Dreaming of Copper, probably settling for vinyl coated alumi

[StandUpGuy]

I am also building a "Vardo" and have just purchased a piece of epdm rubber to do the roof. I was cleaning the nasty pond in my yard and it hit me....pond liner is 45ML EPDM rubber with added UV stabilization! Went to the local pond store and scored 10 x 12 piece for $60..or 50 cents a foot. I think your build is 5x10 so for less than $30 you have a great roof. I purchased Henry roofing adhesive at big orange depot for $17. The helpfull elderly fellow in the roofing isle stated that his Lions club had done the exact same thing to their concesion trailer 8+ years ago and reports NO LEAKS EVER. He also stated trailer lives outside 365 days a year.


By the way..your build makes me want to work harder and hope the results are half as nice!!

I did a flat roof section of my house a number of years ago and it is fantastic. I too have a large pond liner still in the box. The problem is it is black and that will super heat up a trailer in Summer. They do make the EPDM in white however.

[GuitarPhotog]

Good luck with the job interview

<Chas>

[Deryk the Pirate]

Thanks Chas!

[Deryk the Pirate]

So how do you install the EPDM roof?

Any advice?

[Blotto Bros]

I can share the advise I was given.

1. Lay the whole piece over the roof of your vardo so that the overhang is even on all 4 sides.

2. Use spring clamps every 2 feet on all 4 sides to hold rubber in place.

3. Begin on one end and roll back the roofing to the next clamp (about 2 feet) and apply the adhesive to the rooftop and lightly to the bottom of the rubber.

4. now stretch the rubber taught and gently lay down the rubber to the exposed and coated section being careful to avoid bubbles and wrinkles.

5. Use a laminate roller or in a pinch a rolling pin to work out any remaining bubbles or wrinkles and re-clamp to prevent movement as you do the next section.

This was his method for doing a larger trailer. He stated that on one as small as mine or yours he would do it one side lengthwise at a time and complete the roof in 2 sections (but don't cut the rubber for any reason)

Once again I am passing on advice that I received for free...and free advice is normally worth EXACTLY what you paid for it!!

[bobhenry]

http://www.flatroofsolutions.com/EPDM-Roofing-Installation-Info-c-67.html

note the caution of "rounding over" all sharp corner. Better get out the belt sander

[fromeo]

So how do you install the EPDM roof?

Any advice?

I followed Dicor's install sheet: http://www.dicor.com/resources/PDF/Roofing/Roofing_Install_Guide.pdf

It's geared towards "traditional" RVs, but the basics are the basics.. pretty much glue it down

Pictures (not many, hands were full) start here: http://gallery.shadetree.org/main.php?g2_itemId=4319&g2_page=70

Hope this helps some.

- Frank

[Deryk the Pirate]

Thanks Guys!

Most of this is new to me. I was contemplating the roll the roof up and do have then the other half but Ive got lots to read...hope its not too windy lol

[Deryk the Pirate]

Ok, 3 home depot's and 2 lowes, no one sells Henry's brand adhesive. I found an Ace Hardware who said they cant ship it to NJ for some reason cause last year he tried to order some for a customer and they wouldnt ship it. Well he checked for me and they now can order Henry's 203 but I dont think its the right one because I read the oils in ashphalt will shorten the life of the top.

So what should I use to glue it down?

[Steve_Cox]

Ok, 3 home depot's and 2 lowes, no one sells Henry's brand adhesive. I found an Ace Hardware who said they cant ship it to NJ for some reason cause last year he tried to order some for a customer and they wouldnt ship it. Well he checked for me and they now can order Henry's 203 but I dont think its the right one because I read the oils in ashphalt will shorten the life of the top.

So what should I use to glue it down?

#LC-60 EPDM LIQUID BONDING ADHESIVE BY WEATHERBOND

It is flammable, (what isn't) can be shipped ground only.

Google to find your best source

[Blotto Bros]

Notice how a little research can turn that "nice older gent" who sold me the Henry 203 into a "crazy old fart" in just a couple of posts?

[GPW]

Here's an idea ... why not try sheet steel ... My Tiny CT is made of that , and it's VERY Durable ... pre-painted .. tough stuff , and probably thrifty too ... Float it on forget about it ... Sure would make me more confident parking under trees ..

I firmly believe rubber roofs were invented as a CHEAP alternative to a Good roof ... Probably the reason you see them on so many RVs ...

[Deryk the Pirate]

Thanks Steve I ordered a gallon of thr LC-60 ... roof will get done next week if the weather is good.

I did think about doin the metal roof and decided on the EPDM... one day a copper roof!

[StandUpGuy]

the

Here's an idea ... why not try sheet steel ... My Tiny CT is made of that , and it's VERY Durable ... pre-painted .. tough stuff , and probably thrifty too ... Float it on forget about it ... Sure would make me more confident parking under trees ..

I firmly believe rubber roofs were invented as a CHEAP alternative to a Good roof ... Probably the reason you see them on so many RVs ...

No the rubber roof was developed for flat roofs to get an excellent water barrier.

[GPW]

Flat roofs were always a bad idea ... from the get go ... The term is "Cost effective"
RV manufacturers use rubber roofs , because they're Cheaper , quicker and easier to install than any other roof ... meaning more profit ...
I find the idea of checking your roof several times a year totally Ridiculous ... and that Dicor sealant ... same reasons ... Why use something that does Not hold up ... ?? As our RV repair tech buddy told us ... RVs are made out of the worst materials ... High profits , high maintenance... Lots of Money for those that manufacture them , more for those that repair them ...

Don't believe me .... go to the RF forums where even the $$$$$$$$ motor coach guys are having the same exact problems ...

I once bought a used mobile home that I used for my Art Studio for years ... Old thing , with a metal roof .... never any problems ... When I built my house , used a Metal roof ... It was the only house in my area that didn't get any damage from Katrina...