Hey James. As a licensed residential and commercial building inspector, prior to embarking on my career in facilities maintenance, I 100% agree with your reasoning and application of the roof membrane to front cap transition. Nice job. I can also relate to jobs taking a little more out of you as we get older, lol.
James, I’m not an expert at RV’s like you, but I totally agree with the roof membrane over the caps and your explanation as to why the factories do it the other way. It took me about 2-3 seconds to figure out the AC clamp it! Good one! Hope your next project is not a roof! We can tell you are getting tired of doing them. Best wishes, Kevin
Totally agree with the way you applied the membrane, just like putting roof shingles down.Does not make sense from the other perspective as we both know what water likes to do, take the path of least resistance and flow. Great job, and video 👍
Except shingles are hydrokinetic, relying on gravity, whereas pvc is intended to be hydrostatic. There are the 2 major classifications of roofing. One meant for flat one for slope.
I totally agree with you. Recently I was putting a new roof on my YT and thought their way wasn't right and did it your way then I saw this video and was very happy to hear you do too.
I agree!! I have serious envy! I have one on my wish list, but I will have to wait until next year when it'll be time to reseal all windows, doors, and joinings. Just can't justify it until then.
A trick to fill those "patch" crevices a bit better is to take some sawdust and mix it with some wood glue (super glue works too). Then you let it cure and sand it flush with the rest of the surface.
Correct me if I'm wrong but it appears that on the front and rear caps the butyl sealant sits between the trim and the membrane creating a water tight seal but no sealant sits between the membrane and the front/rear cap metal leaving a major weak point for water intrusion. The same issue appears to be present in the corner trim at the joint between the top of the cap and the sidewall where the membrane was left to overlap. Bo butyl sealant was applied between the membrane and the cap/side wall joint. This application seems to rely entirely on the self leveling sealant to prevent water from entering between the membrane and cap metal. This is particularly concerning with the potential for driving rain into that area while driving down the road.
I am in the construction industry and yes, you are totally correct. When roofing just look at shingles, you don't start at the top of the roofline, you start at the botton so the water sheds from the top down. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you for all of your Videos. The information Really gave me Alot of confidence going into a recent RV Purchase. First thing I did was get on the roof! Found that it was not maintained correctly for several years and had a small leak in one of the corners that the owner had no idea about. Thankfully the owner was sensible and realized my offer was reasonable considering the damage and condition of the roof. Thanks again to your videos I had confidence in tackling repairs. I'm fairly certain I was able to repair the roof the correct way and was able to save it before it was too late. (I got the screws to bite for the corner trim on the roof thus I'm confident the structure was not rotted away.) Thanks again! Also some confirmation on your over the metal theory... This is a 2013 Coachman Catalina Santara 272BH. I was surprised to find that the EPDM went on top of the rear metal of the rear wall. I really think that is what stopped the leak from being significantly more damaging. It was leaking through a couple of small screw holes, not just inside the siding just as you described.
Thank you for a great explanation of how to do this project. I’m sure I will be referring back frequently as I start my roof replacement. And yes I agree on how to install the membrane over the front and back.
I agree with putting the membrane under the moulding because Im currently having leakage at that point and water is dripping out a speaker over my bed? But I fixed the problem for now but will defiantly remember to do what you did when I replace the membrane .
I had the same exact problem when I did the 360 vent install on my camper. I ended up using the stock bottom ring and sort of hacking the whole thing together. It worked out fine but it's ridiculous that they just didn't make the bottom larger on the thing
James, came across your video because I need to replace roof. Guess where the leak was. The front couple feet sloped forward and since the membrane was tucked under the fiberglass nose it filled the ceiling section with water and caused the ceiling paneling to sag. I will be replacing like you did. Makes sense. Think like water. Thanks for the video. Looking forward to you showing me how to fix saying ceiling paneling. It's in the bedroom so I was just thinking screws with finish washers.
