Roof concern?

[Geewizard]

The EPDM (I think it is EPDM) roof on my 2004 Outfitter TC is coming unglued from whatever is underneath it. I see several areas that are lifting up. None are raised more than 1/4" but they show up. I have no signs of leakage.

Should I be concerned? Can I or should I do anything about it?

Looks very similar to this:

[deltabravo]

d3500ram wrote:
Has anyone else ever seen a TC going down the road where the roof material in the front is ballooning up as it travels?

On a TC no, in a giant 5th wheel, yes, at least every trip I take I see one.

[Hemi_Joel]

It should not balloon or have enough loose membrane to lift of flap. It's just a matter of time until repair or replacement is needed.

FWIW, I am a commercial/industrial roofing contractor. We do mostly EPDM rubber and some TPO roofs, I build them to last 30+ years. If I did my roofs to the same low standards as the RV industry, I'd be in jail or bankruptcy court.

[Joe417]

Our 2001 Jayco has had a few of those since new. It hasn't caused any issue and hasn't gotten any worse.

I have seen RVs traveling down the road blown up like others have mentioned. I would guess they had some type of water damage to have the adhesive let go completely.

I would check to see if it is looser than the wrinkles in the picture and check for cracks in the caulk.

If it isn't any looser than what the picture shows, I wouldn't worry but would keep a check on it until sure it isn't a water leak.

It's in a place that can be re-glued. Just a lot of caulk and putty to remove.

[NamMedevac_70]

I have passed a few of these ballooning roofs traveling in opposite direction and glad I wasn't behind them going same way.

[NamMedevac_70]

Yes keep a close eye on it and take occasional photos with your cell phone to see if it is getting worse. See no need for drastic action at this point but make sure no gaps or teares around the roof edges and double check the edge caulking that it is still good condition. I had a few of those on my roof for years with no adverse effects but I also recoated by roof with fresh EDPM once a year. It was fun in early morning cool hours. Cheers

[d3500ram]

deltabravo wrote:

d3500ram wrote:
Has anyone else ever seen a TC going down the road where the roof material in the front is ballooning up as it travels?

I've seen several 5th wheels with a big "roof membrane balloon"

I often wonder if the owners know (knew) of it.

[deltabravo]

d3500ram wrote:
Has anyone else ever seen a TC going down the road where the roof material in the front is ballooning up as it travels?

I've seen several 5th wheels with a big "roof membrane balloon"

[Kayteg1]

Very seldom roofs do spontaneous ungluing, so I would suspect small leak somewhere.
Now if the leak is due to gap up front, that will suck the air at speeds and create balloon.
I would cut the wrinkles and glue them flat with urethane coulking.
That I would apply Henry $50/gallon roofing sealer on top of everything.

[JIMNLIN]

the roof on my 1997 31' 10" 5th wheel rv trailer has looked like that in spots since new.

I do a twice a year roof check for blisters or tears or holes in the membrane....sealant cracks...cracked or broken roof jacks and other fixtures. Just keep a eye on it but I sure wouldn't add any more holes the roof for more places for water intrusion.

[anutami]

Here is what happened to mine. Keep in mind the wind will cause havoc. Not a fun repair!!

Click link to my repair

[Grit_dog]

Aside, that is the cleanest roof I've ever seen! Bravo!

No experience, but I'd just keep an eye on it and if it gets worse, some judiciously placed staples with a dab of goo over them to keep waterproof would be my plan of attack.

[mellow]

The adhesive has given up, it should not leak but with time will get worse. Only way to remedy it would be to pull it up and put new adhesive down if it doesn't pull up the luon as you pull it away, in that case you would need to get a new sheet of epdm and put down a new roof. It isn't that bad of a job to do but once you open the can of worms you might see rot on the roof that needs fixing.

This is my old camper I had to redo the roof on to give you an idea: https://imgur.com/a/RriBM

[valhalla360]

Is this a new issue? If yes, it's certainly cause for concern.

And yes, I've seen the roof of an RV blown up like a balloon going down the highway.

[d3500ram]

I'm sure others will chime in....but,

I think I would be concerned... if it is losing adhesion in partial areas it might continue to do so over time.

Has anyone else ever seen a TC going down the road where the roof material in the front is ballooning up as it travels? I have seen it perhaps twice. Not saying that the OP's will do the same or is doing this currently, but it might have the potential to do so.

JMHO.