations to older existing facilities. I have NEVER worked on a project that included “RE-COAT the EPDM (or TPO roof)”. We hire roofing subcontractors to do the roofing work…never seen a “re-coat” project. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there…just not in my basket. These big old roofs get beat up by the Texas sun all their lives…but they don’t get fresh white roof coatings in an attempt to get a few more years service out of them.

[Keith Schweizer]

Not to sure about putting new material over old. In construction 35+ years. Never ever excited about putting new roof material over old as one never knows what is hiding underneath? My 2009 has spent first 12 years in garage when not being used. Now in So. Utah rig is in open covered storage when not out. Temps as you know can be more than 110 in direct sun in the summer.
I inspect roof often and clean, wash and use Dicor protectant. When roof is cleaned it looks almost good as new.( A lot better than many newer rigs I see with white roofs)
Come the time for replacement I would probably go with tear off and replace so anything underneath can be inspected and repaired if required.

Best of luck with your 5er, safe travels

[Hblick48]

Mine has an EDPM roof that is 22 years old. Rig has spent most of its life in Northern Nevada and Northern California (very hot summers). Pervious owner coated roof with Dicor. I purchased it in 2016. I immediately did a Dicor re- coat, and again about a year ago

Roof still looks brand new, no leaks anywhere

I do reseal caulked areas with Dicor Self Leveling once or twice a year.

Hope to get many more years out of it.

Edit: If I were to replace, I'd use RV Road Armor. Less money than new EDPM roof, lasts longer, and never needs upkeep (like sealing with self leveling).

[brycesteiner]

This summer I bought the 5 gallong bucket of roof coating and not disappointed that I did. The roof was not leaking but the "white" had cracks in it and not very clean. I throughly scrubbed it and then put two coats on. The temperature dropped significantly when you touch the roof. It also looks like new now. I can't imagine why it would be bad to do, especially if it gives more life and keeps the heat out. We know that the sun is what kils the rubber on tires and roofs, so if there is an opportunity to keep the sun off the roof by putting a coating on I don't see why you wouldn't.

[Carl n Susan]

Originally Posted by brycesteiner

This summer I bought the 5 gallon bucket of roof coating and not disappointed that I did.

What specific product did you buy asks the guy with a 12 year old roof?

[brycesteiner]

It is the Everbond roofing coating

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Razahoryin]

In the process of coating mine now.. a friend provided the commercial coating and so far i am thrilled with the results

[Mikendebbie]

I need to clarify my statements in post #2 above…
I am not against adding a roof coating. I might do it some day. I have seen YouTube videos and that clean fresh white coating looks great. I say - it’s your money - it’s my money - do what will make you/me sleep better at night.

[Fulltimepipeliner]

We purchased a product from EPDM Coatings. It’s called roof magic. We have a 2008 Montana rear entertainment and our roof isn’t leaking either but it’s showing its age It resembles an orange peel texture. This product is supposed to bond directly to the rubber membrane. It wasn’t cheap. I’m waiting until it gets nicer out to apply it

[Kfinnert]

Good afternoon -

I have a 2008 Montana 5th wheel too. Mine is the 10th anniversary 3665RE. I had my roof recoated last year at California RV Specialist in Lodi, CA. They did an excellent job on the recoating of the roof. They had to use a product that was approved for use in CA., and I received a 30-year guarantee on the roof on damage or wear. I can assure you that I will not be hauling it for the 30 years. Very pleased with the outcome.

My cost was a bit high due to the removal and reinstallation of solar panels, and the amount of cut-in the tech had to perform around the solar stanchions, AC units, vent covers, etc. My cost was $2k. They inspect it periodically, and I have not had any repairs in the past year!

PM me if you would like additional info.

Cheers

[Ernrays]

Up until your post, all of the resealing methods added a couple of years to the top. 30- year guarantee caught my attention. I don’t think you got a new membrane since the job cost $2k instead of $12k. I would appreciate some additional details.
Thanks,
Ernie

[Kfinnert]

Hi Ernie -

I am traveling at the moment; on a cruise to Mexico... I will be home around the 14th of April and would more than happy to share the information with you. I encourage you to review Dustin's information on recoating the RV Roof; he has a Youtube presentation on it as well as a few articles. Dustin's information appears at calrvspecialist.com.

If you private message (PM) me, I would be more than happy to provide you a contact number and receive a call from you. I am more than happy to share what I have!

Cheers

Kevin