Fiberglass roofs

[Johno02]

Our Motor Home has a fiberglass roof, which I really like, as it is all one piece. Do any of the current builders or coaches still have these?? I have seen a lot of damage and failures on the rubber roof, and we ever upgrade, I would like to have fiberglass.

[Mile_High]

I've actually not heard of an problems with MH rubber roofs, but it was always a discussion with fifth wheels. When we had ours, the fear was tree branches, and the haunting air balloon that forms in the front when that front seal lets go. You see them every once in a while on the highway and you know the guy doesn't know its happening.

[dougrainer]

Effy wrote:
Personally I haven't seen a lot of failures on TPO roofs and I've seen a lot of RV's. Maybe I am not looking in the same places as the OP. Each roof type has it's merits and shortfalls. TPO is pretty tough stuff but can be damaged easier than fiberglass. That said it's also much easier and cheaper to repair than fiberglass when there is an issue. The fiberglass roofs on some manufacturers are paper thin and recently there have been a rash of winnies with their roofs peeling back in the wind. All roofs require maintenance and care to ensure they don't fail. Given a preference I'd probably prefer fiberglass over TPO, but all I've ever had was TPO and never had an issue. It's a nice to have but I wouldn't make it a deal breaker.

GOOD post. Also, Fiberglass does not fare as well in a bad Hail storm. EPDM/TPO usually will have holes punched in the deck, but the Rubber integrity stays and no leaks except at busted roof vents which will also be busted on Fiberglass. I would prefer Fiberglass, but that is a cost decision. I would not walk away from a Motorhome if all parameters met my criteria and it had a EPDM roof. Doug

[Effy]

Personally I haven't seen a lot of failures on TPO roofs and I've seen a lot of RV's. Maybe I am not looking in the same places as the OP. Each roof type has it's merits and shortfalls. TPO is pretty tough stuff but can be damaged easier than fiberglass. That said it's also much easier and cheaper to repair than fiberglass when there is an issue. The fiberglass roofs on some manufacturers are paper thin and recently there have been a rash of winnies with their roofs peeling back in the wind. All roofs require maintenance and care to ensure they don't fail. Given a preference I'd probably prefer fiberglass over TPO, but all I've ever had was TPO and never had an issue. It's a nice to have but I wouldn't make it a deal breaker.

[JoeH]

When I ordered our Newmar, the one piece fiberglass roof was an option, which I got.

[Ivylog]

timmac wrote:
I am on my 3rd RV with rubber roof and no problems yet

Three RVs since 1990 and a 08 currently... looks like you only keep them less than 10 years. Rubber roof seem to start giving problems at 12 to 15 years.

[gmctoyman]

Foretravel

[Jim]

Pretty sure Mile High is correct.

I've had both types and Eternabond on my '94 helped seal up leaks in the rubber roof, and I've used it on the end cap seams, and will use it along the sidewall seams of my '02 full fiberglass roof.

Thing is that both roof styles have problems and it takes some effort to stay on top of them (heh).

The rubber roofs shrink and tear or get cut. The fiberglass are extra thin and the edge seals or a cut out seal in the roof can fail and wind can get under the roof and rip it right off. I've seen pics here on the forum of fiberglass roofs that were nearly half gone because of wind.

Having had both, I do think the fiberglass is superior, but it's still a maintenance item. I still have the job of running 2" Eternabond along each edge to prevent the roof peeling off in heavy winds.

Here's my blog post about the end cap seam taping...Roof taping...

[Mile_High]

I believe nearly all the Winnebago line is fiberglass.

[Viewfinder]

Tiffin

[timmac]

I am on my 3rd RV with rubber roof and no problems yet

[iggyAZ]

I think the smaller motorhomes may still use TPO roofs.
I also agree with you about the fiberglass roof. That is what I have on my Forest River Georgetown XL.