Liquid EPDM Rubber Coatings are aftermarket roof sealants

A number of aftermarket roof sealants are available, including urethanes, acrylics and liquid rubber. Liquid EPDM rubber is by far the most durable of the sealants available and has the widest range of applications.

It is more water resistant than other rubbers, including neoprene. It is more resistant to swelling and has a wider range of acceptable temperatures. It can be applied directly to practically any roofing material other than asphalt and can even be used on wood that has been primed.

Liquids have an obvious advantage over sheets. Sheets have seams. Seam sealers eventually deteriorate and water gets through the seams and under the sheeting.

Liquid EPDM can be used on top of neoprene, although some pre-treatment of the surface is required. Just knowing that the Liquid Rubber is recommended for use on top of the other type of rubber should be an indication that the material is more durable.

Liquid EPDM can also be used on top of polyurethane after a light sanding. It is somewhat surprising that urethanes are still used as aftermarket roof sealants. It is known that the structure is damaged by UV light and that discoloration occurs relatively quickly. Anyone who has made the mistake of using urethane as a roof sealant should consider applying liquid EPDM to truly protect the roof.

The liquids can also be used to seal existing leaks. They are self-adhering and fill up tiny fractures that let water through. It is a good idea to use a thick coat and cover the entire surface instead of attempting to only cover the leaky area.

When covering the entire roof, the liquid rubber reduces heat buildup. Not only does the roof stay cooler, but the interior of the building or the vehicle will also stay cooler. This benefit may reduce heating costs and keep the occupants more comfortable.

Liquid EPDM has become the most popular choice for RV roofs, because of all the above-mentioned advantages. It extends the lifespan of the roof and requires less maintenance. It lasts up to three times longer than any other aftermarket RV roof sealant and also reduces noise from rain.

As far as price goes, most sealants are similar in price. Depending on where you buy, EPDM may be a little more expensive, but because primers and additional coats are not usually necessary, and because it lasts so much longer, owners who choose this aftermarket roof sealant save money in the long run.

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN USING LIQUID RUBBER

1)       Catalyst must be added prior to use.  Scrape sides of container with a Liquid rubber spatula to ensure catalyst distribution.

2)       Xylene or Mineral Spirits Solvents may be added to adjust viscosity or for clean-up. 

3)       Easiest way to spread the rubber on a flat surface is to broadcast material with a rubber squeegee then roll using a short nap roller.  Product is self leveling.  A flat spatula can be used for small areas. 

4)       Product has a long pot life after catalyst has been added; 4-6 hrs. depending on temperature. 

5)       Only temperature affects the rate of cure.  Relative humidity has no influence. 

6)       Product is hydrophobic (sheds water) so substrate to be coated must be dry initially.  The uncured rubber can get wet or even have ponding water, with only a cosmetic effect after application, and will still cure.

7)       The rubber will penetrate into porous substrates such as wood and poured concrete.  A primer/sealer should precede application of rubber. 

8)       The chemical reaction of the catalyzed rubber can be arrested by freezing the material.  This can keep material usable for weeks or months.  To use again simply allow it to reach room temperature and apply.

Proper care of an RV EPDM roof and maintenance of RV roof

How to Maintain Your RV EPDM Roof

With proper care and maintenance, your RV EPDM roof can last for 20 years or more. That’s pretty much equivalent to the life of the vehicle itself. One of the benefits of EPDM Rubber roofing materials is that the care and maintenance required is minimal. Regular cleaning is the first step.

Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the roof at least four times per year. The cleaner used should be one that is specifically designed for EPDM roofing and is free of petroleum distillates.

Products containing petroleum distillates, whether they are designed for cleaning or protecting, will cause the rubber to swell and loosen. There are many chemicals that fall under the category. The easiest way to tell for sure that the cleaner you are using does not contain any of the chemicals is to look for one that states on the label “free of petroleum distillates, safe for use on EPDM Coatings materials.”

Cleaning is a relatively simple matter, but you should keep your safety in mind. If you are going to be getting up on the roof, you should be on your hands and knees to reduce your risk of falling.

The first step is to rinse the roof thoroughly with plain water at a relatively high pressure. Any branches or sharp objects should be removed by hand, if possible. While EPDM is tear resistant, sharp objects can cause scratches when they are pushed along the surface. Eventually the scratches can become tears.

Once all debris has been rinsed away, you will need to take a medium bristle brush, a bucket of safe cleanser diluted with water and get up on the roof. You need only scrub in areas where you see stains or dirt.

