New EPDM roof replacement issues.

[Dogpatch]

I recently had an insurance claim that required a new EPDM roof put on our 3450RL.
When I went to pick it up yesterday, I found several areas where bubbles occurred.

What happened? I suspect they did not allow the glue to flash properly due to time constraints and off-gassing has occurred.

Sad part is I had to take it and put it into our Resort yesterday as they lock the gates for the winter. Storage was already paid and it would have cost me another $600 for added storage somewhere else.

My RV dealer says they will deal with it in the spring. They guarantee the roof is 100% waterproof as is. I trust them as I have been dealing with them for over 10 years.

It was definitely a surprise though! Definitely not what I expected to see.

[SeaDog]

It might also be a case of not rolling out the material properly. I would think it could be easily fixed.

[jacknife]

I watched a you tube video about roofs the bubbles you see are usually associated with re roofs and are common. Go on you tube and watch it.

[Dogpatch]

Originally Posted by jacknife

I watched a you tube video about roofs the bubbles you see are usually associated with re roofs and are common. Go on you tube and watch it.

Thanks @jacknife.
They gave me a "letter of intent" today stating that in the spring, they will do any repairs necessary to my satisfaction and that if they couldn't, that they would replace the complete roof.

I'm fine with that.

[ben31]

Wow! Not many dealers would do that!

[W5CI]

That Looks like a Very Poor Install job

[Dogpatch]

Originally Posted by W5CI

That Looks like a Very Poor Install job

It wasn't installed with bubbles. The bubbles occurred over night. They showed up next day when I went to pick it up.

5er is sleeping now. We'll see what it looks like once she's awake in the spring. Will still be going back.

[Skyliner]

That looks like a half-donkey install. When you get a new roof, you should get all new plumbing vents and air vents. One pic looks like they put the new roof over old Dicor around a vent and that is simply unacceptable.

I had a re-roof done on my 9 year old Wildcat this Spring and my roof is bubble free!

Good luck remedying your roof.

[mcwhirtj]

I want your dealer! Not typical of RV dealers to be so forthright and focused on customer satisfaction, from my experience.

[JoyntVenture]

I found a very small (less than 1/2") tear in my roof early this fall on my 3450RL. The roof right behind the shower skylight is soft or rotted totally. Can I ask what your new roof ran? Also, how did it get claimed to insurance? I was told that hail was a claim, otherwise, no luck.....

[Dogpatch]

Originally Posted by JoyntVenture

I found a very small (less than 1/2") tear in my roof early this fall on my 3450RL. The roof right behind the shower skylight is soft or rotted totally. Can I ask what your new roof ran? Also, how did it get claimed to insurance? I was told that hail was a claim, otherwise, no luck.....

My claim was snow load damage and coverable by my Insurer. This is Canada so no idea what US Insurers cover under their policies. It may be that you have a "named perils" policy.

The cost to do my roof was just pennies under $10,000. That allowed for removal and replacement of the plywood (I replaced the 3/8" OSB with 1/2 Fir plywood) and removal and replacement of the EPDM (rubber) roof. Also included remove and reset of all vents and fixtures. They re-used all vents and skylight cover as they were in tact.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by JoyntVenture

I found a very small (less than 1/2") tear in my roof early this fall on my 3450RL. The roof right behind the shower skylight is soft or rotted totally. Can I ask what your new roof ran? Also, how did it get claimed to insurance? I was told that hail was a claim, otherwise, no luck.....

Maybe a drive under the 11'8" bridge???

[JoyntVenture]

Just talked to the RV repair shop. Guestimate is $10,000. I don't know where i or they told me $5,000 the first time! Too bad, but it is a great 5ver. We love it and plan on really using it beginning next year. November 8th is D-day for the roof tear-off.

[JoyntVenture]

Hey!! A low bridge would be a great way to cash out and get the Entegra Anthem 42DEQ diesel pusher. Not that I have a Christmas wish list!!

[Walking thunder]

I work in the industry and do a lot of roofs. What year is your coach? Also original roof was most likely TPO rather than EPDM depending on the year it was built. If the exterior was a bit textured pebble like it was TPO,
You should ask your shop if they replaced the luan (thin plywood) before they put the new membrane down. This absolutely should be done EVERY time. You can never get all the old adhesive off. Some insurance companies will try to not pay for this or say only if the old luan pulls up with the membrane. It adds approx 8 more labor hours and 100 or so in materials.

Our shop will not lay a new membrane down with out this step because it will wrinkle like yours. Also in time if there’s enough areas that are loose the wind going down the freeway can cause it to rip. If the service advisor does there job and explained the reasoning it will be approved. If not it’s time for an RV specific Ins company.

[Walking thunder]

One other question. I have a 3450RL and my membrane goes over the radius metal (see your picture 1 and 3 ) and is attached on the roof seam on the vertical. I have never seen a 3450 with the roof seam on the top horizontal. See my previous reply to you.

[benchmarks]

Originally Posted by Skyliner

That looks like a half-donkey install. When you get a new roof, you should get all new plumbing vents and air vents. One pic looks like they put the new roof over old Dicor around a vent and that is simply unacceptable.

I had a re-roof done on my 9 year old Wildcat this Spring and my roof is bubble free!

Good luck remedying your roof.

Skyline said it best. Also, that term bar install is ridiculous. When this does fail and gets a reroof have them strip in a piece of cover strip over the term bar. That way when the UV wears down the sealants it will have better protection. Best.

[Dogpatch]

Originally Posted by Walking thunder

I work in the industry and do a lot of roofs. What year is your coach? Also original roof was most likely TPO rather than EPDM depending on the year it was built. If the exterior was a bit textured pebble like it was TPO,
You should ask your shop if they replaced the luan (thin plywood) before they put the new membrane down. This absolutely should be done EVERY time. You can never get all the old adhesive off. Some insurance companies will try to not pay for this or say only if the old luan pulls up with the membrane. It adds approx 8 more labor hours and 100 or so in materials.

Our shop will not lay a new membrane down with out this step because it will wrinkle like yours. Also in time if there’s enough areas that are loose the wind going down the freeway can cause it to rip. If the service advisor does there job and explained the reasoning it will be approved. If not it’s time for an RV specific Ins company.

Originally Posted by Walking thunder

One other question. I have a 3450RL and my membrane goes over the radius metal (see your picture 1 and 3 ) and is attached on the roof seam on the vertical. I have never seen a 3450 with the roof seam on the top horizontal. See my previous reply to you.

Ours is a 2010.
My original roof substrate was 3/8” OSB. I got them to use 1/2” Good One Side Fir Plywood. It’s a lot stronger deck now. No flex between aluminum trusses. Complete roof deck was replaced.

[Walking thunder]

I’m surprised the membrane isn’t going over the curved radius metal in the first photos u just now sent

[Walking thunder]

if you zoom in on this pic u can see how mine is attached