- EPDM -- a material synthesized from ethylene, propylene and Diene Monomer -- is by far one of the most common materials used to manufacture trailer roofs. EPDM is highly flexible yet very stable once cured. The primary aging factor in EPDM roofs is shrinkage; the oils that act as plasticizers to promote low temperature flexibility are leached over time, and the surface shrinks. EPDM is not resistant to oil or petroleum solvents, so tar and bitumen-based products cannot be used as re-coating material; they will decompose the EPDM.
- Use a regular yard or workshop broom to brush away dirt and debris. Use a power washer -- available to rent at most home repair warehouse stores -- to clean away all atmospheric deposition. No repair or replacement materials will adhere to silicone. If silicone sealer has previously been used for repairs, it must be completely cut out and removed. Use a box cutter to cut away the silicone bead, and use a putty knife or paint scraper to remove the residue from inside the crack. If necessary, repack the crack with a sealer appropriate for use as a substrate beneath the proposed new roof coating. Remove all traces of oil, wax and grease by following the instructions on proprietary cleaning products. A 3:1 water/bleach mix should remove any mold or fungus.
- White elastomeric roof coating is extremely reflective, bouncing away some 90 percent of the sun's rays. The product can be used on metal, foam and well-aged aluminum coatings. Although repairing a trailer roof is unlikely to comprise these materials, white elastomeric roof coating also adheres well to concrete, brick, cement and tile. Observe the manufacturer's instructions for detailed preparation and application techniques.
- Traditionally, one of the most widely used products for repairing trailer roofs, aluminum roof coatings are asphalt-based products that are very resistant to moisture incursion and the damaging ultra violet aspect of the sun's rays. The silver color is intended to reflect heat and thus keep building interiors cooler. The manufacturers incorporate aluminum fibers into the product to increase its strength when cured; these fibers settle to the bottom of the suspension fluid after packaging and take a great deal of manual stirring to release. The product can be used over other asphalt-based materials, such as bitumen roofs and rolled roofing material as well as metal. Observe the manufacturer's instructions for detailed preparation and application techniques.
- For seam repairs, tapes can be purchased that work over all types of roofing material, including EPDM. Such tapes can be applied over wet surfaces and in the rain and are extremely UV resistant. A specific type of tape is manufactured for use over aluminum roofs.
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