Category Archives: Roof Coatings

Why Do You Need Liquid Roof Coatings for RVing?

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When you hit the road in your RV, you have a lot of new things to keep in mind. From learning how to best haul or drive your RV, to keeping up with the unique plumbing and electrical needs of an RV, it’s an adventure learning how to handle your new rolling hotel. But one thing that many RV owners don’t think about is the need to maintain the roof. Just like the roof on your house, your RV’s roof is an important part of the overall structure. In order to keep your RV leak-proof and climate controlled, you need your roof to stay in good shape.

One of the ways that you can protect your roof is by applying a weather-resistant coating to the existing material. Whether your roof is rubber (the most common RV roof material) or a metal or polymer material, there is a liquid roof coating that can offer additional protection to your roof.

What is EPDM Roof Coating?

EPDM is one of the most desired roof coatings for RVs because it is very lightweight, affordable, and doesn’t require any special equipment to apply. It is weather-resistant and helps to maintain the climate inside your RV by reflecting UV rays and adding another layer of insulation. It also blocks water and is fire retardant. EPDM has been the industry standard for RV liquid roof coating for decades.

One of the biggest draws to this product is the fact that it needs next to no maintenance. Once it is applied, it won’t need any attention for the first 10 years or so. It is very resilient and perfect for DIY fans. It can be applied with a paint roller just like a coat of paint, if you have a mind to do it yourself. It also takes only a small amount of time for this product to cure, or set, on the roof. In many cases, you can do this over a weekend and have your RV ready to travel by the next weekend.

Why Wouldn’t You Choose EPDM for Your Liquid Roof Coating?

There are only a few cons to these products, and most of them are only a momentary annoyance. For example, if you get EPDM on your clothing while you apply it, it can be hard to clean out. Be sure to wear older clothes if you do this yourself, or hire a pro to apply the product. You should also wear a mask because some of these products can put off fumes before they cure.

For most RV owners, however, the biggest drawback is the time. Choose a liquid roof coating with the fastest curing time you can find to reduce this problem, but you usually must wait between two and seven days for the roof to be ready to go.

To make your RV more efficient, and to ensure that the roof is weather-proof for decades, a liquid roof coating can’t be ignored.

The Benefits Offered by Cool Roof Coatings for Your RV

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Your RV offers you the ability to hit the road at almost any time, and go wherever you want. You can escape the heat of summer by heading north, or beat the cold by heading south. You can travel west or east as you desire. However, any amount of time spent in your RV will show you that temperature control is not as simple as adjusting the thermostat up or down, particularly when traveling during the summer months. Applying cool roof coatings can help keep the temperature down within the RV, and can also offer a number of other benefits.

What Are Cool Roof Coatings?

Before we go too much further, we need to address the question of what cool roof coatings actually are. While there are quite a few formulations on the market, most are created from stretchy material called elastomers. This allows the coating to be applied easily to the roof, and then ensures that it can expand and contract with the roof as temperatures shift. A rigid application, such as paint, would simply crack and flake off.

Temperature Control with Cool Roof Coatings

Perhaps the most important (and most obvious) benefit of cool roof coatings is actually listed right in the name of the product. These coatings are designed to help reduce the interior temperature of your RV by blocking thermal energy from the sun. They do this in a couple of ways. The most common is by color.

Most of the cool roof coatings on the market are a light color, either white, gray or something similar. This reflects more sunlight from the roof, keeping it cooler and reducing the transfer of heat from the roof to the interior of the RV.

Another way that cool roof coatings help you beat the heat is through the thickness of the application. Most of these coatings go on quite thick, and that ensures that heat does not fully penetrate through the elastomer material, and then through the roof of the RV to warm up the interior.

Longer Life for Your Roof

While temperature control is probably the reason you’re considering cool roof coatings for your RV, there’s another benefit you should understand. Applying these coatings can have a dramatic effect on the lifespan of your roof itself. Most RV roofs are made from rubber, and will oxidize and degrade over time.

By applying a quality roof coating, you reinvigorate the roof and breathe new life into it while stopping the damage to the existing structure. This can allow you to get years more use out of your RV without spending a ton of money on a roof replacement.

As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to cool roof coatings for your RV roof. While there are many options out there, RV Liquid Roof has proven to be one of the most effective choices for both improving temperature control within your RV, and for reinvigorating aging RV roofs.

