roof type

[Steve Albert]

 On a 1996 Beaver patriot is the roof EPDA OR TPO ON FIBERGLASS ?

[Joel Buchan]

Just, Gel coat fiberglass, one piece top with front and rear caps.

[Gerald Farris]

Steve,
EPDA (ethylene propylene diene monomer) or TPO (thermoplastic olefin) are both a rubber membrane type of roofing material that is usually stretched over plywood. These materials are used for roofs on lightweight entry level RVs because they are cheaper and lighter. The roofing material that is used on your coach is a fiberglass sheet with a gel coat surface that is similar to what is used in boats.

The rubber roofs require yearly cleaning and conditioning, especially if stored outside. They are also susceptible to tears from tree limbs that can require patching or replacement. Also the rubber roofs will require complete replacement in as little as 15 years in extreme environments. Where the fiberglass roof is very difficult to damage, should never need replacing, but might need painting once or twice in the life of the coach.

Gerald   
   

[Frank Towle]

Gerald, thanks for details. Yes, both my '96 Patriot and current '01 are full fiberglass and I believe painted/coated with a flat white roofing paint.  Elastomeric doesn't sound like the right stuff?

Like to keep roof as clean as possible and have scrubbed very carefully with Softscrub and then used a synthetic wax to reduce chalking.  Less dirt sticking and almost no more streaking.  Yes took a long time the first time but then only the bad (low) points require redo.

May have to do '01 this year, elpect it's original.  Like the idea of Eternabond tape but not so sure on the recoating - only post mentioned elastomeric, web has multiple choices.

Recommendations?

[Steve Albert]

Thanks for the info Gerald & Frank & Joel