Rubber roof look OK?

[AJgrn78]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new and actually looking at a used 2016 Jayco 355mbqs that appears to be very well maintained and clean inside. We told the seller we'd take it barring finding any major issues. We looked all over inside and out for any water leaks or water damage and could find none.

I just wanted anyones opinion on the rubber (EPDM?) Roof. From the attached picture, you can see some wrinkling / small air bubbles toward the back near a seam. They are very shallow and the wood underneath is rock solid even with me 240lbs stepping on it.

Internet sources seem to indicate this is typical of these rubber roofs and cosmetic, and to just routinely check and reseal the roof. Can anyone confirm?

Many Thanks!

AJ

[norty1]

Without looking at it, I would say those internet sources are correct. With a 4 year old roof, I would not be surprised to see a patch or two which would be better than a small hole.
Check closely for evidence that someone has replaced or augmented the seams or done some roof maintenance.

[Jagiven]

Lots of people do not like the small wrinkles. They are normal. The roof is NOT glued down. It is laid out and edge stapled and caulked. That's it.

What you really need to do is look at all the caulking, closely, and look for cracks. See crack's that have not been addressed be concerned. See signs of new caulking over old caulk, you know the previous owner did some maintenance.

[AJgrn78]

Hi Guys,

Thank you, I truly appreciate your input! The owner certainly did touch up the sealant / caulk around the vents and other accessories on the roof, he told me he did and I could see the newer caulk in spots. It looked like he used the correct type of caulk.

I tried to do my best due diligence but to hear it direct from some other RV owners that it appears not a major issue will make us feel better about going through with the deal. We are very excited about getting into 5th wheel RVing and trying to make a good choice. I am a maintenance nut and a mechanic, but I know more about tractors than RVs.

AJ

[AJgrn78]

I have a pretty keen eye from years of home / auto maintenance and all I could see was touching-up to the caulking, the roof appeared to be one big piece. I walked up and down both sides and down the center of the roof, all I could feel was a slight flexing which was consistent across the entire roof, and I'm a big guy. I just didn't know if these rubber roofs are actually glued down, it sounds like they are not.

AJ

[Danno]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

It is laid out and edge stapled and caulked. That's it.

Membrane is glued on RVs with cold climate package.

[Joan617]

That roof looks fabulous compared to ours at only 18 months old. Parking under nice shady trees does have its downsides, I suppose. We've scrubbed the roof twice but have not gotten it to look as good as your picture. Ours is in the shop now for unrelated warranty work but we will have a long talk with the dealer about roof cleaning recommendations. Replacing the Dicor caulk with Eternabond tape is in our future for sure.


Sounds like you have found a well cared for 5'ver. Best of luck you you!
Angus

[AJgrn78]

Originally Posted by Joan617

That roof looks fabulous compared to ours at only 18 months old. Parking under nice shady trees does have its downsides, I suppose. We've scrubbed the roof twice but have not gotten it to look as good as your picture. Ours is in the shop now for unrelated warranty work but we will have a long talk with the dealer about roof cleaning recommendations. Replacing the Dicor caulk with Eternabond tape is in our future for sure.


Sounds like you have found a well cared for 5'ver. Best of luck you you!
Angus

I read about using simple green and dawn, even this one has some discoloration so we will be scrubbing it assuming the deal finalizes.

Here are a few pictures, my 3 year old daughter loved the "Trolley".

Thanks!

AJ

[norty1]

Trolley by Golly! Sounds like a good name for it!

[AJgrn78]

My daughter loves Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood on PBS, which has a red trolley, so she calls RVs "Trolleys". I think it will definitely be named Trolley, haha