Keep your mobile home's roof membrane in good condition with regular repairs.
Mobile homes have a rubber membrane over the roof. Called EDPM, ethylene propylene diene Monomer (M-class), seamed rubber membranes have been used on mobile homes since the 1960s. During installation, the rubber membrane is fitted over the vents and other protuberances on the roof, folded over the roof edge and fastened with screws. Additional sections of rubber are glued around the vents to secure them, but over time these can fail, resulting in roof leaks. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Patchwork Repairs
1. Find the location of the leak. A leak is commonly caused by a hole in the rubber, which you may find easily by checking low spots where water tends to pool, seams and joints, corners, and pipe connections. Remove loose dirt with a broom to make it possible to see the source of the problem.
2. Prepare the surface of the roof for the repairs by washing it down with EPDM cleaner and a rag or brush. Remove old glue and rubber with a plastic scraper. Clean stubborn dirt by rubbing it with a brush and additional cleaner, and allow it to dry thoroughly.
3. Use a paintbrush to apply an even coat of EPDM primer to the area you plan to cover with new rubber. Extend the application 2 inches outside the planned patch. Allow to dry for two to three minutes, and then test until it no longer adheres to your finger before applying the patch.
4. Apply a patch of EPDM rubber over the hole, pressing it firmly down against the primer. Work any air bubbles toward the outside edge, and then apply gentle pressure by rolling over the patch using a silicone roller. Pay particular attention to rolling the edges of the patch.
Liquid Coating
5. Repair leaks or maintain the integrity of your mobile home's roof membrane by adding liquid EPDM on a regular basis. Prepare the roof before using the liquid by removing any peeling paint, dirt and debris as well as any buildup of asphalt roof cement or heavy rust.
6. Power wash all surfaces to be coated with a mild soap and water solution, and allow to dry thoroughly. Apply liquid EPDM roof rubber using a paint roller, squeegee or paint brush, depending on the quantity you need to apply.
7. Once the product dries, check the roof again for any areas that you might have overlooked. Take care not to let overhead branches damage the rubber, clean the roof regularly and examine it for any problems that can be easily repaired using liquid rubber.
Tags: your mobile home, allow thoroughly, home roof membrane, liquid EPDM, mobile home roof
