EPDM Roof with Living Hinge

[mechmagcn]

After reading this thread, I too am using the EPDM membrane for my roof and think I'll try the living hinge. We'll see how it works with a steel frame too. I also think I'll put the hinge on and place the EPDM on top of it, don't see where it can hurt.

[Walt M]

Here's the first photo of my galley hinge I can't seem to be able to post more than one photo at a time but there in my gallery.

[madjack]

Walt, I am curious as to why you didn't lay the hinge flat...that way you could have completely hidden it under the EDPM........
madjack

p.s. the easiest way, to do multiple pics, is to open a second, window or tab with the album, in the second window(or tab).....MJ

[Walt M]

My thought is that there will be two layers of 1/8" ply. on the roof that will come up against the edge of the hinge. Then there will be one more layer of 1/8"ply on the galley that will come to the edge of the hinge so when I cover it all with epdm i'll only have to go over 1 1/4" part of the hinge. did you see how I fastened the hinge to the hatch,in my other pic in my gallery?

[madjack]

...solong as ya gotta plan...they are just great...when they come together ......................

[looped]

i thought the black hinges were the outdoor ones? does that one have the uv etc protections in it?

[madjack]

I believe it comes in black, white and possibly grey................

[mechmagcn]

I believe it comes in black, white and possibly grey................

Yep, three colors to choose from. I got mine in yesterday from Mcmaster-carr, when I opened the box, I thought I must be the biggest fool there ever was. How is this little strip of plastic going to hold a hatch. But when I come on here and see that it is what is being used, I feel a little better now. Now if I just had a hatch to attach it to.....

[Walt M]

Here's what I did.I predrilled the hinge with a counter sink bit, I think this helps with reducing the pucker. the door hinges I did free hand with a drill, the hatch I used my drill press. To attach the hinge to the walls I used s.s. flat head 8x1"screws, to attach the hinge to the door although I still predrilled there's no need to counter-sink this side of the hinge, I used s.s. finish washers with s.s. oval head 8x1" screws

if you look close you can see some of the screws are a bit out of line here and there.(hence why I chose to do the hatch with the drill press. I hope this helps.

[madjack]

I believe it comes in black, white and possibly grey................

Yep, three colors to choose from. I got mine in yesterday from Mcmaster-carr, when I opened the box, I thought I must be the biggest fool there ever was. How is this little strip of plastic going to hold a hatch. But when I come on here and see that it is what is being used, I feel a little better now. Now if I just had a hatch to attach it to.....

Jeff, as long as you got the "harsh environment" hinge from McMaster or the "living" hinge from Monroe, you have the right stuff...
madjack

[mechmagcn]

I believe it comes in black, white and possibly grey................

Yep, three colors to choose from. I got mine in yesterday from Mcmaster-carr, when I opened the box, I thought I must be the biggest fool there ever was. How is this little strip of plastic going to hold a hatch. But when I come on here and see that it is what is being used, I feel a little better now. Now if I just had a hatch to attach it to.....

Jeff, as long as you got the "harsh environment" hinge from McMaster or the "living" hinge from Monroe, you have the right stuff...
madjack

Yep, that's the one that I got. Now to build a hatch to attach it to

[Walt M]

Jeff, be careful about attaching the hinge to the hatch. whether you call it a spur or rail but the first cross member that butts up against the roof spur. they are both cut at an angle. It does not leave much to attach the hinge to, I used #8x3/4" . the 1" I started with poked out through. Walt

[Walt M]

If your interested. it all seems to be working well. roof skins come up against the hinge i'll be skining the second layer of ply. on the hatch. After some trimming I'll be adhering the epdm to the whole thing without
any cuts or laps, just one solid sheet. I'll post to let you know the results.
Walt

[mechmagcn]

Jeff, be careful about attaching the hinge to the hatch. whether you call it a spur or rail but the first cross member that butts up against the roof spur. they are both cut at an angle. It does not leave much to attach the hinge to, I used #8x3/4" . the 1" I started with poked out through. Walt

Walt, no problem there, both my trailer frame and the hatch are framed out of 1" square steel tubing. I also intend to lay my hinge flat on top of the hatch and roof.

[Walt M]

Ok folks it's been awhile. I glued the epdm down right over the living hinge. It does seem to be loose where I went over the hinge, the glue doesn't adhear to the hinge. but it works well I milled some Azek trim (white) for my Tear. The trim I milled for the outside corner bent like a charm, they tell me it can bend to a tight radius if you heat it with a roof torch. I didn't need to, Here are some photos , there are more in my gallery . One more weekend and I should be finished with my first build. I'll be taking it to a gathering in Oct. in Ma. Steve's manual sure made it easy to move along (I made some small changes) Thanks to all you who participate on this forum. BTW When do I stop being a Newbie. Blessings All Walt