pretty good work I respect the way go right at it with just a ladder. Most places I seen do this type job have built in or movable scaffolding for safety around the rv especially if you're going to be replacing the front cab over
I like to durabond tape the front transition, the rear if there is room. If the screws do work loose they are covered. Sometimes I’ll do the same for skylights and fridge vents We don’t stock liquid butyl and sometimes the butyl tape doesn’t seem to compress on those
Super nice job. I kind of like the galvanized plumbing vent covers. For some reason plumbing vents seem to get bumped when cleaning or inspecting a roof, and these don’t get crispy after a a couple years.
What is your opinion on using stainless screws? I am renovating my dad's old 2001 Prowler travel trailer he gave me and I am going to need to replace all the screws holding down the trim pieces. The existing ones are completely rusted away. I figured if I spent a little extra on stainless screws, I would not have to worry about that happening again.
Really appreciate you posting these kinds of videos. Giving me the confidence to replace my roof membrane. My roof is 8 ft wide (single sheet osb laid across from camper sides). Is 8.5 ft wide replacement roll going to be wide enough or should I go with 9.5. Sorry if you've addressed this before. Thanks again.
Excellent video series on this PVC roof just in time that I was doing one on a camper. I love your electric chalk gun, oh my how many tubes of self leveling sealant did you go thru? My kit came with only 4.
Great video....at the same time I asked the question why install that garbage roof that will fail again in a few years with the same material instead of a more durable fiberglass rood? was this an insurance job? always enjoy your videos and why are you tipping these AC units upside down? those compressors are not made for that and will enhance failure down the road as the oil isnt meant to flow up into the head unit of the compressor, and your advice on a PPI is golden
Benefit of taking the roof membrane overtop the cap means you don’t have to unstable the cap or mess with it when your ripping the old roof off. Just make your cut right behind the cap and your done.
Great videos! Such great tips. My question is when I tore off the old roof the sticky adhesive residue is still there. How do I but on the new with it like that?! So question is do I need to somehow remove it. Sanding doesn’t seem to work?
Do you put any adhesive under the membrane on top of front cap? It would worry me that small imperfections on top edge of front cap could allow wind driven rain (while driving to get under the membrane. Maybe a little butyl sealant from a tube under the membrane??
What adhesive do I use on a felt backed TPO roof? It is being glued back down to the original roof decking on a 2009 Rockwood 2501SS. Thank you Sir. I really enjoy your videos! Keep them coming.
Good morning! Love your channel and watch it as much as I possibly can. I know you’re a roof expert and I have a question I live locally in Prescott Valley and would be willing to take it to you. A tree branch did some damage on my roof and the dealer is suggesting a new roof. I’m thinking a patch would be just fine and I’d probably rather have you do the replacement than the dealer I emailed a couple pics. Patch or replace? Your input would be greatly appreciated and thank you for your time in advance.
Agree with the shingle style of install. I need to reattach the track for a interior sliding door, how long of screws would you recommend? 2005 safari class A motor home. Thanks keep up the great videos.
Phenomenal work 👌🏽💯 great tips I’ll be using very helpful video just bought a 95 cobra sandpiper any help to find replacement parts and original owners operational manual I’ve tried online no luck 😢
I really appreciate your craftsmanship. What is your opinion of the new 1 piece fiberglass roof that Forest River is using on their Salem Hemisphere's? Just interested in take of the roof. Also I follow you on tiktok and appreciate all the advice!
Would you recommend doing a membrane roof top on an enclosed trailer flat roof. I do have plywood fully above the supports pretty much like a camper. Also would you use any sort of tape to cover the edges before covering? Thanks
Interesting that the lap sealant is for water diversion, and not primarily sealing. My understanding of EPDM roofs on buildings have a 20 year life span and .where vents etc penetrate the membrane, a boot is bonded on to raise the sealing surface and give a physical barrier to water penetration, without the need for on going application of lap sealant. I suppose it is a matter of cost, but I would think that it would make sense to have a raised area or lip where there are holes in the membrane to direct the water away.