Keep your hose with you so that you can rinse while you are cleaning. Start in the corner farthest away from your exit point and work backwards to minimize the amount of time you spend on the wet surface. 

After the roof is cleaned, you can use an EPDM protectant if you like. The protectant should be specifically designed for EPDM roofing, not for other types of materials. Some EPDM manufacturers also sell special protectants. While using the protectant is not essential, it may extend the life of the roof and reduce your need to restore or repair the roofing material.

Finally, proper care of your EPDM roof includes parking it in an area where the roof is protected as much as possible. Don’t park around fruit trees. The citric acid can deteriorate the material in between cleanings.  

Liquid EPDM and its Benefits

The EPDM roofing association which started in 2002 has always focused on educating contractors and the roofing community on the characteristics and benefits of EPDM membranes.  Their studies have concluded that EPDM’s service live is over 20 years.  Arguably the most important benefit of an EPDM system is the membrane’s flexibility.  A growing number of contractors are specializing in EPDM installation, due to its low callbacks and insurance premiums.  EPDM roofing systems also feature low maintenance, easy repair options and low annualized costs.  

With Liquid EPDM there is No cutting, No gluing and No Seaming!  EPDM Liquid Rubber® totally eliminates the problems encountered with single ply materials because it produces a seamless membrane which is all of the same chemistry.  So what do we gain by using EPDM Liquid Rubber®?  It eliminates seam failures and eliminates shrinkage of the single ply rubber.  It also prevents further chalking particularly with white EPDM and it extends the life of a roof.  Liquid Rubber®, available through Epdmcoatings.com is the only EPDM in Liquid form. This product is a high solids solution of sheet EPDM Rubber. It converts from liquid to solid elastomer via a unique free radical cure mechanism which works at temperatures of 55° F and higher.   EPDM Liquid Rubber® can be applied directly on many types of substrates that have solid, stable, non-porous and uniform surfaces such as flat roofs. For most substrates, primers are not necessary. As an example, some types of substrates that can be coated with EPDM Liquid Rubber® without a primer are:

• EPDM Rubber Membrane on flat or sloped Roofs
• Weathered Steel Siding
• Outstanding barrier for salt-water environments
• Weathered Fiberglass
• Weathered standing seam and corrugated metal roofs
• Weathered Vinyl, PVC and Polycarbonate plastic
• Foam insulation for pipe
• Cast Concrete foundations

Keep your roof from leaking with Liquid EPDM

A roof leak can not only be troublesome, it can be costly. Both the damage done by the leaking water itself and the cost of repairing the roof can quickly add up. Rather than spend a lot of time, money and effort hiring professionals to repair your roof why not do it yourself with the only product that’s easy to use, cost efficient and extremely durable?

There’s no reason to endure lengthy and costly repairs when you can use Liquid EPDM to cover your roof and prevent leaking, cracking and other damage from the elements. Constructed using the same chemical composition as traditional sheet EPDM roofing, liquid EPDM gives you the added bonus of flexibility and ease of use so you can handle those repairs yourself.

While traditional sheet EPDM can trap air underneath, leading to cracking and breaking later on, liquid EPDM goes on in one smooth coat and is designed to expel excess air during the curing process so that you are left with a strong, water and airtight seal. And because liquid EPDM will expand and contract with the roof’s surface when the temperature changes, there is less likelihood of weather related damage resulting in a roof leaks.

Liquid Roof Coatings are available in white. Liquid Rubber Coatings are available in White rubber or Black Rubber however you can color it by simply adding a non oil-based Universal Colorant. Liquid Rubber Coatings applied over generally sound single ply EPDM can extend its life another 20 years. The Do-It-Yourself Solution. One Coat Application-No Primer or Top Coat needed and easy application! Cures only above 55 degrees. Commercial/Residential Roofs and Industrial Applications, Pitch and non pitch roofs, Trailers, Campers, RV's, House Boats, Pond Liners, Roof Leaks, RV Roof Repair, Basement waterproofing, shingles, gutters, steel roofs, metal roof repair, air conditioner enclosures, cooling towers, galvanized steel/metal roof repair, unit heater flues, concrete pipes and vessels, smoke stacks and chimneys, fiberglass and non porous masonry surfaces and vessels. Great for repair. Compare the total cost of your project and now look at what you save in labor by doing the project by yourself! Liquid EPDM Rubber is the best roof repair product.