When is it time to replace a roof?

BBDAWG · 02-15-2012, 01:06 PM

I have just purchased a 2003 Salem 27FKSS and I have identified two roof soft spots like rotted wood under. The first is about 14" x 14" in the left rear of the roof and the other is in the front left and is about the same size. The rear spot shows some minor water leakage on the inside ceiling.

The leaky area looks like it was repaired in the past and is very old but I have not done the garden hose test yet.

I am sure I want to repair the "soft spots" at minimum, not just cover them up and I see cracking of the roof edge outer material.

My question is really, at what point do most owners feel their roof must be replaced (new factory rubber or liquid rubber or what ever)? 5, 10 or more years ??

What is the preferred method of roof replacement? (preferred by owners and DIY'rs, not manufacturers)

Hob · 02-15-2012, 01:19 PM

From your description, it seems as if it would be best to have it done now. Use a reputable dealer and get it done right. I did a repair on a travel trailer by myself. I didn't do something right. That is the reason I said have a dealer do it.

BBDAWG · 02-15-2012, 01:34 PM

Hey Hob, I am most likely, like you were when you first did your own repair, convinced I can do it my self.

I am in a position where I must do the repair myself, not a choice because I would have to put it off longer than I feel would be safe. I must do the hose test soon, before our rainy season begins, so I should know how soon I will have to tackle the job.
I was curious about the "roof replacement" timeframe, as if most roof's must be replaced in say, 10 years, I might be wasting my time on a repair..

Hob · 02-15-2012, 01:43 PM

I guess I didn't understand all of what you were asking. By all means replace the roof and the wood that has probably rotted beneath the rubber where the leaks were or are at present. The people that make the roof generally put a 12 year warantee on it. That being qualified by telling you your roof wasn't cared for properly, the seams leaking caused the problem, or God just said it was time for your roof to be replaced and they can't be responsible for acts of God. It is generally some excuse. In my mind, your roof being as old as it is, you should replace it. It has only about 3 years left on its life anyway.

Best Regards,

Hob

donn · 02-15-2012, 02:43 PM

Self replacements of the roof is actually not difficult. You will need a couple of buddies and some scaffolding. Start by taking everything off the roof that can come off. Take the trim molding around the edges off and peal away. Once the rubber is off, peal the old plywood off and remove any wet insulation. So far it is really simple stuff. Lay new insulation and plywood, I would use marine grade 1/2 inch, cutting out for vents, AC etc. Then following the Dicor instructions lay the new rubber membrane. This will again take a couple of buddies to help get it on straight and rolled out flat. Trim and re-apply the trim and all the roof stuff. Being sure you have plenty or Dicor Lap Seal around every opening. And you are done. Should be able to it in a long weekend or two regular weekends.

BBDAWG · 02-15-2012, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hob

I guess I didn't understand all of what you were asking. By all means replace the roof and the wood that has probably rotted beneath the rubber where the leaks were or are at present. The people that make the roof generally put a 12 year warantee on it. That being qualified by telling you your roof wasn't cared for properly, the seams leaking caused the problem, or God just said it was time for your roof to be replaced and they can't be responsible for acts of God. It is generally some excuse. In my mind, your roof being as old as it is, you should replace it. It has only about 3 years left on its life anyway.
Hob

That is exactly what I was looking for. Had a roof been generally good for 15 or more years, I might have just planned for the repair. Your analysis indicates that a replacement would be more prudent.

Thank You
Randy

campdohbrew · 02-15-2012, 03:02 PM

I find roof life expectancy interesting. While I do not know with 100% certainty, I would think the 12 year life expectancy is based on time factor and exposure factor. If the warranty was based solely on a time factor with the first molecular breakdown occurring at 12 years of age, I would think the warranty would not have the prorated provisions that it has beginning with year 3. This prorated warranty provision leads me to believe that exposure factor is relevant to molecular breakdown and probably relevant as early as year 3.

