Refurbish RV Roofs
RV-roof refurbishment with fabric is a major step beyond roof coating. A durable polyester roof membrane is bonded to the existing roof surface sealing the old roof, adding strength, and shielding the original roof from additional damage. Roof life can be extended almost indefinitely if the top coating on the new fabric layer is renewed from time to time.
Tools Required: Heavy-duty roller frame, extension pole, 3/4-inch and 1.25-inch nap roller covers, sharp scissors, 3-inch or 4-inch utility paint brush, masking tape, hose and bucket, broom, and ladder; polyester reinforcing fabric as needed.
Preparation
Clean the roof surface with TSP or TSP Substitute and water, using a stiff broom. Rewash with a concentrated mixture of TSP as necessary to remove all oxidized rubber. Rinse thoroughly.
Repair the original roof as appropriate and caulk all problem areas using Elastek Crack & Joint Sealant and reinforce with polyester roofing fabric as necessary. Avoid using plastic roof cement or silicone products. Carefully examine every inch of the roof surface, flashings, and seams for flaws.
Mask roof penetrations and perimeter moldings.
WARNING: Fabric should only be applied to smooth surfaces. It must be completely supported from below—not hanging free like a tent—in all areas. Repair and fill all problem areas first. Do not stretch fabric when installing.
Applying Fabric
When the roof is dry and the Crack & Joint Sealant has set, the surface may be coated. Use Elastek High-Tek Basecoat as the saturant for the roofing fabric.
The balance of the roof can now be covered with 40-inch-wide fabric using the same method described in
Rolled Edges
If the roof has rolled-edges or radius-sides, apply 6-inch-wide fabric with High-Tek Basecoat as the saturant. Carefully mark side moldings along roof. Apply wet coat slightly wider than fabric and embed fabric in wet coating. Bring fabric flush to the side moldings, if any. Fabric should be smoothed (no wrinkles) but not stretched. Immediately apply a second coat of High-Tek Basecoat over the fabric to complete the lamination. A 4-inch paintbrush is helpful here. Apply fabric in 3-or-4-foot sections at a time and overlap ends by 3-inches.
Apply the basecoat using a 3/4-inch nap roller cover (with frame and pole) at a rate of 100-to-120 sq. ft. per gallon, to an area slightly wider than the fabric width and extending a distance of 5- to-10-feet, based on drying time.
Roll out the roofing fabric into the wet coating; smooth by hand or with a roller. Don’t try to stretch the fabric. Immediately apply a second coat of basecoat over the top of the fabric to ensure it is completely saturated and tightly adhered to the roof. Continue to cover short sections at a time moving along the roof surface.
Cut fabric at the roof end or to fit around roof penetrations, overlapping ends by 3-inches.
Apply a run of fabric down each side of the top, completely overlapping the 6-inch wide fabric already installed. Finish by applying a final strip down the center of the roof.
Keep the fabric following a straight line and completely smooth to the roof surface, using a 3-inch overlap. Use the imprinted guideline on the fabric if available. Fabric splice seams should be overlapped a full-6 inches.
An inexpensive 4-inch paintbrush should be used to reach areas not accessible with a roller. Use a paintbrush for applying caulk.
Apply Top Coat
Allow at least one day for the fabric system to dry before top coating. Inspect the finished fabric application for any loose seams or unlaminated areas and repair as needed.
Elastek topcoats are all a very bright white. Apply the topcoat at full thickness (100 sq. ft. per gallon) and do not dilute the product. When rolling, keep coating thick enough to maintain a definite roller pattern on the coating surface…do not over roll.
Give ponding areas several additional topcoats for added protection. Allow each coat to dry before recoating. In cool weather, one coat per day is the maximum; two is usually okay in warm weather. While one topcoat is satisfactory, a second topcoat will greatly increase the time before coating is needed again.
Clean your hands and tools promptly with water.
Avoid using color-tinted roof coatings if you can. They waste energy, don’t preserve the roof as well as white coatings, and can promote blisters. If you must have a tinted coating, choose the lightest possible tint.
Inspect the roof several times each year noting changes. Save any unused coating for minor repairs that may be required later. Recoat every 4-7 years as necessary.
