00 BUCK
NE Ohio
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Joined: 06/09/2011
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eemsdad wrote:@FrontRangeRVer, we just got this MH, but I'm definitely going to go with some kind of cover!
they can be worse than not covering
moisture collects under them
wind blows them causing chaffing of the paint
rodents love the cover also
I looked at all options choose not to use one
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mike brez
milford ct
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eemsdad wrote:Thanks everyone. It was a big job.
Mike, I searched all over, and ultimately bought my EPDM from Flat Roof Solutions. Most of what you see around is 30-40 mils. Their rubber was 60 mils at a very competitive price. The stuff is about as thick as a quarter.
My only real complaint was that it was shipped folded in a box. I attribute the few bubbles that I ended up with specifically to the creases from the shipping. For some reason I expected it to be shipped on a tube. Ultimately it wasn't a big deal, but it did stress me out during the installation.
Feel free to message me if you have questions. I'd be happy to help anyone considering this project. I wish I had had someone to call when we were thinking about it.
Do you have a website for them?
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eemsdad
Trussville, AL
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Joined: 05/25/2009
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Mike,
Here is the kit I got:
Flat Roof Solutions
The kit is based on you only having one trim piece on the front of the coach. I had a strip at the front and back, so I had to make provisions for covering one extra. They include a cover tape that is basically a piece of material (EPDM?) backed by a thick layer of Butyl. I opted to use that one for the front seam and a piece of 4" Eternabond for the rear. In retrospect, I really prefer the Butyl for that purpose. It worked quite well, and I feel really good about the seal.
I chose to cover my side rails (gutter/accessory) with 2" Eternabond as an over-the-top preventative measure to protect my screws and keep extra water off of the rail. I've had a few issues with the Eternabond, and after talking to their support people, they recommended that you always use at least 4". It's weird to me that they recommend you not use a product that they sell...
I used pretty much everything in the kit and had a few tubes of the EPDM caulk left over. I used it for the skylights/vents, which in retrospect was a mistake. It isn't self-leveling, and it looks like crap. I'm sure the seal is good, but it looks like my 6yo did it!
If you decide to take the project on, here is the absolute best piece of advice I can give:
When you are removing the old EPDM layer, don't try to pull of large swaths of the material. Use a razor knife to cut the material into 18" wide strips and then peel them off. It comes off like butter with little effort and minimizes the amount of plywood you remove in the process. I nearly killed myself on the front half of the coach tugging on the stuff. Once I figured out the trick, I skinned the back half in about an hour with almost no effort.
You're going to want to go straight for the jugular and peel the skin up front, but delay that gratification! Deal with the trim around the perimeter first. Clean remove trim strips, scrape off old butyl, etc. Next, remove all of the skylights, vents, AC, etc.
Once you've done all of the prep work, then take off the whole skin. I know my wife joked about being glad that the glue was holding her on to the roof, but I lost so much productivity (not to mention arm and leg hair) trying to pry my shoes and my tools off of the ceiling in the process. Also, every leaf and twig that fell on the camper during the process became a pain in the butt when it came time to apply the Luan.
Wow, that was a lot. I really should put together a page of observations. There is so much I can comment on!
* This post was
edited 08/14/12 10:26am by eemsdad *
1996 Allegro Bus 32
With each mile comes a new and exciting repair... 
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eemsdad
Trussville, AL
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@00 Buck, Did you try the covers first and have those experiences, or was your decision the result of research?
I've kind of heard both arguments, and we're really leaning toward getting the cover. I know I did a good job on the roof, we left no stone unturned, but I've already seen how easily one lifted edge on Eternabond or a crack in a caulk seam can bring trouble in a hurry. My roof didn't suffer a lot of damage from the leaks in the original EPDM, but I can't help but think that a cover would have stopped a tremendous amount of the water that flowed down under the air horns and around the vent pipes for the years before we owned the unit.
I'd love to hear everybody's personal experience with the covers. We're really close to pulling the trigger on a purchase, but I want to know all the + & - before making that decision.
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rssnape
Southeast
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I've noted similar problems on my 1997 Allegro. Used a knife to trim up torn areas which were very brittle. Once back over the wood the EPDM was quite flexible which is what I would have expected it is like new. I did a patch for now but plan on doing the roof overhaul this winter.
Interesting that the aluminum edges make the EPDM deteriate.
1997 Tiffen Allegro Bus
8 L Caterpillar
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rssnape
Southeast
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The Shadow Nos wrote:If you take it to Red Bay they will install a new fiberglass roof. You will need to call them for cost.
Do you know for sure that they (Red Bay) replaces EPDM with Fiberglas? Sounds expensive but should be much more permanent.
Thanks
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eemsdad
Trussville, AL
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It isn't the manufacturer that does the fiberglass replacement. It is a shop down the street that does a lot of repair work for Red Bay. At least that's who Tiffen sent me to. They quoted me about $6500 for my rig. That's a whole lot of $$$ for a 16yo MH.
My thought was that the original roof lasted 16 years, so the new roof should last at least another 10.
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