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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> RV Maintenance and Technical Tips -> Roofs: Lifespans & warranties, Fiberglass versus Rubber
Post Info TOPIC: Roofs: Lifespans & warranties, Fiberglass versus Rubber
Openmind


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Roofs: Lifespans & warranties, Fiberglass versus Rubber
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We're being offered a new DRV Mobile Suite with a upgraded Fiberglass roof.  I'm told all the dealers in the desert offer Fiberglass roofs.  The standard roof on Mobile Suite is 1 piece/Rubber.  Here's the oddity: the Warranty on Rubber roofs is 10 years, on fiberglass it's only one but the fiberglass is $3,000 more expensive.

According to the information I've been given, the Rubber roof mfg. offers a 10 yr. warranty to generate more sales.  The Fiberglass roof companies think they have a better product so they don't offer a longer warranty.

Do you think the Fiberglass roof with a shorter warranty is the better deal than the Rubber roof with longer warranty?  

If the Fiberglass roof is the better choice is that something that I should get an extended warranty to cover?

 

Smiles,

Openmind

 

 

 

 

 



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Rickl


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While this is a little different, but related. Has anyone had both roofs? I don't know if there is a difference, but I'm wondering about the noise level when it rains heavy or hails. Does the rubber roof absorb more of the sound then a fiberglass roof?

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Glenn West


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Rubber roofs streak camper. Fiberglass don't. Now Poly roofs don't caulk so they don't cause streaks. Rubber roofs easy and cheap to repair. Fiberglass not. I am a very busy person and can't wash roof every 2 or 3 months needed to prevent streaking.

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2003 Teton Grand Freedon  2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 SOLD     2006 Freightliner Century 120 with Detroit 14L singled, ultrashift,  hauling a 2016 Smart Passion
Glenn West


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Rv armor is another choice. Mine will be getting it to stop steaking.

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2003 Teton Grand Freedon  2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 SOLD     2006 Freightliner Century 120 with Detroit 14L singled, ultrashift,  hauling a 2016 Smart Passion
igotjam


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Had both. Glas on DRV Elite (2007) for 4 years, rubber on KZ Escalade (2011) for 5 years. IMO go rubber. Glas might work for motorhomes with little frame flex but on a 5er there is too much frame flex. On my DRV the frame flex pulled apart the glas seams (often) and created leaks. The glas also cracked and had to be repaired (3 times but warranty). No matter which you get be prepared to recaulk often. I have never had it but the roof the Payne's have seems like the way to go.

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Glenn West


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Please share what the Payne's have.

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2003 Teton Grand Freedon  2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 SOLD     2006 Freightliner Century 120 with Detroit 14L singled, ultrashift,  hauling a 2016 Smart Passion
igotjam


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Howard & Linda have some type of spray on material. When they had it done Howard did a big write up on it...never recaulk again. There must be info on this website somewhere but I don't know off hand how to get to it.

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FamilyOf5


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Here is Howard's article about his roof:

www.rv-dreams-journal.com/2014/03/rvroofcom-final-touches-green-cove-springs-florida.html

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Clay L


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One year on fiberglass seems odd to me.Winnebago offers 10 years on their fiberglass roofs

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The Bear II


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Our epdm (rubber) roof is 20 plus years old. It has seen the sun everyday since it began life. Most of the time it has been in Southern California by the coast or desert near Palm Springs.

About 5 years ago I had to re-chaulk the roof and 3 years ago had a two step coating put on it. It looks like brand new.

The streaks aren't too difficult to get rid of.

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Openmind


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Thank you for your reply.

Openmind



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Openmind
Openmind


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Thank you to all who have replied to my question.

I'm grateful.

Openmind

 

 



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Glenn West


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The Bear II wrote:

Our epdm (rubber) roof is 20 plus years old. It has seen the sun everyday since it began life. Most of the time it has been in Southern California by the coast or desert near Palm Springs.

About 5 years ago I had to re-chaulk the roof and 3 years ago had a two step coating put on it. It looks like brand new.

The streaks aren't too difficult to get rid of.

 Ours is about 3 years old and would love for you to get the streaks off. I can't.



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2003 Teton Grand Freedon  2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 SOLD     2006 Freightliner Century 120 with Detroit 14L singled, ultrashift,  hauling a 2016 Smart Passion
The Bear II


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I use a soft cleanser (Bar Keepers Friend)

It easily gets rid of the white and black streak without damage to the gel coat.

I get the sidewall wet. Rub a small amount of the cleanser over the streaks, let it set for a few minutes and then go back over it with a wet sponge and more cleanser if needed.

For really tough spots I will use a sloppy wet scotchpad with the cleanser.



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"Small House, Big Yard "

"May the FOREST be with you"
Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe
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