Alpha Systems Roof - After 4+ Years

[edatlanta]

I am in my 5th year of full time and during my last roof cleaning/maintenance the following was noticed. I clean my roof every six months. I took this and a couple of other pictures and sent to Alpha Systems to get their take on the "alligator skin" appearance of the roof membrane. I thought this group would like to see their response. The picture was taken in November 2014 and send to Alpha in early February 2015. They responded within a day and I included their response below.

Response from Alpha Systems:

Hello Sir,

Your roof looks fine. What you are experiencing is the oxidation process that the roof membrane goes through as it ages and is exposed to the elements. It does get that ‘alligator’ skin appearance that you have. Over time the white layer will chalk and flake off exposing the black layer that is underneath. The white layer is considered cosmetic and the black layer underneath is the primary protection for your unit. Just because the white layer is going through this process does not mean the roof is going to fail, this is normal and expected. The roof is about 38 mils thick and the white layer is only the top 2 mils of this so you still have plenty of roof left.

There are roof coatings that can be painted on the roof to make it look new and white again, but typically those are only recommended once the roof starts to be more black than white. Until then just the regular cleaning is all that is necessary. If/When you do decide to recoat the roof you just need to make sure to purchase a product that is made for EPDM rubber roofs.

Some people choose not to recoat their roof and let it turn completely black, this is ok too. If you take this route you would just have to start using rubber roof conditioners to make sure the roof does not start to dry out.

Hope this eases your worries.

Thanks,

Alpha Systems, LLC.

[troutslayer]

WOW! Learned something today.
Thanks

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by edatlanta

I am in my 5th year of full time and during my last roof cleaning/maintenance the following was noticed. I clean my roof every six months. I took this and a couple of other pictures and sent to Alpha Systems to get their take on the "alligator skin" appearance of the roof membrane. I thought this group would like to see their response. The picture was taken in November 2014 and send to Alpha in early February 2015. They responded within a day and I included their response below.

Response from Alpha Systems:

Hello Sir,

Some people choose not to recoat their roof and let it turn completely black, this is ok too. If you take this route you would just have to start using rubber roof conditioners to make sure the roof does not start to dry out.

Hope this eases your worries.

Thanks,

Alpha Systems, LLC.

Wonder who those people are that chose to have a black roof? Nothing like inspecting a black roof in August on your hands and knees. I would say there are none!
Are there any suggestions to help slow the oxidation process?

[Dagwood]

Thanks for the Post Ed. Good to know for when it starts happening on mine.

[Diesel Donnie]

Our coach is an 07 and has been exposed to the elements for its entire life- I am in the process of applying a liquid rubber to the roof- This is my attempt to prolong the life of the covering as this should be our last unit- The "paint" costs $35.00 a gallon- What has been applied looks just like the original material- JMHO- DD