Henry 885 Vs 887: Does Henry Roof Coating Stop Leaks?
RVs are vulnerable to the elements. over time, the wind, rain, heat, and debris take their toll on an RV roof. Soon leaks appear and the water damage is hard to find as water does not always go where it is visible. To stop these leaks you need the right sealant.
There are some real differences between these two products. One difference is that the 887 is rain-ready in 15 minutes. The 885 is not. They both have the same wide application temperature range.
To learn more about these two products, just continue to read our article. It compares these two products and gives you a better idea of how to use them and how good they are. Take a few minutes to see how this information can help you seal your RV’s leaks.
Henry Roof Coating 101
Henry's 887 Silicone Roof Coating
According to the Henry’s website, this is a top product that reflects the sunlight keeping inside temperatures lower. Plus, it is made with 100% silicone and its moisture cure components also help reflect UV rays protecting your roof.
Along with that, this product is VOC compliant and contains no solvents. Once applied to your roof you get mold and mildew protection on top of the sun, rain, and snow protection.
This material is 100% waterproof and it can be applied in three ways, paint roller, brush, or spray style. This silicone sealant should go on with 1 coat and not lose any of the protections.
This is not all as once you make your purchase and apply it to your roof, you get a limited lifetime warranty. The wide application temperature range goes from 35 to 120 degrees F making it possible to apply it in cooler weather.
Henry 885 vs 887
The 885 is designed for seams and roof repair. It is not a roof coating like the 887. That means that it will not have the same ingredients or protection that the latter comes with. When it comes to application, the two products have the same 35 to 120-degree F application range.
The application process for the 885 is a little different than it is for the 887. You need to use only a brush or a trowel to put it over those seams and other roof issues. There is no mention of when the 885 becomes rain safe but the 887 should be ready for the rain in 15 minutes.
Both have UV protection while the 887 does reflect the sun's light to keep your trailer nice and cool. It is understandable that the 885 does not have this reflecting quality. It does not cover the whole roof and is often covered over by the 887 or other roof coating options.
Does Henry's Roof Coating Stop Leaks?
Some people who have used this product have stated that it does stop leaks. One owner went through several thunderstorms after applying this product and claims that there were no leaks found.
Both the 885 & 887 should stop leaks when you use these products to fix or coat your roof. The 887 is very thick and does not flow away when you put some on the roof to spread around. It will go where you want it to go when you spread it around with a roller, paintbrush, or trowel.
With the 885 you will only get about 12 square feet of coverage in one 1 gallon can. The 887 gives you a lot more coverage, 330 square feet, and is sold in 4.75-gallon pails. With the thickness of the product, rain should not be getting through either product once they cure.
The trick is to do your seams with 885 first, let it dry, and then coat your roof with 887 afterward.
How Long Does Henry TropiCool Take To Dry?
The 887 needs 1 to 2 hours to be tack-free. Then for it to be totally dry or cured you will need to wait 4 to 6 hours to walk on it. The drying time is flexible depending on the temperature and other weather conditions in your area.
Then the 885 needs 48 hours to fully dry or cure. Both products have a 2-year shelf life when left unopened. That shelf life will be a lot shorter after you open it up. Keeping it around for touch-ups may not be a good idea as it could sure on you inside the containers.
Also, the 885 needs only 1 to 2 hours to be tack-free. Despite what some RV owners say, these two products are safe for RVs and recommended for both RV and trailer use by the company. It is also good for mobile homes in a trailer park.
When you have left over material, seal the lid completely and store it in the usual cool, dry location.
How Long Does Henry's TropiCool Last?
We looked at both the 885 & 887 tech data sheets available on Henry’s website, and there is no mention of how long it will last. Then one reviewer only stated that it may outlast your RV or trailer.
This lack of a definitive time period is understandable. The lifespan of the product will depend on several factors. Not every person who uses this product will get the same longevity.
Also, a lot depends on how thick you apply the material. The company stated in its tech data sheets to not thin their product. Thinning it will undermine its protective qualities and shorten the lifespan.
The closest that can be said about its lifespan is that it can last for decades even without a lot of RV roof maintenance. One application should save you a lot of money over the years. That one application is all you need to stop leaks for a very long time.
Can Henry TropiCool Be Used on EPDM Roofs?
The 885 tech data-sheet is not that specif when it comes to the type of roofs it can be applied to. All the sheet says is “This one-component, moisture-curing, solvent-free sealant can be used on existing asphalt roofs – including Built-Up Roofing (BUR) and
Modified Bitumen (MB), aged single-ply roofs, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofs, metal roofs, concrete roofs, previously coated roofs, RV, trailer, and mobile home roofs, flashing, fasteners, drains, and more.”
The and more part may include the EPDM. Then the tech data sheet for the 887 option is quite a bit more specific than the 885’s. It says “Coating can be used on many different commercial or residential roof substrates to reflect the sun's heat and UV rays, as well as to help seal and protect the surface. It works well on low slope roofs and is suitable for pitched roofs. Acceptable roof types include:
- Aged asphalt roofs – including Built-Up Roofing (BUR) and Modified Bitumen (MB)
- Aged single-ply and rubber roofs, including TPO, EPDM, PVC, and Hypalon® roofs
- Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) roofs
- Metal roofs
- Concrete roofs
- Recoating previously coated roofs
- RV, trailer, and mobile home roofs
- Not recommended over shingles of any kind
Pros & Cons of Using Silicone-Based Roof Coatings
Pros:
- A very durable product that does not erode over time. This should cut your maintenance costs down.
- It cures naturally. There are no special conditions that need to be met
- Protects against puddling. Many flat roofs have this problem but the silicone product is 100% waterproof which includes water puddles
- Preparation and application costs are minimal. The only time you have to remove the pre-existing roof is when it is made from silicone
- The silicone-based product should extend the life of your roof. it fills in every crack, crevice, or tear giving you added protection
- You get some energy cost relief and it does not take long to apply this coating
Cons:
- The coating may lose its reflective powers over time. Dirt and rain are the cause of this problem
- Must be entirely removed when it comes time to replace the roof
- Tearing is a weakness of silicone and bad installation can ruin the roof sooner than you want
- Silicone is slippery when wet. You need to take precautions when there has been some rain or morning dew
Some Final Words
In this investigation, it seems that Henry’s 885 & 887 are good products to use to protect your RV or trailer. It is hard to compare them as they have different purposes and should be used together.
The wide application temperature range is ideal for all RV owners as you can live or go just about anywhere and be able to fix your roof when needed. Just follow the instructions on the tech data sheets to do a proper application.
