Dicor 917BA-5 Water-Based EPDM and TPO Adhesive - 5 Gallon Pail

In this review of the Dicor 917BA-5 bonding adhesive the bottom line is simple: this 5 gallon, water-based adhesive is for RV owners and technicians who need a straightforward, environmentally friendly product for sealing and bonding parts to EPDM and TPO roofs. The single biggest reason to buy is ease of application combined with high coverage; at about 160 sq. ft. per gallon it reduces labor and trips to the supply store for many repair jobs. It is not a universal adhesive, so it is intended specifically for moisture-absorbent substrates on RV roofs.

Key Features

• Water-based formulation: The acrylic formula is easier to work with and cleans up with water, reducing solvent exposure during application.
• Designed for EPDM and TPO: The adhesive is formulated specifically to bond to EPDM and TPO roofing materials for reliable attachment of parts and flashings.
• High coverage: At about 160 sq. ft. per gallon the 5 gallon pail covers large repair areas or multiple small jobs without frequent refills.
• Environmentally friendly: The water-based nature makes it a lower-VOC choice compared with solvent-based adhesives, useful for confined or recreational vehicle settings.
• Easy application: Customers report manageable consistency and straightforward use for routine roof maintenance tasks on RVs.

Who It's For

This adhesive suits RV owners, maintenance shops, and DIYers who work specifically with EPDM or TPO roof membranes and need a user-friendly, low-VOC bonding solution for attaching vents, flashings, or repairing seams where substrates accept moisture-based products. The 5 gallon size is practical for those tackling whole-roof touch-ups or repeated repairs over a season.

It is not recommended for metal, fiberglass, or membrane-to-membrane applications, so professionals needing a product for those materials should look elsewhere. Also, if maximum instant tack for heavy structural bonding is critical, a different specialized adhesive may be more appropriate.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Water-based and environmentally friendly formula that reduces solvent handling concerns.
• High coverage rate of roughly 160 sq. ft. per gallon lowers cost per job for large areas.
• Easy to apply for most RV maintenance tasks, making it accessible to DIY users.
• Specifically formulated for EPDM and TPO for predictable performance on those membranes.

Cons

• Not suitable for metal, fiberglass, or membrane-to-membrane bonding, limiting versatility.
• Customer feedback on adhesion is mixed, so some users may find it less effective for particular substrates or conditions.

Specifications

Product name	917BA-5 Water-Based EPDM and TPO Bonding Adhesive
Size	5 gallon pail
Coverage	About 160 sq. ft. per gallon
Base	Water-based acrylic
Intended substrates	EPDM and TPO only
Not for use on	Metal, fiberglass, or membrane-to-membrane applications
Use case	RV roof sealing and bonding on moisture absorbent substrates

Our Verdict

The Dicor 917BA-5 is a pragmatic choice for RV owners and service shops that need a water-based, high-coverage adhesive specifically for EPDM and TPO roofs. Its ease of application and environmental profile make it good value for routine maintenance and large-area repairs, though those needing a product for metal or fiberglass should choose a different adhesive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this adhesive be used on metal or fiberglass?
Answer. No, the product is not formulated for metal or fiberglass and should not be used on those substrates.

How much area will a 5 gallon pail cover?
Answer. Coverage is about 160 sq. ft. per gallon, so a 5 gallon pail covers approximately 800 sq. ft. under ideal application conditions.

Is this product environmentally friendly?
Answer. Yes, it is a water-based acrylic formula with a lower solvent profile compared with solvent-based adhesives.