TPO roof at end of life or possibly past it life.

[garyb1st]

While on the roof to cut the slide topper fabric, I noticed two tears. One looks like it's clear through the TPO. The other looks like there is still some membrane over the part that has separated.

I plan on covering both cuts with Dicor tape. A new roof is out of the question. RV with many issues not worth $6-12,000 for a new roof. My question is will a roof sealing material keep the roof from decaying further or is that a waste of money. The camper across the road from us has a 2007 Fleetwood Bounder and told me he had his roof sealed and he's satisfied with the results. The material was costly at $350 for a 5 gallon pale but compared to a new roof, it's cheap. I have never sealed the roof in the 8 years we've had the RV.

 

[Boat Bum]

Done properly with a quality product can net good results especially given the age and condition.

 

[Kirk]

I have never sealed the roof in the 8 years we've had the RV.

Part of the question is what you mean by sealing the roof. There are protectant products and there are complete covering products that basically give you a new roof. A TPO roof should last 15 to 20 years or longer with proper care and maintenance. Even with no maintenance I would expect it to last 10 years. Dicor makes a primer and coating for your roof that is permanent, as do several other companies.

 

[Boat Bum]

Prep is everything, be sure to follow the product's instruction on this.

 

[garyb1st]

Put Dicor tape on the two areas that could possibly allow water intrusion into the Pace. While on the roof I also removed the AC cover and looked at the capacitors. Took pictures of the labels and if they identify the capacitor model, I'll pick one up and give that a go.

 

[garyb1st]

Part of the question is what you mean by sealing the roof.

The only thing I know is it's not going to be a new roof. A quick Google search suggested up to $12,000. If a coating doesn't offer any real protection, I'll just keep my fingers crossed. Been looking for a high end short pre-Def diesel. We've had good luck with the two used motorhomes we owned and I'm hoping we'll get lucky on a 3rd.

 

[SpencerPJ]

On FB many claim that Henrys roof coating from Lowes works great. And a great clean base is key, like any paint job. They simply clean, rinse, let dry, and paint and roll like you'd think. If that's a bit much, I bet a mobile RV guy would do it, just make sure the surface is prepped and clean.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

There's a few RV roof coatings to consider. Versus "paint" (acrylic) like Dicor. I'm in the same boat with my fiberglass roof- I'm putting on a 10 year silicone coating and that should be the last I'll worry about it. It will either be sold or in the boneyard by then.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Henry's Tropi-cool 887 is one of several excellent roof over-coating products and is fully compatible with most RV roof membranes, i.e. EPDM, TPO, PVC and Hypalon. Can be used over fiberglass too, though there are other products made specifically for that. Dicor makes coatings for both EPDM and TPO as well.

 

[No cats]

You can probably limp along with yearly inspection and eternabond tape. My 2004 roof looks ugly but doesn't have tears or leaks and it out in the sun 24/7. The coloring has faded and now it's looking kind of dark, blackish, but it doesn't leak.

I see that you have been thinking about many options (hanging up the keys) and time has a way of humbling us as we age.

I used a coating called Snow Roof probably 10 years ago (or more). Maybe it helped, but it has worn off and I need to redo it. It was a real PITA to get the roof prepped so I am not doing it again.

I say fix the comfort and safety issues, patch the roof and keep on truckin'.