Open Roads Forum

Print  |  Close

Topic: Some info for owners of RV's with TPO roofs
Posted By: suprz on 07/20/17 08:18am

So far, per speaking with Kathy at Dicor, Dicor 2 step epdm coating is compatible with a TPO roof membrane, as long as the activator/cleaner is used first.

Per a phone call to Hengs roof coatings... It is NOT compatible with TPO roofs. (my local RV dealership/repair facility parts dept told me that it was....) More to come

* This post was edited 07/20/17 09:44am by suprz *

Proud father of a US Marine


Posted By: Bumpyroad on 07/20/17 10:10am

lets see, dicor lady says dicor is usable?
seems "obvious" to me.
bumpy




Posted By: suprz on 07/20/17 11:36am

Bumpyroad wrote:

lets see, dicor lady says dicor is usable?
seems "obvious" to me.
bumpy


Well yes, but I am now on a quest to contact as many manufacturers as I can just so the folks with TPO roofs have some sort of info.

Superior RV Roof coatings state that their product is compatible with TPO roofs AND can stand up to standing water. It is a one part coating no prep other than cleaning the roof. Dicor did not have an answer to that when asked about standing water.

Posted By: otrfun on 07/20/17 12:17pm

Have you considered using Alpha System #1021 (self leveling) or #1010 (non-sag) roof sealant? These are compatible with TPO roofs. I purchased several tubes at Camping World.

Posted By: mbopp on 07/20/17 12:20pm

Grand Design uses an Alpha System roof, so I bought Alpha System caulk. There's some question if regular Dicor can be used but the 2-step Dicor is supposedly OK.

2017 Grand Design Imagine 2650RK
2019 F250 XLT Supercab
Just DW & me......

Posted By: suprz on 07/20/17 12:20pm

Just talked to ProGuard roof coatings. Their coatings are compatible with TPO roofs also. No activator needed, they suggested that the TPO roof be "abbrated" or slightly scuffed, before coating

Posted By: suprz on 07/20/17 12:23pm

otrfun wrote:

Have you considered using Alpha System #1021 (self leveling) or #1010 (non-sag) roof sealant? These are compatible with TPO roofs. I purchased several tubes at Camping World.


The Dicor lap sealant works fine with the TPO roof, I'm just trying to get some info on the coatings for the entire roof

Posted By: suprz on 07/20/17 12:55pm

KoolSeal products are not compatible with TPO roofs.

Posted By: gatorcq on 07/20/17 01:07pm

What part of dicor lady say do not use. "So far, per speaking with Kathy at Dicor, Dicor 2 step epdm coating is compatible with a TPO roof membrane, as long as the activator/cleaner is used first. "

She stated "as long as the activator/cleaner is used first".

Dale & Susan
DaGirls II Rv - Dakota & Tilly Traveling Companions.
2008 Alfa Gold, 2015 Ford F150 XLT
Roadmaster and Air Brake System
1600 Watts, Magnum Inv/Chg&Solar
800 Lithium Battery
DaGirslRV Blog

Posted By: suprz on 07/21/17 02:59am

I am still leaning towards the roof coating from Superior RV roof coatings. When I factor in all the peripherals (2 bottles of activator/cleaner for the Dicor ) and the fact that it doesn't do well in ponding/standing water, and she stressed that it was a "acrylic coating" while the Superior roof product is a one part, and isnt susceptible to moisture even before it has set up, and you don't have to get the second coat on within hours of the first coat, along with other things I think are better. Makes the 40.00 difference in price a minor detail

* This post was edited 07/21/17 03:05am by suprz *

Posted By: Airstreamer67 on 07/22/17 03:09pm

I thought my TPO was waterproof and not susceptible to water seepage as long as it's not been cut etc. So, why the need for a general roof coating on it?

I know the Dicor sealant is compatible and effective on the roof seams which must be protected against water seepage. A periodic inspection can show if the Dicor on the seams is cracking, at which point a new coating can be applied to seal the cracks.

My 2006 trailer with TPO is still waterproof. I check it periodically visually on the outside and with a moisture meter on the inside. I've used no roof coating except the Dicor on the seams when needed.

Posted By: nmhuntr on 08/02/17 05:02pm

I had to actually remove a piece of my roofing to get in there and fix some water damage. I am now looking for a place to buy a smallpiece of TPO as well as the fleece backing. Does anyone have a source? Best materials sells the TPO by the foot but not the backing.

any help is appreciated
Thanks
Greg

2005 Fleetwood Pioneer ASV 180FK
2018 Ford F-150 3.5 EB 3.55s

Posted By: Lynnmor on 08/02/17 06:19pm

I know that some trailers with fleece backed TPO had problems with water wicking under and causing serious problems. For that reason, they no longer use the fleece. The fleece was attached to the TPO when it was produced.