Conducting a Thorough Roof Coatings Inspection

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It is important to maintain the roof of your home or business to ensure it is in good condition. This applies for those who have bare roofs and for those who are utilizing a liquid rubber roof coating. While the former may need more attention, both types of situations require maintenance and oversight.

We will go over the best process for maintaining and cleaning your roof. This will help you find any problem areas earlier than you might otherwise.

Removing Debris

It’s important to remove any debris from the roof, as these things can cause problems. They can scratch or otherwise damage the roof, but also may trap water which can lead to roof deterioration. Pay special attention to areas that can collect debris more easily. This includes things like HVAC units, skylights, pipes, and more.

Unclog Drains

It’s important to be sure all your drainage systems are functioning properly. These can get backed up and cause water to pool up in areas that are not optimal. You can test each of these by pouring water down the drain to see if it comes out properly. If not, it may be time to do a major cleaning of the drains.

Check Gutters

Gutters should also be cleared of any debris or anything else that might keep them from functioning correctly.

Roof Surface

Whether you have a rubber roof coating or not, you should check over the entire roof for any delamination or blisters in the surface. This can be signs of serious problems that require professional expertise. If you find that your roof has these problems, make sure to inquire about them and get them repaired as soon as you can.

Defects & Holes

You should also check the roof for holes, defects, separation, or areas that have deteriorated. You should pay special attention to any area that has stains, as it could be an indication of leaking. For those with liquid rubber coating, this is unlikely but for traditional roofs, it can be a major problem. These types of problems need to be handled as soon as they can be.

Sealants & Caulking

Caulking and sealant can break down over time so it’s important to ensure they are still in working order. You may find that caulking has dried out or is coming off, in which case it needs to be replaced. You can also use rubber liquid roof to coat these areas and keep leaks from happening.

Preventing roof problems is much easier than repairing your roof. It also leads to a roof that lasts longer and is a better investment over time. By taking the time to maintain and inspect your roof a couple of times a year, you will find that you can sneak up on problems before they become more major. Most people prefer to do this at the beginning of fall and summer, when weather is mild. You should also inspect the roof after any major storms that may have caused damage.

Elastomeric Roof Coatings Before They Worsen

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Few things are quite as frustrating as realizing that you have a leak in your RV roof, or any roof for that matter. You need to make sure that you are proactive when it comes to these leaks, or the problems could become a lot worse. Let’s look at what could happen if you do not elastomeric roof coatings.

It’s Annoying

Of course, it’s annoying to have a leak. There is no doubt about that. When you have a leak, it also means it is unsightly. You do not want to deal with the appearance of water damage in your RV, and you certainly do not want to deal with all the other, larger problems leaks can cause.

Problems With the Electronics

You probably have electronics in your vehicle. It could be a microwave or any number of other items. You know what happens when water and electronics mix – they don’t. The water will short out and destroy the electronics. Replacing the electronics can be expensive. Having them short out can be downright dangerous. You do not want to have to deal with this problem, so repair the roof leaks before this happens!

Mold and Mildew

The water that is coming into the RV can also cause the growth of mold and mildew. This is unhealthy, and it has the potential to cause health problems. In addition, it will also cause the RV to stink, and that’s not going to be a very pleasant place to spend much of your time.

Destruction of the Roof, Walls, and More

Ultimately, if you are not taking care of these issues and if you do not elastomeric roof coatings, it can become a serious problem. It could eventually destroy the roof and the walls of your RV. This would create a need for some rather expensive repairs, and it would also mean that you might just have to give up on the RV altogether.

As you can see, you need to elastomeric roof coatings before they get any worse than they are. It is not a problem that is going to get better on its own. You need to make it a point to take care of the repairs on your own or find someone who can. Fortunately, you will find that many of the common problems are relatively easy to handle.

For example, you might need to replace a vent or some flashing. You might need to put some patches on the roof, as well. To give the roof that extra layer of protection to elastomeric roof coatings and to keep more from occurring, you will want to seal the roof, too. This means using a sealant like Liquid Roof.

Fortunately, the seal will go on quickly and easily. In fact, it goes onto the roof in a fashion very much like paint. You will need to have a roller and some brushes, and a sunny day, but that’s all there is to it. This can provide you with some great protection from leaks in the future.

What Does Liquid Roof Coatings Entail?

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If you own an RV, it probably goes without saying that you’d go to any lengths to take care of it. Before it even becomes necessary, you should make sure you understand what liquid roof coatings entails so you’re prepared just in case.