The only real method you would have to make that determination would be to have several samplings of trailers or trailer roofs with everything being identical except for exposure. Of course, you would need 1 sample remaining in a controlled environment without exposure to the elements throughout the testing period to make a comparison. At the conclusion of the analysis, I would not be surprised that results would show breakdown in year 3. If we were privy to RD, we would know for sure.

BBDAWG · 02-15-2012, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donn

Self replacements of the roof is actually not difficult. You will need a couple of buddies and some scaffolding. Start by taking everything off the roof that can come off. Take the trim molding around the edges off and peal away. Once the rubber is off, peal the old plywood off and remove any wet insulation. So far it is really simple stuff. Lay new insulation and plywood, I would use marine grade 1/2 inch, cutting out for vents, AC etc. Then following the Dicor instructions lay the new rubber membrane. This will again take a couple of buddies to help get it on straight and rolled out flat. Trim and re-apply the trim and all the roof stuff. Being sure you have plenty or Dicor Lap Seal around every opening. And you are done. Should be able to it in a long weekend or two regular weekends.

I am sure it is much easier stated than done but Thanks so much for the steps to proceed. If you say a long weekend, or a couple of weekends, I have to plan a couple of WEEKs for the repair. Just a little slower today than before..
It does sound doable for me...

Thanks
Randy

donn · 02-15-2012, 03:07 PM

We did a buddies trailer years ago. It is not that hard. Heck, we had to replace everything, rafters, insulation, I mean EVERYTHING. And it was not a big deal. Rent some scaffolding would make it much easier. Be sure to have the replacement material and supplies on hand before you start. Strip one weekend, Work on it during the week and reinstall the next weekend.

BBDAWG · 02-15-2012, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donn

We did a buddies trailer years ago. It is not that hard. Heck, we had to replace everything, rafters, insulation, I mean EVERYTHING. And it was not a big deal. Rent some scaffolding would make it much easier. Be sure to have the replacement material and supplies on hand before you start. Strip one weekend, Work on it during the week and reinstall the next weekend.

Does the new roofing (rubber) get glued down as you lay it out?

I have not done the research yet, but I now know it is coming, I need to get deeply educated very soon. I might even visit a local repair shop and volunteer some time on other units, that might help..

Is, in your opinion, the sheet rubber the best alternative to use? I caught a quick glimpse of someone who said they used sheet aluminum and would do it again..

donn · 02-15-2012, 04:27 PM

The sheet EPDM is very common and reasonable IMHO. Yes it is glued down. I believe the newest stuff is similar to contact cement. You apply the glue, let it set and lay the sheet out and roll it down. I see a couple of ways to do it. Lay the sheet down, centering it in place. then fold half back, apply adhesive and lay the material down. Fold the other half back and repeat. Or apply glue to the entire roof, and apply in one big piece. I can see pluses and minuses to both options. Go to the dicor web site and nose around. I seem to remember seeing a video there showing how to properly install the material.

crocus · 02-15-2012, 05:07 PM

It is too bad you already have damage to the wood underneath the "rubber" membrane. If your roof was solid, you could use the liquid EPDM, and just roll on a brand new roof!

BBDAWG · 02-15-2012, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crocus

It is too bad you already have damage to the wood underneath the "rubber" membrane. If your roof was solid, you could use the liquid EPDM, and just roll on a brand new roof!

I agree, but it is what it is. Just bought the TT and did not catch the soft spots. So, will do the best we can.

I am concerned about having to have a bare wood deck to attach the new rubber sheet. Getting the old glue off might be a real bear I am fearing..

Any experience there?

sherdep · 02-15-2012, 06:13 PM

if you can't get the old rubber and glue off you could just replace all the wood at that time which will give you a chance to look over the whole rig.
Not sure what your looking to spend but if the wood is already rotted I would replace a larger area to get it all at once.

I have never done a rubber roof but I recall my roof is only glued at the edges because it seems to have stretched areas from the day I got it so maybe your's isnt glued all the way down either.

Orlando isnt far - I am in Saint CLoud and Work / Office is off of Sand Lake and Orange Blossom Trail

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