Choosing the best Roofing Material for your next project…!!!

Choosing the best RV roof material is a critical decision affecting the long term performance of the RV and its maintenance requirements. The two most popular options now days are EPDM and TPO roofing. Each material has its pros and cons which should be evaluated before making any final decision.

Chemical Composition:

EPDM or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is a specific type of synthetic rubber particularly designed for roofing. It is available in both sheet and liquid form. In liquid form when applied it creates a seamless membrane offering a flexible watertight seal whereas in sheet form it is dried out and cured and offers less flexibility but a slightly sturdier finish. TPO on the other hand is thermoplastic polyolefin single-ply roofing membrane. This roofing material can be attached by mechanical screws or adhesion with glue or other roofing adhesives.

Cost Comparison:

When it comes to cost, TPO roofing is on the highest side as TPO material is difficult to manufacture. Along with that TPO roofing requires additional products like sealants and the fiber reinforcements which increase the cost of the roofing material itself. EPDM roofing is more budget friendly and in liquid form it is even easy to install which saves both material and labor costs.

Installation and Maintenance:

Installing TPO roofing is expensive because it requires certain set of specialized tools and professional labor to complete the work. On the other hand, EPDM can be installed by an average person. EPDM Liquid Rubber the liquid version of the product is even much easier to install and it has become a popular choice among DIYers.

Rubber roofs when properly installed do not require much maintenance and with simple cleaning and care can last longer with minimal or no need for repairs. TPO roofing requires regular resealing for continuous protection. The seams on TPO roofing have no other protectant or adhesive like they do on a rubber roof, and therefore rely solely on the protection of a sealant. Applying and reapplying this product over the period of time will result in premature deterioration and damage.

To conclude:

When making your decision, consider factors such as cost, longevity, durability, maintenance, ease of installation. For most RV roofing projects, a TPO membrane is going to cost you more than an equivalent EPDM membrane. For that reason, EPDM roofs are tends to be more economical. An EPDM membrane will also perform better than TPO in colder climates.

Interested in learning more about EPDM visit, https://www.epdmcoatings.com/epdm.php and to make the best roofing decision for your RV visit, https://www.epdmcoatings.com/blogs/2019/10/tpo-vs-epdm-roofing-for-rvs-which-is-the-best-rv-roof-material/