MAINTAINING YOUR RUBBER ROOF

What's Happening To My Rubber Roof?

  • Your brand new rubber roof is nothing more than a thin sheet of EPDM rubber.
  • Like all rubber it is very susceptible to the elements, particularly the sun and tree sap.
  • Like the skin on your face it needs to be cleaned and protected from harmful UV rays.

According to Dicor, a manufacturer of EPDM roofing, your rubber roof needs to be cleaned 4 times a year.   Importantly, it needs to be cleaned and treated with products that are specifically designed for EPDM rubber roofs, as those not designed for rubber roofs can harm your roof.  

Cleaning Products We Recommend:

  • Captain Phab's Rubber Roof Cleaner and Treatment (Canadian Made)
  • Dicor Roof Cleaner
  • Protect All Rubber Roof Cleaner
  • Protect All Rubber Roof Treatment 

Keeping Your Roof Like New:

Although most EPDM rubber roofs come with a warranty, you can dramatically increase the life span of your roof with a little seasonal maintenance!!

Resealing And Repairing Your Rubber Roof:

One of the benefits of cleaning your roof 4 times a year is that it guarantees that you will be on your roof really examining it for damage and deterioration.  It is important to look for cracked and pealed caulking around your roof vents and the side moldings.  If you see any sign of this you need to reseal with an EPDM friendly sealant.  We use Dicor's own Lap sealant. 

 

Also, check your roof for small tears in the roof fabric.  These types of tears are most commonly causes by tree branches rubbing on the roof while backing into or pulling out of a campsite.   Depending on the size of the tear, you may be able to caulk it with the Dicor Lap Sealant, this may work for a very small tear or hole.  For larger tears, you may need to try a patch kit.  These kits contain a small piece of peal and stick EPDM roofing and a tube of Lap Sealant.  For very long tears you can purchase long strips of EPDM roofing and an EPDM friendly water based adhesive. 

This may seem a little strange, but trust me I've seen it many times in last few seasons...DON'T PUT DUCK TAPE ON YOUR RUBBER ROOF!!  Duct tape tends to be very difficult to remove from a rubber roof without making your tear even longer.  Furthermore, the adhesive in duct tape tends to have petroleum distillates, a BIG NO for rubber roofs.  Petroleum distillates will actually eat the rubber on your roof, this is why it is so important to use products specifically designed for rubber roofs.  If you are unsure if a product is okay please ask us we are always willing to help.