Repairing Your Camper: Fixing Rubber Roofs

Owning a campervan comes with its own set of responsibilities, and one of the most important things to keep in mind is how to maintain your rubber roof. While rubber roofs are lightweight, cheap, and easy to install, they are not as durable as other materials and can be susceptible to punctures and tears from hail, branches, and rough weather. To keep your campervan in good condition, it is essential to regularly inspect, clean, and repair your rubber roof. This includes cleaning any dirt or debris with a long-handled brush and soap, avoiding petroleum-based solvents, and resealing seams to prevent water damage. Additionally, you should inspect your roof for damage and seal any holes or tears immediately. By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the lifespan of your rubber roof and ensure that your campervan remains in tip-top shape for years to come.

Clean the roof with a long-handled brush and non-petroleum/non-citrus cleaner

To fix a rubber camper roof, you'll need to start by cleaning it thoroughly. Here's how you can do it effectively and safely:

Firstly, ensure you have the right tools for the job. For cleaning a rubber roof, you'll need a long-handled brush and a non-petroleum/non-citrus cleaner. Avoid using any cleaners that contain petroleum solvents or citrus ingredients, as these will cause permanent damage to the surface of your rubber roof. This damage could allow water to seep into seams, leading to issues like damaged wall panels, ruined insulation, and rotten framework.

Now that you have the correct cleaner, prepare the roof for cleaning by removing any temporary patches, such as heavy-duty tape, that may have been used to cover tears or holes. Next, use your long-handled brush and cleaner to thoroughly clean the roof, paying particular attention to the area surrounding any tears or holes. You may need to go over the area multiple times to ensure it is completely clean. It is crucial to remove any old sealant or roof material, but be cautious during this process as it's easy to elongate a tear or accidentally punch a hole through the roof. Once you're satisfied that the roof is clean, ensure it is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Rubber roofs can be very slippery when wet, so it's important to exercise caution throughout the cleaning process. Additionally, if your roof seems loose or swollen, this could be a sign that it has been cleaned with petroleum-based products in the past, so be sure to check the label of any cleaning products you use.

Inspect the roof for damage, including chalkiness

Inspecting your camper van roof for damage is an essential part of maintaining your vehicle. The roof is the most exposed part of the camper and is susceptible to wear and tear, so it's important to check for any issues regularly. Here's a detailed guide to help you inspect your rubber camper roof for damage, including chalkiness:

Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You will need a ladder, a flashlight, a garden hose, and a pair of gloves. The ladder will help you access the roof safely, the flashlight will illuminate potential problem areas, the garden hose will be used to test for leaks, and the gloves will protect your hands during the inspection. It is also recommended to clean the roof before starting your inspection. Use a mild soap solution and a soft-bristled brush to remove any debris, dirt, or grime. Rinse the roof thoroughly with a garden hose, paying extra attention to removing any soap residue.

Now, let's focus on inspecting the roof for damage, including chalkiness. Chalkiness on a rubber roof is often an indication of UV damage caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. Start by climbing up the ladder and shining your flashlight on the roof. Look for any signs of chalkiness, which may appear as a white, powdery substance on the surface of the rubber. Pay close attention to areas that receive direct sunlight, as these are more prone to UV damage. If you notice any chalkiness, it's important to address it promptly to prevent further deterioration of the rubber.

In addition to chalkiness, keep an eye out for other types of damage, such as tears, punctures, cracks, or bubbles. These issues can be caused by falling debris, hail, or extreme weather conditions. Carefully inspect the entire surface of the roof, including the edges, which are more susceptible to damage. If you spot any tears or punctures, make sure to mark or note their locations, as you will need to repair them immediately to prevent water leaks. Use a rubber roof repair kit to fix any tears or punctures you find.

Cracks and bubbles can also compromise the integrity of your rubber roof. Cracks may appear due to UV exposure or extreme temperature fluctuations, while bubbles can indicate moisture buildup beneath the surface. Carefully examine the roof for any abnormalities, such as raised areas or visible bubbles. If you discover any cracks or bubbles, immediate repair is necessary to prevent further damage. Use a suitable sealant to fill in and repair these issues.

Remember to also inspect the edge stripping of your rubber roof. Climb down the ladder slightly so that the edge is at eye level, and ensure that it is firmly attached to the roof. Missing or loosely attached edge stripping can lead to leaks, so be sure to address any issues promptly.

By following these steps and conducting a thorough inspection of your rubber camper roof, you can identify damage, including chalkiness, and take appropriate action to maintain the integrity of your vehicle. Regular inspections and prompt repairs will help extend the lifespan of your rubber roof and ensure your camper remains protected from the elements.

