Roof inspection

[pd2436]

I have searched the archives and found many references to caulking the roof cleaning the roof and inspecting the roof, but nothing very specific on what I should actually look for during an inspection.
We bought our 2618 VS in 2016 and when I originally climbed on the roof with the dealer I did not see anything that appeared to be out of the ordinary. I have checked it two or three times a year since purchase and nothing appears to have changed.
My roof appears to be a sheet of vinyl or thick covering laid across the top with heavy caulking around all corners, edges, and vent pipes, vents etc.
the roof covering has some small bubbles in it and the dealer said that was normal when I purchased it in 2016. None of the bubbles appear to of gotten any larger so I don't think that's an issue.
However what specifically should I be looking for as I enter my second year with this camper. How often do I need to re-caulk if at all, if the seams appear to be solid.
When I climb up everything appears to be as it was the first day I looked except for some minor staining that I have attempted to clean. I don't find any water leaks inside and everything looks good but I want to be sure I'm not missing something when I climb up there. Any comments or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[bikendan]

Have you checked YouTube videos?

[Scrapper]

Look for any bubbles in the caulking, examine them closely for pin holes caused by shrinkage. Check the caulking at any seams around vents, skylights and roof seams for cracks. Look for any shrinkage which may look like a crack forming. Look for the above at least 2 times a season. I inspect my roof on my seasonal 3 times a year, 1)on the opening day, 2)either June or July and 3)a couple of days before we close for the season.

The best thing you can do to prevent leaks on your roof is buy Eternabond Tape, https://www.eternabond.com/. Many forum members have put Eternabond on their roofs before any sign of damage shows up, some even put it on before their first camping trip. Cover every seam on your roof. You can buy Eternabond from the manufacturer's website or Amazon. I'm not sure you can get it from Camping World at a reasonable cost. If properly done Eternabond guarantees the tape for 15 years, https://www.eternabond.com/v/vspfile...Tape-final.pdf.

I recommend using 6" wide roll on the front and back seams. Use 4" on the sides covering the screws and allowing it to extend slightly into your gutters. I recommend you also get the roller for a better adhesion. You may have to use either 4" or 6" on the seams around the vents and skylights. You want to cover the caulking put down by the manufacturer.

I will upload the Installation instructions and warranty to the Library section of the forum shortly.

[NMWildcat]

Main thing is to look for cracks in the caulking, and edges no longer adhering. If you find any of these, clean well and re-caulk over the original with self leveling Dicor of the correct color. If the seam is really bad, remove bulk of original caulk and use something like Eternabond.

As far as the actual rubber roof, run your hand over it. If it comes up white, you have chalking. This is your roof degrading, and the chalk will leave streaks down the sides of your rig after a rain. Use a rubber roof cleaner and conditioner to alleviate this. Protectall makes an excellent product that I use twice a year on my six year old roof that sits outside all the time.

[pd2436]

Thanks for all your replies. When it warms up a bit I will climb on the roof and do the inspection as directed but I will certainly buy some of the Tape to have on hand.

[Scrapper]

X2, I forgot to mention about the edges of the caulk curling.

The main thing you want to remember is do not use silicone caulk on your RV. It will not work well and once you use it you'll have problems getting the proper sealants to adhere.

The same has been talked about with the Flex Seal products, there has been problems with the adhesion qualities of the product. It has been said that it looks nice when first applied but problems arise within a year or two.

By the way, I put Eternabond on my roof before I had any problems.

[lmiken]

Like Bikendan said look on youtube. dicor has videos on roof inspections

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpikk2LTr_c

[larry2c]

FWIW, our 2017 210RBXL has a TPO roof and I haven't seen any chalking on it. The things I read tell me it won't get chalky like the EDPM roofs but it won't necessarily last as long.

All previous suggestions apply to either type of roof, I just wanted to bring out the point on the chalking...

[TitanMike]

On my old trailer that had an EPDM roof with all the usual caulk at corners and penetrations I found a couple of places that needed attention by just washing the roof.

I just used a very little Dawn Dish Detergent and plenty of water in a bucket. With a soft brush I scrubbed the entire roof, rinsing as I went.

After the Sun dried off the roof I carefully looked over all the areas that were caulked and if there was any "weeping" from the edges or what would look like bubbles explored further. The leaks I found were in these weeping areas where the caulk had come loose from the roof material and water had gotten between the two. Some compressed air to dry the area and fresh caulk to make sure it didn't leak.

That old EPDM (Rubber Sheet) roof lasted 22 years.