Roofs... fiberglass or rubber?

[pacificnw]

Generally speaking, do you prefer a fiberglass roof or a rubber (TPO, etc.)roof on MH? And reasons why?

I have had a TPO roof on a Four Winds MH and its fine but I spend some serious time each year (at least 2X per year) cleaning and treating the material. So I keep it in good shape. But I am in the market for a new unit and not sure I want a rubber roof anymore.

As I have grown older I find those hours spent up on the roof maintaining the TPO are getting more stressful... I'm sure lots of you understand what I'm saying.

So is fiberglass better from a maintenance standpoint? Longevity standpoint? Or are there other factors I am failing to consider here?

Thank you for all input.

[Bumpyroad]

I thought that KZ had issues with their felt backed TPO years back. seems that any tiny hole,slit,leak and the felt could pull the moisture in???????
bumpy

[Bruce_Brown]

Serious question for the OP; why some much time spent on maintenance?

Our MH has a BriteTek roof. BriteTek is a version of TPO. It's now over 10 years old and still looks like new. I have washed it literally twice. I honestly have spent less than 15 minutes in the entire 10+ years touching up any sealant spots.

I cannot imagine doing any more than I have as it simply hasn't needed it. I know the version of BriteTek Newmar uses is the top of the line felt backed material, maybe thats got something to do with it?

As to the fiberglass vs TPO question, same answer as always; a quality MH will have a quality roof. I have seen (and worked on) more than a few paper thin fiberglass roofs that certainly weren't quality. We also own a BriteTek roof (our 3rd MH with BriteTek, BTW) that I would say is 100% quality. We recently sold a TT with a rubber roof that I installed. The roof I put on was much better than the one it came with, but it was still a rubber roof.

Here's ours, taken this summer, 10 years old;

[Tntman]

I have fiberglas and would NOT own anything else. In 2000, while touring several factories, noticed that rubber roofs had several visible defects such as debris under the rubber and some that the edges actually were already wrinkled at the edges. Rubber and TPO was manufactors saving money as opposed to thinking of their customers. The threads I have read about Winnebago seems the factory blames the owner for not doing their maintenance. Seems that the one year warranty doesn't cover checking the roof and repairing the caulk. Glad I bought a Tiffin.

[Ava]

my 94 Bounder has an original rubber roof and still looks good and have had no problems with it.

[Mile_High]

Actually all roofs have edges that are sealed and require inspection and maintenance. On a Winnebago roof system, that seal also serves hold the edge in place (see below) and if you neglect it, the wind can rip it back.

After having both, my vote is for fiberglass. Much easier to maintain, sturdier, and more resilient to age and weather. Removing lap sealant is a piece of cake compared to trying to do the same on rubber.

Winnebago roof edge system.

[DSDP_Don]

Check what roofs various coach manufacturers use as they go up their product line, it will be fiberglass. I had one of the original rubber roofs, soft rubber, and it was a nightmare. The new more solid rubber roofs are much more durable. I've have rubber, aluminum and fiberglass roofs. I would not own anything but fiberglass now.

Regarding the Winnebago roofs, they used an attachment method called the "J" hook. MANY people had issues with that system where the roof partially peeled off or came completely off. Our friends with a Winnebago gasser had theirs come completely off and my sister's 2004 Itasca Meridian (DP) had one side come loose, even though my BIL maintained it constantly. So it wasn't an isolated incident.

[Chris_Bryant]

Fiberglass, no question. Look for strips of eternabond along the edge of EPDM roofed coaches, one tight turn with a low branch and rrrrrrrrrip.

[Bumpyroad]

my 1999 chieftain's roof held on for the 14 years I had it. 😉
bumpy

[K_Charles]

Our '04 Winnebago fiberglass roof didn't fall off yet.

[gutfelt]

all decent class A motor homes all have glass roofs these days

[rgatijnet1]

rr2254545 wrote:

-
Just the same guys rehashing the same items - no real evidence - Winnebago clearly states in their owner manuals to check the caulk each year10 years here and no problems

Actually Winnebago wants you to inspect the roof edge seal TWICE each year. Winnebago roof sealing

I guess you were one of the lucky ones. :B

[rr2254545]

rgatijnet1 wrote:

rr2254545 wrote:

rgatijnet1 wrote:
You don't say what brand of coach you are looking at but I remember reading about Winnebago owners having trouble with the fiberglass roof coming loose and peeling back. Apparently it was not covered by the Winnebago warranty or any warranty from an extended warranty company.

Fake news

Here's the link to a 14 page discussion. I guess you missed it. :R
Winnebago roof issue

-
Just the same guys rehashing the same items - no real evidence - Winnebago clearly states in their owner manuals to check the caulk each year 10 years here and no problems

[rgatijnet1]

rr2254545 wrote:

rgatijnet1 wrote:
You don't say what brand of coach you are looking at but I remember reading about Winnebago owners having trouble with the fiberglass roof coming loose and peeling back. Apparently it was not covered by the Winnebago warranty or any warranty from an extended warranty company.

Fake news

Here's the link to a 14 page discussion. I guess you missed it. :R
Winnebago roof issue

[rr2254545]

rgatijnet1 wrote:
You don't say what brand of coach you are looking at but I remember reading about Winnebago owners having trouble with the fiberglass roof coming loose and peeling back. Apparently it was not covered by the Winnebago warranty or any warranty from an extended warranty company.

Fake news

[rk911]

pacificnw wrote:
Generally speaking, do you prefer a fiberglass roof or a rubber (TPO, etc.)roof on MH? And reasons why?

I have had a TPO roof on a Four Winds MH and its fine but I spend some serious time each year (at least 2X per year) cleaning and treating the material. So I keep it in good shape. But I am in the market for a new unit and not sure I want a rubber roof anymore.

As I have grown older I find those hours spent up on the roof maintaining the TPO are getting more stressful... I'm sure lots of you understand what I'm saying.

So is fiberglass better from a maintenance standpoint? Longevity standpoint? Or are there other factors I am failing to consider here?

Thank you for all input.

both require periodic maintenance but we've always had fiberglass roofs and have had essentially no issues. but we keep up with inspections..visual and smoke tests..and perform maintenance based on those inspections.