Thanks for all this! Getting ready to replace the original rubber roof on our hand-me-down 1998 36' Fleetwood Pace Arrow. Is there any value to TPO over PVC though? You kinda made it sound like a supply chain compromise.
I trust your opinion more than the manufacturers. You deal all of the time with engineering errors. I have a fifth wheel that has a macerator that I have never been able to use because of poor engineering. The dump valve for the macerator was installed in a position that it requires it to be pulled inward toward the middle of the trailer. I’m 73 years and have knee issues so o really don’t want to get down and crawl under it to dump my black tank.
It is because of the camera angle, but my anxiety level explodes watching you walk to the edge of the roof. It doesn't bother me when I do it, but watching others, especially with the camera view drives that anxiety, lol😂😂😂
Thank you for your videos! I need some help urgently. I have a 2017 Rockwood ultra lite, I’m replacing my Rv roof membrane with pvc, after removing old membrane the old glue was so thick and has lots of bits and junk. I was going to overlay it, original plywood not rotted, but separated after rip off old membrane. Overlay seemed the best way to go because of the old glue, after seeing your video, I don’t know what to do? I was going to reapply glue and 1/2” staples to secure new 5mm ply. You confirmed my concern about securing new overlay. How do I remove the old glue? I don’t have the money or resources to pay someone. What do you recommend? Thanks.
That water based adhesive is very difficult to remove from rough surfaces but mineral spirits type cleaners will work but don't use it on the membrane!
Excellent job! You can tell the workmanship is far superb than when buying a new RV.
Hey James. As a licensed residential and commercial building inspector, prior to embarking on my career in facilities maintenance, I 100% agree with your reasoning and application of the roof membrane to front cap transition. Nice job.
I can also relate to jobs taking a little more out of you as we get older, lol.
James, I’m not an expert at RV’s like you, but I totally agree with the roof membrane over the caps and your explanation as to why the factories do it the other way. It took me about 2-3 seconds to figure out the AC clamp it! Good one! Hope your next project is not a roof! We can tell you are getting tired of doing them. Best wishes, Kevin
Totally agree with your thoughts on overlapping the PVC over the front and back. Smart
James you always do quality work ! The information you give us is Honest and experience ! I wouldn't doubt what you say about how to do repairs !
Totally agree with the way you applied the membrane, just like putting roof shingles down.Does not make sense from the other perspective as we both know what water likes to do, take the path of least resistance and flow. Great job, and video 👍
Except shingles are hydrokinetic, relying on gravity, whereas pvc is intended to be hydrostatic.
There are the 2 major classifications of roofing. One meant for flat one for slope.
My kind of worker. You take pride in your work and no short cuts. You deserve every penny you get. Well done.
I totally agree with you. Recently I was putting a new roof on my YT and thought their way wasn't right and did it your way then I saw this video and was very happy to hear you do too.
That Milwaukee caulking gun is the bees knees !
I agree!! I have serious envy! I have one on my wish list, but I will have to wait until next year when it'll be time to reseal all windows, doors, and joinings. Just can't justify it until then.
Way to go James. Very good tips for the vents, thank you. I agree with your rant and am always impressed with your work. Happy trails!
Much appreciated!
A trick to fill those "patch" crevices a bit better is to take some sawdust and mix it with some wood glue (super glue works too). Then you let it cure and sand it flush with the rest of the surface.
Correct me if I'm wrong but it appears that on the front and rear caps the butyl sealant sits between the trim and the membrane creating a water tight seal but no sealant sits between the membrane and the front/rear cap metal leaving a major weak point for water intrusion. The same issue appears to be present in the corner trim at the joint between the top of the cap and the sidewall where the membrane was left to overlap. Bo butyl sealant was applied between the membrane and the cap/side wall joint. This application seems to rely entirely on the self leveling sealant to prevent water from entering between the membrane and cap metal. This is particularly concerning with the potential for driving rain into that area while driving down the road.
