Similar to the roofing on a home or building, mobile home roofs are subjected to harsh elements, such as rain, snow and the heat and intensity of the sun rays. So, over time even a new roof will be in need of repairs, or even replacement. Ignoring this issue can lead to extensive interior damage or even a collapsed roof. The good thing is that mobile home roofs are relatively easy and inexpensive to repair.
Preparation
Conduct an inspection of the roof. If you are getting leaks inside your mobile home, you should have a pretty good indication of where to focus your roof inspection. Older mobile homes typically have a metal roof. The roof on newer models often consists of rubber. When you conduct your inspection, look for rust, holes, or cracks in the material.
Before you recoat or re-roof the surface, you'll need to thoroughly clean the surface of sap, dust, dirt, bird droppings and other debris. Also, you should remove any rust and refasten nails and screws if needed. To clean a metal roof you can use a mixture of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. For rubber roofing, the best approach is to avoid using chemicals or solvents. A mixture of water and mild laundry detergent is the safe choice. Allow the surface to thoroughly dry before proceeding with your repairs.
Repair
Caulk any cracks. Generally, it is recommended that you prepare joints, flashings, vents and parapet surfaces with a special tape that is used to provide strength and support before you recoat the surface of the roof. You will need to follow the manufacturer's instruction for recoating the roof. Some product may require you to prime the surface before you apply the coating.
Most application procedures require the use of a roller or brush. Some products can be applied with a paint sprayer, which speeds up the job. Let the first coat complete dry, which may take up to six to eight hours. After the first coat is completely dry, the surface is ready for a second coating.
Rubber roofing, also referred to as EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), is very sensitive to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Over time, the seams may weaken and start to leak. Eventually, the leaks infiltrate the membrane system. The coating you choose for repair must be compatible with rubber roofs. Many products are acrylic-based and are designed for EPDM surfaces. Before applying the coating, you should use the same taping procedure for repairing seams and reinforcing cracks and around vents. You may have to prime the surface to ensure that the coating adheres properly to the old surface. Follow the instructions for applying the coating.
Tags: mobile home, applying coating, first coat, home roofs, metal roof, mobile home roofs, prime surface
