Do I Need to Scrape Off the Old Glue on My Trailer's Roof Before Installing a New Membrane?

Updated 09/02/2026 | Published 08/26/2026

Question:

Im in the process of repairing my roof on a 2014 lance 855s truck camper. I will need to order a membrane and glue for the roof My question has about the glue that remains on the wood after I peel the membrane off. will the 8011 go over the glue thats still on the wood roof?

asked by: Gregory B

Expert Reply:

Hi Gregory,

If the old glue on your Lance's roof is smooth, dry, and hard then you shouldn't need to scrape it off. If scraping it could potentially damage the roof, you can try using coarse sandpaper to try smoothing out any glue bumps that would protrude through the new membrane.

If the old glue is still wet, falling off, or piled up in layers then it'll definitely need to be removed before laying down new glue and your new membrane. Fresh glue won't stick if it's installed on top of wet glue and if it's falling off the new glue won't secure to the roof if what's under it is loose.

What kind of membrane are you going to use for the roof?

expert reply by: Claire H

Gregory B.

9/1/2026

I wanted fleece backed TPO. That's what was on my camper. It looks like you don't carry that type. What would you recommend?

Claire H.

9/2/2026

@GregoryB Honestly, I would stick with a fleeced roof membrane because it's easier to install over the current roof (they make fleeced PVC if you wanted that instead of TPO). Switching to a smooth roof membrane would require a lot of work, either completely tearing off the old roof or installing cover board over it so the smooth membrane has something to adhere to.