Great series of videos on this job. Extremely useful. Well done sir!
This will help me greatly when I replace the roof on my 97 NASH next year…thanks for sharing your knowledge and techniques James. Very appreciated 😊
I really like your big fan that you had on the roof. I use the exact same one in the house and in the shop. Great job on your roof replacement.
Thanks 👍
I am in the construction industry and yes, you are totally correct. When roofing just look at shingles, you don't start at the top of the roofline, you start at the botton so the water sheds from the top down. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you for all of your Videos. The information Really gave me Alot of confidence going into a recent RV Purchase. First thing I did was get on the roof! Found that it was not maintained correctly for several years and had a small leak in one of the corners that the owner had no idea about.
Thankfully the owner was sensible and realized my offer was reasonable considering the damage and condition of the roof.
Thanks again to your videos I had confidence in tackling repairs. I'm fairly certain I was able to repair the roof the correct way and was able to save it before it was too late. (I got the screws to bite for the corner trim on the roof thus I'm confident the structure was not rotted away.)
Thanks again!
Also some confirmation on your over the metal theory... This is a 2013 Coachman Catalina Santara 272BH. I was surprised to find that the EPDM went on top of the rear metal of the rear wall. I really think that is what stopped the leak from being significantly more damaging. It was leaking through a couple of small screw holes, not just inside the siding just as you described.
Water is a lifetime issue 💦 Thanks for your work today 😎
These various roof repair videos were very well done, thanks Expert
27:00 you just helped me so much. I was trying to figure out if I should get a tinted or a white max air fan.
Thank you for a great explanation of how to do this project. I’m sure I will be referring back frequently as I start my roof replacement. And yes I agree on how to install the membrane over the front and back.
by the time i have watched all your repetitive roof jobs i should be a pro come summer when i have to do mine. lol
Excellent work James. This one was a doozy of a summer project°
Another great video. 70,000 too, congrats 👏
100,000 by the end of the year commin up!!!! 🍻✌
Far from wrong !. Much better way to do front and rear caps. Great professional job as usual.
I learned a lot and watched this entire series. Really good videos and explanations. Thank you.
I agree with putting the membrane under the moulding because Im currently having leakage at that point and water is dripping out a speaker over my bed? But I fixed the problem for now but will defiantly remember to do what you did when I replace the membrane .
I had the same exact problem when I did the 360 vent install on my camper. I ended up using the stock bottom ring and sort of hacking the whole thing together. It worked out fine but it's ridiculous that they just didn't make the bottom larger on the thing
James, came across your video because I need to replace roof. Guess where the leak was. The front couple feet sloped forward and since the membrane was tucked under the fiberglass nose it filled the ceiling section with water and caused the ceiling paneling to sag. I will be replacing like you did. Makes sense. Think like water. Thanks for the video. Looking forward to you showing me how to fix saying ceiling paneling. It's in the bedroom so I was just thinking screws with finish washers.
Thanks for another great video
You're right about the membrane being on top of the front and rear walls.
I also agree with you about the roof membrane over the caps. Thanks Don
Excellent explanation and job WELL DONE!!!
pretty good work I respect the way go right at it with just a ladder. Most places I seen do this type job have built in or movable scaffolding for safety around the rv especially if you're going to be replacing the front cab over
Great work as always, James!
Not wrong , i do the same thing on all my foor jobs. Nice work
Another amazing job bud!
Thanks again!
Nice job James looks great.
I’m curious, what is the usual life expectancy of the various roof materials that RV manufacturers use?
Great job James!
Super nice work James I agree with the way you did the roof
Love the job! Just figured that you being very detailed why u didn't go ahead and spruce up the A/C cover to finish it off to look professional too??