What Is Liquid EPDM?

Liquid roof coatings refers to using EPDM. The full name of this material is ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class). It can be used in liquid or solid form. Either way, the end result is the same: the surface of your RV room receives an impenetrable rubber membrane.

Why Do People Use EPDM for Liquid RV Roof Repair?

There are actually a number of reasons EPDM has become so popular for repairing RV roofs.

First and foremost, this type of liquid  roof repair really works. It has been studied many times, so there is evidence to back up the claim that EPDM will hold its tensile strength for decades.

Therefore, when you use EPDM to repair your RV’s roof, that’s most likely going to be the last time you ever need to. The repair will probably even last longer than the vehicle itself.

On top of that, it’s extremely affordable given how effective it is. Liquid EPDM is also very easy to apply, as you’re about to see.

How to Install EPDM to Repair Your RV’s Damaged Roof

Obviously, every type of roof damage is going to be a little different. If you’re looking at serious structural damage, you’ll want to address that before you start trying to use EPDM to do a liquid roof coatings job. In that type of situation, you could use EPDM as a bandage until you get somewhere to really fix it.

For the most part, though, EPDM is for fixing minor forms of damage like leaks. The first thing you’d want to do when that sort of thing happens is to make sure you find the source of the leak. There could be more than one.

Then you need to clean the area around the leaks. Any debris or dust will compromise the integrity of the seal and you’ll quickly end up with the same problem you started with.

Depending on the nature of the type of EPDM you’re using, you’ll next do one of two things. If it comes in a bottle, you’ll just spray it over the holes. Some will come out more like caulk.

The other type is for larger gashes or holes. This is the kind you mix with water before you apply it to the roof of your RV.

No matter which version you choose, be sure you read the instructions on the container first. EPDM is extremely user-friendly, but you should still take every precaution to make sure you’re using yours correctly.

Once the EPDM is applied, it won’t take more than 24 hours to fully cure. It could take a bit longer if the temperature outside is less than 55 degrees, but the difference shouldn’t prove to be too much of an inconvenience.

That’s all there is to it. Despite how simple EPDM is, it’s still extremely effective for repairing roof damage to your RV.

Get Your Liquid Roof Coatings Products in Order

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Do you have a roof in need of repair? If you have a mobile home or an RV and you are looking to repair some issues or leaks with your roof, you will find that quite often, you can take care of these repairs on your own with little trouble. However, you still need to be prepared and you need to have the right liquid roof coatings products in place before you get started.

Types of Liquid Roof Coatings Products

You have quite a few things to consider when you are planning a liquid roof Coatings for your RV or mobile home. To determine exactly what you need, you need to perform an inspection of the roof first. This will give you an idea of the extent of the problem and everything that needs to be repaired. You will find that taking care of all the problems at the same time is the best option.

Assess the situation on the roof. Check the flashing and the vents to see if they could be the source of the problem, or at least a part of the problem. You might need to replace these. If you do need new elements for the roof, make sure you check the items you buy and make sure they are compatible with your make and model of RV. You might find that some of the caulking around the seams or vents is no longer viable.

If you have some leaks, or if you are just trying to take some preventative measures, a product such as Liquid Roof would be a good option for you. This is a simple to use liquid roof coatings product that goes on quickly and easily just like paint. It then provides your roof with a membrane covering that keeps it safe. One of the nice things about this product is that the installation is easy to do by just about anyone.

Other Items to Remember

Of course, you need to remember that the liquid roof coatings products should include the tools needed to clean your roof and get it ready for repair, as well as items needed to apply products such as Liquid Roof. For example, if you are going to be adding Liquid Roof to your RV, you will want to have a paint roller and brushes on hand. You will also want to have items to clean up any mess that you make. These are some of the other essential items you will need when it comes to roof repair products.

Big Jobs

In many cases, you can take care of the minor liquid roof coatings and maintenance on your own. However, that might not always be the case. You might find that the roof has too much damage or it has a problem you do not feel comfortable taking care of on your own. There is no shame in hiring a professional to take care of these types of repairs for you. They can ensure it is done the right way.

Liquid Roof Coatings Is Easy

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If you have a flat roof that you need to protect from leaks and potential water damage, one of the best and simplest ways to do it is with Liquid roof Coatings. It is an effective method of creating a literal barrier for your roof that keeps out the water using Liquid Roof. Here are some tips to make the Liquid roof coatings go as smoothly as possible for you.

