One of the key components of your camper or RV is the roof, which aids in shielding the interior from harmful outside elements, including dust, sandstorms, rainstorms, and more. An EPDM Rubber Roof is the best option for protecting your RV. If you want to install an EDPM Rubber Roof on your RV, you’re at the right spot. Here is everything you need to know about it!

A Brief Description Of EPDM

EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. It is a synthetic rubber membrane that is extremely strong and flexible. It is commonly used on gently sloping roofs found on RVs. EPDM comes in a variety of thicknesses and widths and is typically cut to length.

It can be found in many sizes and is cut according to the length that the customer needs. To install an EPDM on the RV, an adhesive is used, with extra seals around the edges to make them watertight. If used properly, it has high durability.

This guide is perfect for you if you want to replace the roof on your RV. It is a simple DIY project that is enjoyable to complete. To learn everything there is to know about how to install an EPDM Rubber Roof on your RV, read through to the end.

The EPDM RV Rubber Roof available on Amazon is recommended since it comes with a few extra supplies. It is recommended because it has the following features:

• It performs effectively in a variety of weather situations, including snowfall, sandstorms, rain, and more.
• The rubber is strong, durable, and flexible.
• The EPDM Rubber is fire resistant.
• The material is thick, making it resistant to external particles such as dust.

Tools And Supplies Needed

The following tools and supplies will help to make this job much easier.

• Rubber roof (EPDM RV Rubber Kit from Amazon is recommended)
• Roof adhesive
• Lap sealant
• Paint roller
• Ladder
• Screwdriver
• Utility knife
• Metal shears or saw (If a metal roof is being removed)

Step 1: Remove All Sorts Of Vents 

In this process, the RV’s already-installed roof components, including skylights, vents, vent hoods, and so on, are removed. These materials may be removed relatively easily, quickly, and with little effort or time. These can be removed using a screwdriver. However, you would need to be very careful with the materials if you want to reuse any of them to avoid damaging them. 

Step 2: Removing The Old Roof And Termination Bars

It’s time to remove the old rubber roof now that the excess material has been removed from the roof. To do this, a utility knife is used to cut around the edges, releasing the roof from the trim. 

Once the entire trim section has been cut with the knife, it is time to peel the roof off. It hardly takes 20 to 25 minutes to peel off. Termination bars and trims are taken off once the rubber roof has been removed. Although not difficult, this procedure takes time.

Step 3: Prepping The Roof’s Surface

Cleaning the area where the old roof was installed is necessary once the old roof has been removed. Before continuing, it is first necessary to inspect the surface for any damage that has to be repaired. Any dents or other irregularities must be corrected by sanding, and any gaps must be taped up. 

To ensure there is no dirt, the whole surface must be cleaned. This will prevent anything from getting between the decking and the EPDM. After cleaning the roof, give it a quick rinse and check to see that it is completely dry. You will need to use glue, and if the roof isn’t dry, the glue won’t stay. To thoroughly dry the roof, take your time.

Step 4: Installation Of The New EPDM Roof

By spreading the EPDM sheet across the whole area, you can determine how much of the sheet is needed. You can also line up the sheet during this phase. After it is in position, you may decide how much you want to bond at once. It is recommended to divide it into manageable parts because doing so makes the process much easier.

Choose a region to work on first, pour the glue on the roof, and spread it evenly with a paint roller. Once the glue has had time to dry, reposition the EPDM material. Continue until the entire roof has been covered, and don’t forget to smooth out the material to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles.

Step 5: Cut Holes For Vents And Ducts

It’s time to cut holes for the vents and ducts once the new roof has been installed and cemented. A utility knife may be used to complete this task with ease. Cut an “X” with the knife in every vent and any other hole. Four rubber flaps need to be hanging from the RV’s roof at this point.

Place them within the opening and secure them in the RV. Simple screws or identical adhesives are both options. This process will aid in stopping leaks around the edges of each hole you drill, preventing a vent from allowing water to enter.

Step 6: Reinstallation Of All The Roof Components

The installation of all the vents, skylights, and ducts that were removed in the earlier steps takes place in this last step. This is simple to accomplish because it is the exact reverse of the removal procedure. Don’t forget to apply a generous amount of butyl tape to the contact surfaces of these components before fastening them with the correct screws during installation. Next, apply a lap sealant to all bolt heads, corners, etc.

Taking Care Of The EPDM Roof

Although EPDM rubber roof material requires little maintenance, giving it the proper attention will extend its lifespan. It is advised to keep the roof clean, and to achieve this, rinse the entire roof with clean water to get rid of any dust or dirt. It will be followed by cleaning the surface with a cleanser while using a bristle brush.

Rinse vigorously, paying special attention to the sides because there is a lot of build-up residue. Use a cloth that has been soaked with mineral spirits for more prominent stains. The material shouldn’t, however, be permitted to absorb mineral spirits. Installing EPDM requires careful planning and preparation.

Poor cleaning, drying, and preparation of the roofing surface prior to installation might also lead to issues later on. If the surface is even slightly damp before attaching the EPDM, it is very likely that the material will not be able to bind to it, resulting in air bubbles forming.

Precautions

Although this procedure is simple, caution must always be exercised. Make sure you are comfortable with the entire procedure by reading the instructions twice or thrice. Because the glue used in this technique is fairly powerful, gloves should be worn the whole time.

Additionally, put on a mask when applying glue since it contains chemicals that might cause vertigo. You should clear your schedule and prepare in advance because this job may take more than a day. Make careful to work in your garage or a shaded area. Make sure to hydrate yourself throughout the whole procedure.

How Much Does The Installation Of An EPDM Rubber Roof Cost?

Installing an EPDM Rubber Roof is expected to cost between $100 and $600. The cost may change depending on how much material has to be installed; for instance, building a roof over a larger area may cost more than doing so over a smaller area.

The Best Adhesive For EPDM

The best adhesive used to glue EPDM is DP5/3. It is a single-component, solvent-free glue that was created especially for sticking EPDM to metals like aluminium, stainless steel, anodized steel, and polymers like ABS and PVC.

Excellent initial tack and binding strength are the main features of the product. The product has several uses. EPDM flooring seams are sealed using it, and it also bonds EPDM to concrete. In the refrigeration industry, it is also used to glue door seals.

When used properly, DP5/3 produces bonds that are extremely strong and have increased resilience to heat, water, and general outdoor exposure. Our DP5/3 is the ideal choice for all EPDM bonding applications.

The Life Expectancy Of An EPDM Rubber Roof

If handled carefully and with the appropriate safety measures, they are guaranteed to last for 10–12 years. Regular roof inspections and prompt repair of any dents, cracks, or stains help the material survive a long time.

Final Thoughts

It might be difficult to install a rubber roof on your camper, but with the appropriate instructions, you can complete the job in as little as a day. We’ve laid out the procedures you must follow to prepare your camper for a new roof and guided you through the installation process.

We appreciate assisting our readers with their DIY projects and are always willing to provide guidance. Your RV will be protected from the weather with a rubber roof, allowing you to travel worry-free. Your new roof should survive for a very long time if everything is built correctly, making it a wise investment.