Cover's are +$100 and the owner didn't request it.
Looks really good.
Nice job as always !
Agree 💯 percent on going over the top of front and rear caps.
Great sensebly done job,looks great.
I like to durabond tape the front transition, the rear if there is room. If the screws do work loose they are covered.
Sometimes I’ll do the same for skylights and fridge vents We don’t stock liquid butyl and sometimes the butyl tape doesn’t seem to compress on those
Nice work James!!
Better than factory 👍👍
another masterpiece job!!
Great job.
Super nice job. I kind of like the galvanized plumbing vent covers. For some reason plumbing vents seem to get bumped when cleaning or inspecting a roof, and these don’t get crispy after a a couple years.
Beautiful!!
Hey James, awesome repair job! Do you have any videos featuring delaminating repairs?
What is your opinion on using stainless screws? I am renovating my dad's old 2001 Prowler travel trailer he gave me and I am going to need to replace all the screws holding down the trim pieces. The existing ones are completely rusted away. I figured if I spent a little extra on stainless screws, I would not have to worry about that happening again.
@ 17:55 sorry to keep bugging with the same question, why not Eternabond tape?
Great video, as always. How do you recommend terminating those roof/ caps again?
hahahah :)
Awesome video Great work !!!
I think you are totally right over is better than under your so so smart!!!!!!
Really appreciate you posting these kinds of videos. Giving me the confidence to replace my roof membrane. My roof is 8 ft wide (single sheet osb laid across from camper sides). Is 8.5 ft wide replacement roll going to be wide enough or should I go with 9.5. Sorry if you've addressed this before. Thanks again.
nice job
thanks for making the video
Stay hydrated 🌊
Edit: If you're ever in Quartzsite, or have recommendation 😁
Excellent video series on this PVC roof just in time that I was doing one on a camper. I love your electric chalk gun, oh my how many tubes of self leveling sealant did you go thru? My kit came with only 4.
Thanks
I’d wish I’d found your channel when I found my Jayco roof leak years ago.
Great video....at the same time I asked the question why install that garbage roof that will fail again in a few years with the same material instead of a more durable fiberglass rood? was this an insurance job? always enjoy your videos and why are you tipping these AC units upside down? those compressors are not made for that and will enhance failure down the road as the oil isnt meant to flow up into the head unit of the compressor, and your advice on a PPI is golden
Looks like he got that AC up there in 5 seconds.
if you saw the first video on this, it is a budget job
Benefit of taking the roof membrane overtop the cap means you don’t have to unstable the cap or mess with it when your ripping the old roof off. Just make your cut right behind the cap and your done.
Do you know if the fiberglass roof on the 2012-2019 winnebago aspect/cambria is the same "side sealer" roof as that era of class A's?
Thx for all your tricks. What do you think about the rv sealant roof tape insted of lap sealant ?
I like it to repair tears and holes in membranes only.
NICE..Job SIR
I totally agree 💯
Great video James as always. I do have a question though. What keeps the membrane from tearing at the corners where you cut out for the ac?
Great videos! Such great tips. My question is when I tore off the old roof the sticky adhesive residue is still there. How do I but on the new with it like that?! So question is do I need to somehow remove it. Sanding doesn’t seem to work?
Nice job..
I’d like to know how much does a job like this cost ?
Do you put any adhesive under the membrane on top of front cap? It would worry me that small imperfections on top edge of front cap could allow wind driven rain (while driving to get under the membrane. Maybe a little butyl sealant from a tube under the membrane??
How long sit it take for glue to dry before you got on it?
So, I’m confused. What is better? TPO or PVC?
What adhesive do I use on a felt backed TPO roof? It is being glued back down to the original roof decking on a 2009 Rockwood 2501SS. Thank you Sir. I really enjoy your videos! Keep them coming.
Good morning! Love your channel and watch it as much as I possibly can. I know you’re a roof expert and I have a question I live locally in Prescott Valley and would be willing to take it to you.
