Roof Construction--Pros and Cons?
Up to this point we've only owned a trailer and 5th wheel and both had a rubber roof. We didn't have problems with either RV and maintenance consisted of replacing the caulking every 5 years. I no...
Forum Discussion
barmcd wrote:
Thanks for the thoughts. Looks like there isn't a "best" roof.
True.
I know the fiberglass guys say nothing but fiberglass, but not all fiberglass is created equal. Some of it is paper thin and, well, about a 1/2 step from junk.
Others (Winnie) have had some issues with the roof actually peeling off. Do a search, thats pretty easy to find.
By the same token not all rubber is created equal either. There are different thicknesses, and different materials that are called "rubber" when in fact they're not truly rubber, more of a synthetic membrane.
We have owned a MH with an aluminum roof, it was fine. We have owned a MH with a true EPDM rubber roof, it streaked like crazy, but it was an older unit that had spent a lot of time in the sun. We have owned (3) now with Brite-Tek, a synthetic rubber, and I'm a big fan. Super quiet, super tough, virtually zero maintenance, and if anything does go wrong super easy to fix. I've done projects where I've needed to get through the Brite Tek and the stuff is TOUGH. I finally ended up using a new razor blade to get through it.
I've worked on more than one fiberglass roof and all I can say is be careful what you wish for. As mentioned, they're not all created equally and some I wouldn't own.
I also recently did a full roof replacement on our TT. I replaced true EPDM with more EPDM. It was economical and easy to work with. Once I had the prep work done (peeled the old roof off, everything cleaned up, etc), working by myself I put the new roof down in about 3 hours. That was a 33' TT. Pretty easy job, for sure.
Every roof has an advantage and a disadvantage. I would find the coach I liked first then check the roof construction second. If it was used, condition would be the biggest issue, not material.
I think you'll find most of the fiberglass roofs have a 10 year warranty, most of the Brite Tek/TPO types have a 12 year warranty.
IMO it's more about the installation than the material. Winnie uses fiberglass (and paper thin is not uncommon), and while the material may hold up they sure have had more than their share of installation issues.
The best material in the world won't do you any good if it won't stay down.