The Conditions

First, you need to make sure you are starting with a clean roof. This means removing dirt, grit, debris, grime, caulking and other elements on the roof that could interfere with the application of the Liquid Roof membrane. You then need to make sure the roof is completely dry. Otherwise, the membrane will not adhere properly. Be sure to check the weather as well. ideally, you want it to be sunny and clear, with temperatures around the 40s (Fahrenheit). This will help the product to dry and set quickly.

Find the Leak

When you are repairing your roof leaks, you have a couple of options. You can coatings the site of each leak individually, or you can coat your entire roof using Liquid roof coatings techniques. Of course, the first thing you need to do is find the leak or leaks in your roof.

First, look for any holes or cracks in the roof that would indicate the location of the leak. These are not always easy to see, so you will have to get up onto the roof and look closely. Also, if there are any seams in the roof, you will want to check those as well to see if there is a separation. Check around flashing as well, as this may have become separated. It might take some time, but check your entire roof for leaks.

You will find that Liquid roof coatings with Liquid Roof is easy and cost effective enough that applying the product to the entire roof is a good option. It will ensure that you have provided a barrier for all of the leaks in the roof and it provides a uniform look for the top of the roof.

Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to applying the Liquid Roof. It is easy to do and it only takes a single coat. Be sure to have all of the right materials on hand too – rollers, paintbrushes, cleaning materials, etc.

As you can see, getting your roof ready and applying the membrane is nice and easy, and most people should be able to complete Liquid roof coatings on their own with no problem. However, that does not mean you can take care of all roof coatings on your own. If the roof has other issues that are more problematic, such as a large and gaping hole, for example, you will need to speak with the professionals. When you have leaks though, or just want to protect from potential leaks, Liquid roof coatings with Liquid Roof is the way to go.

4 Reasons to Choose Liquid Roof Coatings

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When damage strikes, or you notice a water leak from your RV’s roof, time is of the essence. Even a minor leak can transform into an expensive, time-consuming repair. Knowing your options is the best solution. For most RV owners, repairing the leak using Liquid Roof coatings makes the most sense and will save both time and money. Why choose this option when there are others available? Actually, there are quite a few reasons to make this choice.

Fast Application for Less Time Invested

One of the first reasons to choose Liquid Roof coatings for your RV roof repair is the significant speed of application. This substance allows you to apply just one coat to the roof, where others might require up to three coats. Moreover, you don’t really need any special equipment to apply it. A squeegee and a paint roller are really all you’ll need. With just those tools, you can usually coat a larger RV’s roof in about two hours.

Waterproof from the Start

With most roof repairs, a simple rain shower can spell disaster. They’re water-based, so if rain hits them before they’re cured, they will just wash away and you’ll need to go through all that time and effort again. That’s not the case with Liquid Roof coatings. This substance is waterproof from the instant it is applied to the roof of your RV. That means even if it rains halfway through your application, you’re safe.

Flexibility and Freeze Resistance

Most RV roof coatings on the market (other than Liquid Roof) are water-based. That means they’re easy to clean up, but it also means they’re more susceptible to problems than if they were based on another substance. For instance, water-based roof repair products are susceptible to damage from the freeze/thaw cycle. Liquid Roof coatings are not. In addition, they maintain their flexibility, unlike other products. This is an important consideration with the expansion/retraction pattern created by heat and cold, as well as the tension created in an RV roof while driving and taking curves.

Repairs and Replacements

While Liquid Roof coatings can be applied for spot repairs to rips, gouges and scratches, it can also be applied as an entire roof coating in just a few hours. This allows you to easily handle whatever life happens to throw your way, whether a low-hanging branch was responsible, or you’ve noticed that your aging RV’s roof has seen better days.

These are just a few of the many benefits offered by Liquid Roof coatings for your RV. There are others that are just as important, including the material’s superior resistance to ponding, its UV resistance, and the fact that even if it rains while the material is curing, you will end up with a strong, reliable repair that will last for years to come. Why take chances with something as important as roof repair?

4 Signs You May Need Cool Roof Coatings

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No matter how often you use your RV, the fact remains that it is a crucial component in your ability to travel, relax and enjoy life. When the urge to hit the road strikes, you want to be able to pack and go. As long as your RV is in good shape, that’s not a problem. However, if you’re in need of cool roof coatings, your trip might be cut short, or might not happen at all. Here are several signs that you may need to invest in cool roof coatings sooner rather than later.

