What type of roofing material do I have?

[Cmccul]

I am trying to find out what type of roof I have. I have a 2015 26RLWS. Where do I find this info? I looked through my paperwork and couldn't find it.

[Riccochet]

If it's textured it's most likely Alpha, otherwise EPDM.

[Steeljag]

Our 2010 had the Rubber roof !

[saus]

When we bought our new 5er I had the same questions. It did not tell me in any of the paperwork. To know for sure, just go into the bathroom and remove the trim around the fan. Your roof material will be overlapped into the opening. All you have to do is look at the back side of the material. If it is black you have an EPDM roof. If it is all one color it will be TPO.

[5picker]

Here is what Alpha, the manufacturer of most TPO/Alpha-Ply roof material FR uses has to say in their FAQ...

"Do I have a rubber roof membrane?"

"Rubber roof (also known as “EPDM”) membranes are smooth. TPO and Alpha-Ply roof membranes have a haircel texture, which can be likened to an orange peel."

[benchmarks]

I used to work for a manufacture of these products. All new trailers are using thermoplastic polyolefin. It's been around for a little over 20 yrs, but has had many formulation changes. Regardless it is the most widely used single ply roofing membrane used for commercial building enclosures. Bottom line the raw material costs are cheaper, therefore the value engineering is used. The third generation product holds up well to grease and other chemicals. It is easy to repair any holes that may occur. Pressure sensitive tape is used or it can be heat welded. Any building supply distributor will have some. Carlisle, Firestone, JM all make it. Like any single ply just make sure to inspect sealant as it is a maintenance item that shrinks over time due to UV. What happened to EPDM you say? Well nothing it is still around but just the price per sqft is more. The sheet goes back to the late 70's. The true EPDM is black and has great elongation properties. The white sheet does not have as long if a track record. It is more in line with 20yrs. Carbon black is what makes it a good performer. The white has titanium dioxide in it to make it white. EPDM come reinforced and non-reinforced. You want the scrim in the sheet to give it greater puncture strength and tear resistance. In the trailers the non-reinforced is/was always used to keep costs down. Repair of it is a little more dependent on making sure the sheet is very clean prior to tape being used to repair, like a bike tire patch. It cannot be manipulated with heat as that will break it down. EPDM is not as chemical resistant as thermoplastics. Any grease or petroleum will cause a failure of the physical properties. Painting the rubber will prolong its life.

[Sglynn55]

Originally Posted by saus

When we bought our new 5er I had the same questions. It did not tell me in any of the paperwork. To know for sure, just go into the bathroom and remove the trim around the fan. Your roof material will be overlapped into the opening. All you have to do is look at the back side of the material. If it is black you have an EPDM roof. If it is all one color it will be TPO.

I tried your suggestion to determine my roof material on my new-to-me 2011 Sunseeker, but there is not material overlapping into the opening. I tried both the shower fan and a salon vent. Also screws were rusty and wood was moist. So does it matter? What kind of caulking should I use to try and seal it up for leaks? I have leaks everywhere. thanks

[benchmarks]

Originally Posted by Sglynn55

I tried your suggestion to determine my roof material on my new-to-me 2011 Sunseeker, but there is not material overlapping into the opening. I tried both the shower fan and a salon vent. Also screws were rusty and wood was moist. So does it matter? What kind of caulking should I use to try and seal it up for leaks? I have leaks everywhere. thanks

This is not correct. TPO also has a black underside. If it is white then it is a PVC. If the single-ply is black throughout THEN it is an EPDM.

[Sglynn55]

Originally Posted by benchmarks

This is not correct. TPO also has a black underside. If it is white then it is a PVC. If the single-ply is black throughout THEN it is an EPDM.

But where can I see it? It doesn't show in my vents.

[benchmarks]

Originally Posted by Sglynn55

I tried your suggestion to determine my roof material on my new-to-me 2011 Sunseeker, but there is not material overlapping into the opening. I tried both the shower fan and a salon vent. Also screws were rusty and wood was moist. So does it matter? What kind of caulking should I use to try and seal it up for leaks? I have leaks everywhere. thanks

Use Eternabond self-adhesive to redo seams. For a immediate "temporary sealant" then use a Dicor lap sealant of sort.