TPO Roof Maintenance for a Newer Class A

[mrschwarz]

Sorry if this subject has been beat to death, but it's new to me. After many years of motor homes with fiberglass roofs, we have downsized to a small gas class A with a TPO roof. I have searched this forum and online in general trying to determine what kind of maintenance I should perform.

I have read that I should coat it every couple of years. I have also read that it should last 20-25 years with nothing but cleaning and inspecting the seams.

The one thing I know on this forum is that there are a lot of years of experience and a lot of folks willing to share their experience and expertise. I am not allowed on a ladder anymore, but my wife is willing to climb up on the roof and do what's necessary. Here is my question: The roof is two years old (a 2024 model year). What do I need to do to maintain it? Will washing and inspecting the seams be sufficient? Do I need to put some sort of protectant, such as a roof coating on it? The coach spends the winter in Arizona and summers in places much cooler.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

TPO is a form of rubber but not a porous material like EPDM. It's surface is more plastic, smooth, reflective, and easily washable. Also, the white color is permanent in the surface so it doesn't "chalk" like EPDM. However, like EPDM it is vulnerable to stains (e.g. tree sap) and can be punctured by pointed objects.

Maintenance consists of washing with a mild detergent and soft brush. No sealants required or suggested. Dicor suggest washing at least 4x yearly to keep a clean & bright appearance. If you pressure wash, use less than 2000 psi and a wide angle nozzle (no "needle" jets).

Seams of RV TPO roofs are typically sealed with the same type of self-leveling lap sealant used on EPDM, i.e. Dicor 501LWS, Alpha Systems 1021, Sikaflex 715 or similar. Annual inspection is recommended and touch-up if needed.

 

[garyb1st]

The TPO roof on our motorhome is 21 years old. It does not leak. We've owned it for 9 years. It's been washed twice when they power washed the roof. I have never washed it myself. The only thing I've done is to cover the front and rear cap seams with Dicor tape. I've also used Dicort tape to cover a couple areas on the roof that were damaged by tree branches. Nothing major and mostly preventative.

 

[mrschwarz]

Thanks for letting me know. Surprisingly though, when it rains, the gutters empty right onto the side windows and they are streaked with white something that appears to be coming off the roof.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

RV roofs collect a variety of airborne dirt and pollutants that turn to mud with morning dew or light rain and then get baked on in the sun. Then subsequent rains wash the crud down the sides and leave streaks, which may be black or gray/white, depending on the ingredients. Miserable stuff to polish off. More frequent cleaning alleviates that, but in some regions of the country it's a never-ending challenge. Houses collect the same crud, but their roof eaves extend beyond the sidewalls so you don't see the streaks. Your car gets this too, but you probably wash (or wax) it more frequently.

 

[8Muddypaws]

My TPO roof lasted exactly 20 years. It was replaced this year at a cost of $6,000.

 

[garyb1st]

Why did you find it necessary to replace it? Was it leaking?

 

[8Muddypaws]

Yes, and had been for some time. Some of the structure had to be repaired.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Unless there is some obvious damage like a puncture, RV roof leaks are at seams or openings. Even EPDM rubber material lasts 15-25 years with a little care, and PVC, TPO, fiberglass(filon) and other improved materials all have 20+ year lifespans.

 

[TheBar]

My EPDM roof is 29 years old put on at the factory. If stored mostly inside and/or properly maintained with quality roof coatings I would say EPDM or TPO doesn't age. So it will last forever. The reason for saying the life span is 20 years is the owners get too old to keep up the maintenance.

 

[runamuck]

my rv roof got a small tear just in front of the front A/C and that allowed air in and caused the roof to billow up a little on our last trip. the roof has many round washers that are screwed thru the covering into the wood decking and then sealed over with some kind of mopped on coating. nobody I have talked to has ever seen that kind of roof system. is it possible that my 5th wheel which I bought slightly used has had a new roof applied at some point.

 

[udidwht]

my rv roof got a small tear just in front of the front A/C and that allowed air in and caused the roof to billow up a little on our last trip. the roof has many round washers that are screwed thru the covering into the wood decking and then sealed over with some kind of mopped on coating. nobody I have talked to has ever seen that kind of roof system. is it possible that my 5th wheel which I bought slightly used has had a new roof applied at some point.

A good candidate for RV Roof Magic. Just give it a good cleaning with their cleaner (includes anti-fungal/mold ingredients) The product also includes the ingredients. Then begin the process of using RV Roof Magic. No primer or activator required. One coat last as long as 18-20 years and is solvent based. It is also compatible with many types of materials such as...

• 
  EPDM
• It can be applied to roofs previously coated with any non-silicone product such as elastomerics, acrylics, Dicor, Kool Seal, Henry, “liquid rubber” Flex Seal etc.
• Alpha rubber roof made by Fleetwood RV's
• Fiberglass
• Aged Vinyl
• Butyl rubber
• Hypalon rubber
• Weathered aluminum
• Metal
• TPO