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jodeb720's avatar
jodeb720
Explorer
May 16, 2022

EPDM roof Material or Something Else?

I remember reading this a while ago - there are two types of roof's installed on RV's. EPDM and something else.

I know 2Oldman is the king of all searches - but I'm not that good.

I remember the way to differentiate was the coloring on teh back.

Today I pulled one of my vents off and found the color on the a "blackish" color. Which roof type do I have -

And as long as you're reading this.. What adhesive do I use to reattach a replacement piece to the sub-straight base?

Thanks

Josh

16 Replies

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  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    May 16, 2022
    Bobbo wrote:
    EPDM
    TPO
    Fiberglass
    Aluminum

    I would avoid the first two. My first RV, a Winnebago had a fiberglass roof. The same stuff that was on the sidewalls. My current Airstream has aluminum. When shopping I immediately ruled out anything with EPDM or TPO.


    Please explain the basis for your comment. I have over 43 years as a RV tech. I have seen ALL roof materials. While I also would prefer Fiberglass, I would NOT like Metal roofs. Metal roofs will be damaged by normal size Hail that would dent a car. Fiberglass, rarely. It takes a LOT to punch holes thru fiberglass. It takes a LOT for Hail to damage a TPO/EPDM roof. For cost, I would like a EPDM/TPO roof. Your Airstream, the COST basis alone makes a Metal roof standard. Doug
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    May 16, 2022
    I wish I could afford an AS with an aluminum roof and body!
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    May 16, 2022
    Bobbo wrote:
    EPDM
    TPO
    Fiberglass
    Aluminum

    I would avoid the first two.


    While I would prefer fiberglass or aluminum, for the cost to upgrade to a rig that has them, you could replace the rubber roof options several times over.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer III
    May 16, 2022
    EPDM
    TPO
    Fiberglass
    Aluminum

    I would avoid the first two. My first RV, a Winnebago had a fiberglass roof. The same stuff that was on the sidewalls. My current Airstream has aluminum. When shopping I immediately ruled out anything with EPDM or TPO.

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