Damage to the RV Roof

Perhaps the most obvious, yet least visible, sign that you need to repair the roof of your RV is actual visible damage to the roof itself. Sometimes this can be pretty obvious. For instance, a large branch puncturing the roof should be visible. However, that’s not always the case simply because the roof is out of sight. You’ll need to visually inspect your RV’s roof for signs of damage, which may include cracks, cuts, gouges, nicks and the like.

An Aging Roof

RV roofs are subjected to a great many extremes. They have to put up with harsh, direct sunlight. They are subjected to freezing temperatures, as well as very hot temperatures. They’re inundated with rain, snow, sleet and frost. That’s a lot for any surface to contend with, and eventually exposure to the elements will take its toll. Watch for signs of an aging roof, such as peeling paint, or dried caulking.

Inlet Woes

The roof of your RV is punctured by a number of inlets and outlets. Vents are probably the most obvious, but you may have others depending on the type of RV you own. Check these regularly, particularly around where they meet the roof. Signs of degradation and breakdown should be red flags that you may already have a roof leak, and most certainly need to take steps toward cool roof coatings.

Stains or Damage to the Interior

It is crucial that you not limit your inspections to the roof and exterior of your RV. In fact, there are many signs that will appear only inside that may indicate the need for cool roof coatings. For instance, dark spots on the ceiling can indicate water leaks.

However, you should also check all the walls, including inside storage areas, the bathroom and more, as water may penetrate at the side and then run down the inner wall. Note that it can be difficult to determine the location of a leak based on interior water stains, as water may leak in at one point on the roof, run down a cross member, and stain the wall in an area far removed from the origin of the leak.

Based on your inspection, you may need to invest in cool roof coatings. Liquid Roof is one of the most frequently used solutions in this case, and provides a long-lasting, durable replacement for your OEM roof.

What You Should Know About RV Roof Coatings

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Your motorhome’s roof is the first line of defense against sun, rain, heat, cold, and of course, leaks. Keeping this component of your RV in good condition is vital to enjoying your days on the road and protecting your expensive investment from costly damage. While modern rubber roofing systems require slightly more maintenance than older materials like fiberglass, there are simple steps you can take to ensure that your roof serves you well for the life of your motorhome.

Know Your RV

The first thing you need to know is what kind of roof you have. Most late model motorhomes have one of two types of rubber coatings (the outer, waterproof layer – in other words, the part you can see). EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is the most commonly used material for this surface, and has been in use for a few decades now. TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is the newest type of membrane, and is less common than EPDM. Unlike TPO, you can use EPDM liquid rubber to refresh your EPDM membrane’s surface.

If you have your RV’s manual, check to see if it specifies what your roofing material is made of. If you can’t locate this information, there are other ways to tell which kind of rubber RV roofing system you have. The two main ways to determine the type are:

  • Observing the surface for oxidation – EPDM oxidizes over time, shedding some of its outer layer and producing gray or white streaks which run down the side of the motorhome. TPO does not shed, therefore you will not see any oxidation streaks. The wear on the former type can easily be addressed to EPDM liquid rubber.
  • Checking the texture – EPDM is very slippery when it becomes wet. TPO, by contrast, does not become slippery. Use care when utilizing this method to figure out which material is used – walking on your RV roof should always be done with caution.

Understand Maintenance and Repair

If you have a TPO coatings, you will not likely have to do much repair outside of taping seams or vent joints that become damaged with time and wear. TPO roofs should be replaced by a professional, as EPDM liquid rubber should not be used on this material.

If you do notice shedding, chalking or oxidation on your roof’s coatings, you’ll want to keep a close eye on its condition to make sure it doesn’t deteriorate to a point where you develop leaks. EPDM liquid rubber may be applied in order to create a fresh barrier and improve the look of the worn surface.

No matter which kind of RV roof Coatings you have, you need to keep it clean (plain soap and water typically do the trick) and be sure to routinely inspect vent joints and seams for damage and gaps. If you find that your EPDM roof has issues that need repairing, this can easily be accomplished using RV repair tape along with EPDM liquid rubber designed to duplicate the UV protection and waterproof nature of the original installed surface.

Routine care and maintenance will keep you and your family dry on the road and keep the value of your RV right where you want it.