A tree branch did some damage on my roof and the dealer is suggesting a new roof. I’m thinking a patch would be just fine and I’d probably rather have you do the replacement than the dealer I emailed a couple pics.
Patch or replace? Your input would be greatly appreciated and thank you for your time in advance.
Agree with the shingle style of install. I need to reattach the track for a interior sliding door, how long of screws would you recommend? 2005 safari class A motor home. Thanks keep up the great videos.
Phenomenal work 👌🏽💯 great tips I’ll be using very helpful video just bought a 95 cobra sandpiper any help to find replacement parts and original owners operational manual I’ve tried online no luck 😢
I really appreciate your craftsmanship. What is your opinion of the new 1 piece fiberglass roof that Forest River is using on their Salem Hemisphere's? Just interested in take of the roof. Also I follow you on tiktok and appreciate all the advice!
I haven't seen one yet, but it is about time if it's a one piece gel coat fiberglass roof on a trailer :)
Proper job!! You remind me of billy bob Thornton 😂
You are good 👍👍
Would you recommend doing a membrane roof top on an enclosed trailer flat roof. I do have plywood fully above the supports pretty much like a camper. Also would you use any sort of tape to cover the edges before covering? Thanks
Interesting that the lap sealant is for water diversion, and not primarily sealing. My understanding of EPDM roofs on buildings have a 20 year life span and .where vents etc penetrate the membrane, a boot is bonded on to raise the sealing surface and give a physical barrier to water penetration, without the need for on going application of lap sealant.
I suppose it is a matter of cost, but I would think that it would make sense to have a raised area or lip where there are holes in the membrane to direct the water away.
check out @rvroofinstall channel
Thanks for all this! Getting ready to replace the original rubber roof on our hand-me-down 1998 36' Fleetwood Pace Arrow. Is there any value to TPO over PVC though? You kinda made it sound like a supply chain compromise.
I like TPO as it's proven
How much do full roofing replacement jobs done go for.
I trust your opinion more than the manufacturers. You deal all of the time with engineering errors. I have a fifth wheel that has a macerator that I have never been able to use because of poor engineering. The dump valve for the macerator was installed in a position that it requires it to be pulled inward toward the middle of the trailer. I’m 73 years and have knee issues so o really don’t want to get down and crawl under it to dump my black tank.
That fridge vent looked like it just had some screen over it. Is that right? With bare wood being seen through the screen? That can’t be good can it?
Great
It is because of the camera angle, but my anxiety level explodes watching you walk to the edge of the roof. It doesn't bother me when I do it, but watching others, especially with the camera view drives that anxiety, lol😂😂😂
Thank you for your videos!
I need some help urgently.
I have a 2017 Rockwood ultra lite, I’m replacing my Rv roof membrane with pvc, after removing old membrane the old glue was so thick and has lots of bits and junk. I was going to overlay it, original plywood not rotted, but separated after rip off old membrane. Overlay seemed the best way to go because of the old glue, after seeing your video, I don’t know what to do? I was going to reapply glue and 1/2” staples to secure new 5mm ply. You confirmed my concern about securing new overlay.
How do I remove the old glue? I don’t have the money or resources to pay someone. What do you recommend?
Thanks.
What do you use to remove roof adhesive if it gets on an area you don't want it?
That water based adhesive is very difficult to remove from rough surfaces but mineral spirits type cleaners will work but don't use it on the membrane!
@@AZExpert Thank you!
What makes them balloon? I have seen them on the road with a huge bubble, I went with an aluminum roof to avoid it all together.
Is the Milwaukee caulk gun you are using a 12v or 18v
Quick question my adhesive says let dry and then put membrane down? Do suggest doing it the way you did in video or follow manufacturers directions
What brand of cordless stapler and size/type of staples do you recommend for EPDM roofs?
Awesome!