What roof material do I have. EPDM or TPO
Can you tell me what roofing material I have ? Not having an owners manual or any reference material is proving very difficult for me. I am trying to determine which roofing material I have so I mak...
Forum Discussion
I have a new RV with TPO-plastic (not EPDM-rubber) roof. Here's what I've learned about TPO-plastic...
TPO is ThermoPlastic Olefin (Dicor calls it Brite-TEK)
TPO is a plastic derivative, with all positives and negatives that implies.
TPO comes with or without fleece backing.
Never use Acetone or Citrus Cleaners on TPO.
A soft bristle brush may be used during cleaning.
TPO Repair:
Do NOT use silicone sealant - it will not adhere to TPO plastic.
Do NOT use cleaners or conditioners containing petroleum solvents, harsh abrasives, or citric-based cleaners.
Clean TPO lap sealant: If soap and water do not clean the sealant to your satisfaction, use a cloth dampened with mineral spirits to wipe away dirt build-up on the seal. Rinse off mineral spirits with fresh water.
Repair TPO lap sealant: Use a cloth dampened with mineral spirits to eliminate all foreign materials from surface of sealant, let dry for at least 15 minutes and apply a TPO lap sealant directly over the existing sealant – allow new sealant to touch both TPO and accessory surface.
Cleaning Mold-Mildew* from TPO:
Bucket of water, Sponge, Medium Bristle Brush, TILEX Bathroom Cleaner
*Mold and mildew on your TPO roof is simply a parasite that attaches itself to the roof and grows. It does not attack the TPO membrane but is unsightly and if allowed to grow will discolor the roof completely and may become a stain that cannot be removed.
Note: Removal of mold and mildew is not a job to be rushed. Go slow...
TPO-plastic has more thermal expansion than EPDM-rubber, says Dicor’s Gregg Fore. That means TPO is not as pliable as EPDM. There are weight differences, TPO is about half the weight of EPDM. You save about one pound-per-lineal-foot, which translates into gas savings on the road.
The consumer should plan on checking the TPO sealant a couple times a year (every spring and every fall).
Cleaning: Nothing stronger than Murphy’s® Oil Soap should be used on a TPO RV roof.
TPO is ThermoPlastic Olefin (Dicor calls it Brite-TEK)
TPO is a plastic derivative, with all positives and negatives that implies.
TPO comes with or without fleece backing.
Never use Acetone or Citrus Cleaners on TPO.
A soft bristle brush may be used during cleaning.
TPO Repair:
Do NOT use silicone sealant - it will not adhere to TPO plastic.
Do NOT use cleaners or conditioners containing petroleum solvents, harsh abrasives, or citric-based cleaners.
Clean TPO lap sealant: If soap and water do not clean the sealant to your satisfaction, use a cloth dampened with mineral spirits to wipe away dirt build-up on the seal. Rinse off mineral spirits with fresh water.
Repair TPO lap sealant: Use a cloth dampened with mineral spirits to eliminate all foreign materials from surface of sealant, let dry for at least 15 minutes and apply a TPO lap sealant directly over the existing sealant – allow new sealant to touch both TPO and accessory surface.
Cleaning Mold-Mildew* from TPO:
Bucket of water, Sponge, Medium Bristle Brush, TILEX Bathroom Cleaner
*Mold and mildew on your TPO roof is simply a parasite that attaches itself to the roof and grows. It does not attack the TPO membrane but is unsightly and if allowed to grow will discolor the roof completely and may become a stain that cannot be removed.
Note: Removal of mold and mildew is not a job to be rushed. Go slow...
TPO-plastic has more thermal expansion than EPDM-rubber, says Dicor’s Gregg Fore. That means TPO is not as pliable as EPDM. There are weight differences, TPO is about half the weight of EPDM. You save about one pound-per-lineal-foot, which translates into gas savings on the road.
The consumer should plan on checking the TPO sealant a couple times a year (every spring and every fall).
Cleaning: Nothing stronger than Murphy’s® Oil Soap should be used on a TPO RV roof.
