HIGHLAND RIDGE OPEN RANGE 308BHS - Roof Membrane Leak Repair

HIGHLAND RIDGE OPEN RANGE 308BHS – Roof Membrane Leak Repair

by

Complete repair guide for the HIGHLAND RIDGE OPEN RANGE 308BHS – Roof Membrane Leak Repair.

Parts & Tools You’ll Need

Step 1: Inspect Roof and Locate All Leak Points

Start by setting up your extension ladder and roof walk boards on the 308BHS, ensuring stable footing across the 32-foot length of the trailer. Use the Moisture Meter to systematically scan the entire EPDM membrane, paying special attention to seams, corners, and the perimeter where the roof meets the sidewalls—these areas account for over 80% of RV roof leaks. Mark any soft spots, discoloration, or areas reading above 20% moisture content with painter’s tape. Document the location and size of each defect with measurements and photos before proceeding, as this guides your repair strategy and helps prevent incomplete fixes.

Step 2: Clean the Roof Membrane Thoroughly

Apply the Dicor Rubber Roof Cleaner across the entire roof surface using a soft-bristle brush and work in 10-foot sections to prevent the cleaner from drying unevenly. Pay extra attention to seams, crevices, and the areas surrounding your marked leak points, scrubbing away dirt, algae, and oxidized rubber coating that can prevent adhesion. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose, ensuring no cleaner residue remains, and allow the roof to dry completely for at least 4 hours or until the surface is completely dry to the touch. This step is critical—any remaining debris or moisture will compromise the effectiveness of the sealants and coatings you’ll apply next.

Step 3: Repair Seam Leaks with EternaBond Tape

For linear seams where you’ve identified leaks, apply Seam Primer to a 6-inch width centered on the seam, following the EternaBond application instructions exactly. Once the primer becomes tacky (typically 5-10 minutes), cut your EternaBond RoofSeal Tape to the required length and press it firmly onto the seam, overlapping the primer by 3 inches on each side. Use a roller or your hand, applying medium pressure continuously along the entire length to ensure full adhesion and eliminate air pockets. For the 308BHS’s typical 4-5 interior seams, plan on using approximately 100-150 feet of tape depending on configurations.

Step 4: Seal Penetrations and Isolated Leak Sources

For roof penetrations (vents, skylights, AC units), clean a 12-inch diameter area around each penetration base with the roof cleaner and allow it to dry. Apply the Dicor 501LSW Lap Sealant in a continuous bead around the base of the penetration, approximately ¼-inch diameter, then smooth it with a wet finger to create a consistent fillet. For isolated soft spots or small punctures less than ½-inch, apply sealant directly into and around the defect, creating a slight dome that extends 4 inches beyond the damage in all directions. Allow the Lap Sealant to cure for the full time specified on the tube (typically 24-48 hours) before applying the final roof coating.

Step 5: Address Vertical Seams with Non-Leveling Sealant

On the sidewall-to-roof transitions and any vertical seam areas, use the Non-Leveling Sealant rather than standard lap sealant, as gravity will cause standard products to run or slump on vertical surfaces. Apply a continuous bead ⅜-inch in diameter along the full length of each vertical seam, using smooth, steady pressure on the caulk gun to maintain uniform bead size. Smooth each bead with a wet finger immediately after application, feathering the edges to create a concave profile that sheds water effectively. The 308BHS typically has 2 major vertical corner seams that require this treatment.

Step 6: Apply Full EPDM Roof Coating System

Once all sealants have fully cured and the roof is clean and dry, stir the Dicor EPDM Roof Coating thoroughly for 2-3 minutes to ensure consistent color and viscosity. Using a paint roller with a medium-nap cover, apply the coating in overlapping passes, working in 8-10 foot sections from one end of the trailer to the other, maintaining a wet edge to avoid lap marks. Apply at a coverage rate of approximately 75-85 square feet per gallon, which means your 2-gallon supply should cover the full roof of the 308BHS with one complete coat. Allow 24-48 hours of dry time between the first and second coat, then apply a second coat for maximum protection and durability.

Step 7: Verify Repairs with Water Testing

After the roof coating has fully cured (minimum 5 days), conduct a thorough water test by spraying the roof with a garden hose from ground level while someone inside the trailer checks for any water intrusion in the affected areas. Start with a light mist on one marked repair area at a time, gradually increasing water pressure to simulate heavy rain, and observe the repair for 10-15 minutes before moving to the next location. Check the interior ceiling, corners, and any compartments below the repaired areas for moisture or water droplets; the absence of any water entry confirms a successful repair. Document the test results with photos and notes, and if any areas show new leaks, allow the coating to cure an additional 48 hours before retesting, as incomplete curing can mask underlying sealing issues.