Roof paint.

[Dave5Cs]

eagle,  when it gets old it does get powdery and white may just be the over coat of whatever the sun over time does to the ZC, But yes it is a weird light green color when it goes on. Can't get it here either in Cali anymore but there are a lot of paints you can't get here anymore. I am surprised paint doesn't just fall off cars here because of all the things they have taken out of it here. LOL

[Oonrahnjay]

eagle,  when it gets old it does get powdery and white may just be the over coat of whatever the sun over time does to the ZC, But yes it is a weird light green color when it goes on. Can't get it here either in Cali anymore but there are a lot of paints you can't get here anymore. I am surprised paint doesn't just fall off cars here because of all the things they have taken out of it here. LOL

      Dave, I don't know if zinc-chromate was developed for aluminum airplanes in the 1930's-40's, but if not, it was sure adopted widely by then (and continues to be used).  I don't know if it's still "the gold standard", but it was surely the best thing available for many decades.  And, yeah, the color is about the weirdest you'll ever see.
      And you don't need paint in California!  You just move your painting stuff offshore to another place in the world and let them put the volatile stuff in the atmosphere.  The fact that the industry, economy, jobs and money in circulation also go offshore -- that's OK, some environmental group said it would be a good thing so ARB and the politicians are all over it!

[yvan]

What about EDPM sheets VS paint, advantages one over the other?

[sparkplug188]

Liquid EPDM is the way to go.  It needs to be mixed in batches and troweled on 3/16" thick.  It flows into every crevice and self levels as it cures.  It is so thick, you won't be able to see the rivets or layers of aluminum on the roof.  The higher upfront cost is justified when you consider its proven 15 to 20 year lifespan.  On my previous RVs, I have tried to save money by using the cheap hardware store coatings. They roll on like water and peel every 1 to 2 years.  It was just miserable having to scrape the loose coating and constantly redo the roof with the cheap stuff.

http://www.epdmcoatings.com/

yvan - EPDM sheets or Liquid EPDM will seal leaky rivets and seams.  Paint will not seal a leaky roof.  My bus roof was painted by the previous owner.  The paint around every rivet had a circular crack and every seam had a straight crack.  Paint is more resistant to UV damage than EPDM, but can't be trusted to seal anything.

[mung]

I wonder how Plastidip would work on a roof?

[eagle19952]

I wonder how Plastidip would work on a roof?

seriously ?

[mung]

Yes, seriously.  There are a HUGE group of people who are doing it to their cars.  Makes a nice coating that can be pulled off easily if you want to change it out.

[sparkplug188]

Why bother?  You will need about 5 gallons of Plastidip to build up a layer thick enough to be waterproof and durable.  5 gallons of Plastidip costs about $300 and has to be sprayed on in many coats.  It could be a costly waste or it might work just fine.

It would be wiser to spend the $300 on a purpose made roof coating.  With only 350sq/ft to cover, $300 will get you the best that money can buy.

[mung]

It was just a thought because of being able to peel it off if need be.

[yvan]

I plastidip cars in my business, and will more then likely end up doing the sides of James( not enough time to paint for now). I wouldn't even think of it for the roof though, application on horizontal surfaces is a real pain.

[Jim Eh.]

I was thinking of having the same material they use for lining truck boxes applied to the roof. I don't think I would use the DIY kits but rather have it professionally done. I am thinking it may reduce heat transfer and it should substantially reduce the noise level. Thoughts on this?
Sorry for the thread jacking....

[yvan]

We apply SEM Protex in my shops, enough to do the roof of a bus would run around $1000. Again application would be an issue. as well as prep. Good idea, but best stick to conventional, proven products.

[MightyThor]

I was thinking of having the same material they use for lining truck boxes applied to the roof. I don't think I would use the DIY kits but rather have it professionally done. I am thinking it may reduce heat transfer and it should substantially reduce the noise level. Thoughts on this?
Sorry for the thread jacking....

The bed liner is an interesting option with pro's and Con's.  Pro would be the fact that the material is created to withstand weather and is pretty durable.  Preparation of the bus is important for good adhesion. Also, it is waterproof.  Con might be weight.  The stuff, when applied to speck is actually fairly heavy compared to some other materials.  Speck usually calls for 1/8 or more in thickness.  Colors may also be limited, but seems like there are more options recently.  also, the coating is not color fast and will fade with exposure and there really is no effective long term way to bring the color back.  Finally, if you put bed liner on, you will not get it off again without damage to the metal. 

[Dave5Cs]

Some of the problems with the roof is lay over panels and rivets as well as fans and AC units etc. to go around that will leave an edge. The roof for most of these rubberized coatings has to be really clean and de-greased, the powdery residue has to be stabilized. If these things are not done they will eventually get air under them and pieces will start to lift and when water gets in it will be a mess.

Bus Kote is not cheap but done right will give good results. Or painted with a good sealer and Automotive paint. House paint will peel might last a little while. Just some thoughts.