Posted By: nmhuntr on 08/02/17 06:53pm

Lynnmor wrote:

I know that some trailers with fleece backed TPO had problems with water wicking under and causing serious problems. For that reason, they no longer use the fleece. The fleece was attached to the TPO when it was produced.


Good to hear. So I should be able to apply the TPO directly onto the plywood then?

Thanks

Posted By: Bobbo on 08/02/17 09:45pm

There is a reason that when we were shopping for RVs, one of the first questions I asked is "what is the roof made of?" If the answer was TPO, rubber or EPDM, I looked elsewhere. My first RV had fiberglass, my current one has aluminum.

Bobbo and Lin
2017 F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCab w/Max Tow Package 3.5l EcoBoost V6
2017 Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB

Posted By: Lynnmor on 08/03/17 07:54am

nmhuntr wrote:

Lynnmor wrote:

I know that some trailers with fleece backed TPO had problems with water wicking under and causing serious problems. For that reason, they no longer use the fleece. The fleece was attached to the TPO when it was produced.


Good to hear. So I should be able to apply the TPO directly onto the plywood then?

Thanks


That's the way it is done now. There are some videos available online, but my connection is bad right now so I can't direct you to a good one.

Posted By: John&Joey on 08/03/17 08:03am

If you really are on a mission, then standing water is key issue. On RV's that have developed leaks it seems like it's always in the location of standing water. Makes sense when you think about.

A coating that can not stand up to standing water is protecting the less likely area's to develop a leak.

Posted By: Airstreamer67 on 08/03/17 05:25pm

Whether or not the roof has an underlayment or backing material under the TPO is not the important factor. What is: keeping water from penetrating the TPO. Any water leak will cause destruction if not caught and corrected. This is universally true for any type of roofing material, whether it be TPO, rubber EPDM, aluminum, fiberglass or slate.

I bought my trailer 12 years ago with the TPO roof that has an underlayment material. I've had no problems with the roof after all these years of usage. All I do is make sure the Dicor sealant on the seams is good and has no cracks in it, and that's about it. The TPO material has proven to be very durable, reliable and completely waterproof. The underlayment has been no problem, and I "believe" it helps when hail bounces off the roof but that's a guess on my part. The roof was guaranteed for 10 years, and the life expectancy was said to be 20 years or perhaps more if it is not damaged by something such as tree limbs.

Again, the key is, keep that water out. If you don't, be prepared to pay.

Posted By: Bumpyroad on 08/04/17 04:56am

Airstreamer67 wrote:

Whether or not the roof has an underlayment or backing material under the TPO is not the important factor. What is: keeping water from penetrating the TPO. Any water leak will cause destruction if not caught and corrected. This is universally true for any type of roofing material, whether it be TPO, rubber EPDM, aluminum, fiberglass or slate.

I bought my trailer 12 years ago with the TPO roof that has an underlayment material. I've had no problems with the roof after all these years of usage. All I do is make sure the Dicor sealant on the seams is good and has no cracks in it, and that's about it. The TPO material has proven to be very durable, reliable and completely waterproof. The underlayment has been no problem, and I "believe" it helps when hail bounces off the roof but that's a guess on my part. The roof was guaranteed for 10 years, and the life expectancy was said to be 20 years or perhaps more if it is not damaged by something such as tree limbs.

Again, the key is, keep that water out. If you don't, be prepared to pay.


with no leaks, the underlayment material is no problem. with a tiny cut that can wick moisture in it is a potential problem.
bumpy

Posted By: nmhuntr on 08/04/17 06:24am

Airstreamer67 wrote:

Whether or not the roof has an underlayment or backing material under the TPO is not the important factor. What is: keeping water from penetrating the TPO. Any water leak will cause destruction if not caught and corrected. This is universally true for any type of roofing material, whether it be TPO, rubber EPDM, aluminum, fiberglass or slate.

I bought my trailer 12 years ago with the TPO roof that has an underlayment material. I've had no problems with the roof after all these years of usage. All I do is make sure the Dicor sealant on the seams is good and has no cracks in it, and that's about it. The TPO material has proven to be very durable, reliable and completely waterproof. The underlayment has been no problem, and I "believe" it helps when hail bounces off the roof but that's a guess on my part. The roof was guaranteed for 10 years, and the life expectancy was said to be 20 years or perhaps more if it is not damaged by something such as tree limbs.

Again, the key is, keep that water out. If you don't, be prepared to pay.


My roof is not in bad shape at all considering i have not messed with it in 3 years. My leak is due to sealing aroind the front edge/corner not working. It must have had a leak before I pirchased it and the PO used silicon to seal it. I piulled all of that off and used Dicor. Now that I see I have a TPO roof I realize I used the wrong Dicor. After replacing this section I will remove all the dicor, clean it well and seal all joints and edges again.

Thanks

Print  |  Close