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Last Updated on February 10, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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TPO vs. EPDM RV Roof: Which is Best?
The choice between TPO and EPDM RV roofs often presents a quandary for RV owners. The decision between these two popular materials can significantly impact your RV roof’s maintenance, durability, and longevity.
- TPO and EPDM are popular RV roof materials.
- TPO is durable, weather-resistant, and lightweight.
- EPDM is flexible, affordable, and has excellent water resistance.
- TPO is highly reflective, aiding in cooling.
- EPDM roofs have impressive lifespans with proper maintenance.
- Both TPO and EPDM have their drawbacks.
Is it time to start looking for a new roof for your RV? You’ll quickly realize that more than a few options are available. First, will you replace your RV roof yourself, or will you hire a professional? Is one easier to install than the other?
Most of the options available for RV roofs are safe choices. However, it’s still advisable to understand what you’re getting and whether or not a particular option is better suited to your needs before making a decision. That’s why it’s worth comparing TPO vs. EPDM RV Roof.
As with any big purchase, it’s worth avoiding making a rash decision and buying the first option that is presented to you.
Examining the options, weighing the pros and cons, and understanding what product will work best for your RV roof is worthwhile.
TPO and EPDM are the most popular options when shopping for a new RV roof.
So, which is the better product, TPO vs. EPDM? Read the rest of this TPO vs EPDM RV roof article to understand better which product offers you the most benefits.
TPO vs. EPDM RV Roof
TPO RV roofing is one of the most used and popular options today, mainly due to two reasons. It’s cheap to buy and it’s white. The TPO membrane can either be fitted with screws or mechanically attached.
Alternatively, for full adhesion, it can be glued down. When it comes to detailed work and seams, glue can be used on the membrane, or heat can be used to create a seal.
One of the defining features of TPO is its laminated appearance. TPO will come with a visible top layer, which is shiny and white, while the bottom layer is plain and off-white-colored or grey.
The top outward-facing layer is hard-wearing, waterproof, UV and heat-resistant, and resistant to degradation over time.
TPO can be further enhanced by adding fiber reinforcement, which increases durability and strength. However, the downside is that it will increase the product rigidity, increasing the installation difficulty.
EPDM is another popular option for an RV roof, and it differs from TPO in many ways. EPDM is a material that can vulcanize, which means it’s possible to dry and cure into sheets.
EPDM can be used when it’s not vulcanized, which means it’ll never completely solidify.
It’s common to use both types in tandem for an RV roof. Vulcanized EPDM will be used for the roof membrane, while non-vulcanized EPDM will be used for flashing and detailed work.
EPDM is a form of synthetic rubber, partly because it has a distinctive black color.
So, which is better for an RV roof, TPO or EPDM? Besides the materials and color, what differentiates these two products? Which one will offer the best value for money, and which do we recommend?
We’ll compare these two products based on several factors, allowing you to decide.
Cost
A TPO membrane costs more than an equivalent EPDM membrane for most RV roofing projects. For that reason, EPDM roofs tend to be more economical, which is especially true when a single-ply roofing membrane is required.
It’s important to factor in the thickness of any membrane when weighing up the costs; thicker will generally cost more.
The upside of choosing a thicker membrane is that TPO and EPDM will deliver excellent performance and longevity if a thicker membrane is chosen, so it’s worth considering when deciding what to buy.
Longevity
The method and skill used during the RV roof installation will have one of the most significant impacts on the longevity of the products. Seams should be sealed with excellent care, and permanent techniques should be used where possible.
Poorly implemented and installed seams are the most significant cause of leaks in any roof and are far less likely to occur due to a failure in the membrane.
As TPO is one of the newer roofing products, its longevity is the least assured out of the two products. However, industrial installations and significant product testing and development would suggest that its longevity is ideally well suited for use on an RV.
How long is the typical lifespan of a roof made of TPO?
The lifespan of a roof made of thermoplastic olefin (TPO) is typically between 20 and 30 years, with the average being closer to 24 years.
A single layer of protection for your roof is created when two layers of thermoplastic are laminated together and then adhered to a polyester scrim for added strength.
EPDM has a significant history of use and a proven track record of longevity. EPDM(Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) rubber roofing materials.
Over the past half-century, EPDM roofing systems have established themselves as the market standard.
The EPDM rubber membrane is designed to last for at least twenty years and comes with a guarantee ranging from ten to twelve years, depending on the brand.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to AZ Expert
Durability
As we’ve already discussed, EPDM has a well-established and deserved reputation. It’s made from a rubber compound and has been used in numerous applications for decades.
It’s a relatively straightforward installation with proven methods of creating fantastic seams, meaning it should easily last 25 years or more of use.
Additionally, many roofing industry experts will tout EPDM as one of the best and most reliable roofing materials.
It provides ultraviolet light resistance and resistance to extreme weather conditions and oxidants. EPDM has also been proven to have better performance and longevity when exposed to colder weather conditions.
On the other hand, the strength of the seams used in TPO will outperform the adhesive and tape used with EPDM. If installed correctly, TPO can be as strong and durable as EPDM, and quality products are used.
One issue is that not all TPOs are created equally, and several varieties are available with varying performance degrees.
Additionally, TPO tends to react poorly to ponding water and will crack and split with time when exposed. It also has less resistance to extreme heat and cold. It’s for these reasons that EPDM is the superior product when it comes to durability.
Ease of Installation
In terms of ease of installation, EPDM is widely recognized as being more accessible and quicker to install. It requires little in the way of specialized equipment.
TPO requires tools that facilitate hot air welding, which everyone cannot access, meaning installation will often cost more and be more complex.
Additionally, EPDM can often be installed by a DIY enthusiast if proper care is taken, while TPO will often require the services of a specialist roofing contractor.
This is mainly due to the complexities involved with installing TPO, and proper care must be taken to avoid leaks and costly repairs.
Ease of Maintenance
EPDM will require little maintenance to keep it in serviceable condition, provided it was originally installed correctly.
On the other hand, TPO will require more diligent maintenance to keep it in tip-top condition, including regular treatment of seams to avoid leaks.
It should be noted that both RV roof types should not be exposed to solvents and oils. Additionally, avoid using cleaners that contain harsh chemicals, abrasives, or petroleum-based products; these products can easily lead to significant damage to the roof.
Here is an informative comparative chart to help you decide which roof to install.
What is Used for RV Ceilings?
This question can be answered by looking at the most commonly used materials in constructing these vehicle interiors. Predominantly, you’ll find that RV ceilings are covered with fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) or PVC wall paneling.
The choice of these materials is driven by the beneficial properties that make them suitable for this application. Both FRP and PVC are lightweight, aiding in maintaining the fuel efficiency of the RV.
Additionally, they are moisture resistant, which is crucial for preventing mold growth in the often varying climates an RV may be exposed to.
Furthermore, these materials do not require painting, making them an easy and convenient choice for manufacturing processes.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to C.L.S. All-IN-ONE
Summary
In conclusion, both TPO and EPDM RV roofs have their unique benefits and drawbacks, deciding which is best largely dependent on the specific needs of the RV owner.
TPO’s robust durability, weather-resistant properties, lightweight nature, and high reflectivity make it an excellent option for those seeking a long-lasting, energy-efficient solution.
On the other hand, EPDM’s flexibility, affordability, superior water resistance, and impressive lifespan with appropriate maintenance make it an attractive choice for those seeking cost-effectiveness and longevity.
Thus, the ‘best’ choice between TPO vs. EPDM RV Roof can vary significantly based on individual requirements and preferences. It is advisable to thoroughly consider these factors and consult with a professional before making a final decision.
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