Roof material

[curlida]

When we bought our new 2016 3711FL I asked if it is a rubber roof,he told me no, it is EPDM,can anyone tell me what that is? Also what is the sealant they use around the vents,AC etc. thanks

[1retired06]

EPDM is a rubber roofing material, as opposed to a vinyl type roofing material some manufacturers use. For Sealant on the roof I use DICOR self lapping.

[jfaberna]

From the associations website:
EPDM is an extremely durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer)

[curlida]

Any special care needed,thanks for the info.

[1retired06]

Wash occasionally, don't use any products harmful to rubber roofs.

[bruiser]

EPDM is essentially the same material used in the manufacturing of tire tubes. When tubeless tires became popular the manufacturing plants were running out of work. Some smart person deduced that if EPDM could hold air it should also be able to keep water out. The plants were then modified to make large sheets of EPDM for roofing. Minor changes were made to enhance characteristics like UV protection. EPDM is now one of the most popular choices for large commercial buildings because of its lower cost and ease of installation. It also works very well on RV roofs. Some popular brands are Goodyear, BF Goodrich and Dunlop. Do not use any sealants which are fossil fuel based (ie Roofing tar) as they will react negatively with the EPDM.

[Rondo]

While at the Fall Rally over the last several years we have had the company come in that provides the EPDM roofing material to Keystone. They told us to wash it occasionally as has been brought up here already but they also told us to use the "blue" Dawn dish soap to do it and not to use any soap that has a scent to it, such as orange and floral. If you use that type of soap you can possibly attract birds and other animals that will peck or dig into the roofing thinking it is fruit or whatever.

[Thomas 3160]

In a 2016 unit you have TPO roofing material factory still uses dicor around vents,etc.

[dieselguy]

Here's a handy little 2 page on how to determine what roofing you have. http://www.dicorproducts.com/ultrase...very_Guide.pdf

[ronenz]

Exactly the reason why I enjoy this web page. Great response and accurate information. I will be checking my vent to see what roof material I have. I was going to buy some Lap sealant soon, and had I not come across this I might have bought the wrong sealant, now I know exactly what I need to look for and buy

Thanks!

[mjammersc]

It also depends when in 2016 you got the unit as they switched to TPO during the year. My 2016 has a full EPDM roof

[JandC]

My 2014 Montana had a EPDM roof and the vents were sealed with a Dicor sealant I believe. If you do some research on the differences between EPDM roofs and TPO (thermoplastic olefin) roofs you will find that EPDM needs to be cleaned during the year. With TPO the only reason the manufacturer suggests you ever clean it is to keep the sides of your RV from getting dirty.

My MH has a TPO. Upon examining the material at a factory tour recently it felt pretty thick. I suspect they glue it down the same and it is all one huge sheet that gets rolled onto the roof just like for a Montana. The only real difference I noticed was that there were no wrinkles and you had to look really close to see that it was not a fiberglass roof.

[barryn]

When it is time to repair the roof, we are going with FLEX ARMOR an then with all decals removed, FULL BODY PAINT. We decided the money we would loss on trade in; would be better spent to improve the one we have. No more upgrading, we are on number 2 Montana and it is not getting any better. I will build on to what we have. Electric EZ valves for all tanks controlled from inside RV; carrier all mount NOT a dam cheap a.. HITCH; air tank with auto reel, generator with fuel tank, 4 step, solid step from Lippert, High end FLEX STEEL furniture, smart TV... and what ever else we can think of....Tempur-Pedic mattress with head lift from Lippert... and on. Travel light and be safe. we Travel empty anyway.

[CDrevant]

I have a 2021 3760FL. Any idea if it was built with EPDM or TPO?

[twindman]

I have a 2013 Mountaineer. The roof is getting very much like rough rubber that almost flakes up when rubbed. And on one side about every 6-12 inches is a line running pretty much 6 or 8 inches where the flashing is underneath. These lines are about every foot or so. Some of these lines are actually going thru the roof material and showing the metal underneath. So I am getting a spray on roof Oct. 5th. About $7000. My dealer said a full roof is $14000. He also said the warranty is 10 or 12 years, but you must provide proof you properly maintained it. i.e. treated it annually and/or washed it. And if you do it yourself, you have to provide receipts for the Dicor treatment stuff. So basically the warranty is worthless.

[Daryles]

This flyer was passed out at the 2019 rally.

[twindman]

They don't mention how you prove you maintained it 3 or 4 times a year. I would get more details.