Use a scraper to remove debris

To fix a rubber camper roof, you'll need to start by inspecting the roof for damage. This includes checking for water damage, tears, punctures, or a chalky appearance, which could indicate oxidation. Once you've identified the issues, you can move on to the next step: removing debris.

Using a scraper, you'll want to carefully remove any debris and dust particles from the roof. This step is crucial as it ensures that the roof is clean and ready for further repair work. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure, as you don't want to create an even bigger hole or damage the rubber surface. Work slowly and steadily, making sure that all dirt and debris are removed.

After scraping, the next step is to wash the roof thoroughly with soap and water to get rid of any remaining gunk. You can use a mild detergent or a specialised rubber roof cleaner for this step, ensuring that you follow the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the roof to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

If there are any stubborn objects stuck in the roof, such as twigs or leaves, you can carefully use a knife or pliers to pry them out. Just be cautious not to cause further damage to the rubber surface. Once the roof is clean and dry, you can proceed with the next steps in the repair process, such as applying sealants or patches.

Remember, repairing a rubber camper roof requires a careful and methodical approach. Taking your time with each step will help ensure a successful and long-lasting repair.

Apply Eternabond RoofSeal Sealant Tape

Eternabond RoofSeal Sealant Tape is a patented micro sealant tape that can be used to fix a rubber camper roof. It is an extremely sticky and flexible tape that can be used to create a watertight seal and prevent leaks. It is made of synthetic polymers and has a high-temperature tolerance, allowing it to stick to various surfaces, including rubber, fiberglass, and aluminum. The primer on the tape ensures a strong and long-lasting bond between the tape and the surface.

To apply Eternabond RoofSeal Sealant Tape to a rubber camper roof, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Before applying the tape, ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free of any contaminants such as dust, oils, or silicone-based caulk. Use a roof cleaner or a non-petroleum-based cleaner to thoroughly clean the area. For EPDM roofs, use a "Scotch Brite" abrasive pad to remove the mica-dust layer, and then wipe the area with a clean rag. You can also use EternaPrime, a tape primer, to prepare the surface and enhance the bond between the tape and the surface.

Step 2: Cut the Tape to Size

Determine the length of tape needed and cut it to size using sharp scissors. Avoid using a box cutter or a blade to cut the tape, as it may damage the rubber roof if you accidentally slip.

Step 3: Apply the Tape

Remove the release liner from the tape and lay it down on the cleaned surface. Start by sticking down a small section, then gradually pull off the backing and press the tape down as you move along. Avoid pulling or stretching the tape, as it will reduce its effectiveness.

Step 4: Seal the Tape

Once the tape is in place, use your fingers and a small roller to apply pressure and seal the tape to the surface. Pay close attention to the edges and any nooks or crannies to ensure a solid seal. If you're working on a flat surface, use a steel roller to create an even and stable seal.

Step 5: Allow Curing

After sealing the tape, let it cure for at least 60 to 90 minutes. This will ensure that the tape forms a strong and long-lasting bond with the surface.

Step 6: Finish with Dicor (Optional)

While not mandatory, you can apply Dicor lap sealant to the front areas of the tape as an extra precaution. This will help prevent high-speed winds and rain from peeling back the edges of the tape.

By following these steps, you can effectively use Eternabond RoofSeal Sealant Tape to fix a rubber camper roof, creating a durable and watertight seal that will last for years.

Reseal the entire roof after 10 years

Resealing your camper roof is an important maintenance task to prevent leaks, which can cause mould and weaken the walls and surfaces of your camper. While it is recommended that you reseal your roof annually, after 10 years, it is recommended that you replace the entire roof.

To reseal your roof, you will need to first remove the old sealant. You can use a gasket scraper or a putty knife to do this. Be careful not to rip the rubber roof with the sharp edges of these tools. Once you have removed the old sealant, you will need to clean the roof with denatured alcohol to ensure that the surface is ready for the new sealant.

Next, you will need to apply a new sealant. For roofs, it is recommended to use a lap sealant self-levelling 501LSW, which can be found at most hardware stores. Do not use silicone caulk or tars, as these will be difficult to remove in the future and do not have the self-levelling feature. Apply a thumb-sized bead of sealant evenly over all the areas where you removed the old sealant. It is better to use too much sealant than too little.

If you have any tears or rips in your roof, you will need to use a roof patch, such as Eternabond, to repair them. Cut off a section of the tape that will overlap the tear by about an inch. Clean and dry the area before applying the tape, and consider adding a small bead of sealant around the edges of the tape for added protection.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your camper roof remains sealed and protected from the elements for another 10 years.

Frequently asked questions