Are you trying to improve your RV or do some basic maintenance? Then, knowing the difference between a TPO vs Fiberglass RV Roof can help you choose the ideal roofing that goes well with your RV.
RV roofing has it tough with different weather conditions while we are on the road. So, it’s important to choose something durable that doesn’t wear out easily. One great difference lies in the price, with TPO being cheaper.
If you’re on a budget, then pricing must be considered. But there’s a lot more to think about. Check them here.
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TPO Vs. Fiberglass RV Roof: The Difference
The pricing is generally the first thing everyone wants to know. And you’ll be shocked at how much of a difference there is! TPO costs between $5 and $16 per square meter, whereas fiberglass costs between $90-$115 per square meter.
That is over 9 times the TPO average. As a result, fiberglass may not be the best option for you if you are on a tight budget.
Maintenance and durability are some of the many factors in choosing what to buy. People may wonder why fiberglass is so expensive, and the answer is the lack of maintenance required.
RV roof repair is uncommon with fiberglass roofs since if the job is done correctly the first time, fiberglass shingles will survive for up to 30 years or 50 years. TPO, on the other hand, can endure up to 20 years if properly maintained.
There are differences in terms of quality between TPO and Fiberglass. Fiberglass is resistant to extreme weather conditions and has a good finish, while TPO is weather-resistant depending on the manufacturer. TPO thickness does not usually imply greater durability because the material still wears out progressively.
Why Go for TPO RV Roof
For those who want to try out TPO for their RV roofing material, check out Lottes’ TPO White RV Rubber Roofing Kit, a good starting kit that guarantees easy roofing installation for those who prefer TPO.
TPO, or also known as Thermoplastic Polyolefin slating material, is a new craze in the RV world that has quickly gained popularity and even overpowered PVC roofing.
Its fame stems from its low cost and clean white color. TPO has an elastic membrane, which can be bought from any industry-experienced manufacturer like a Thor TPO roof.
Because TPO comes in huge sheets, it’s easy to buy one that perfectly fits the topmost of your RV and connect it to the upper RV area with industrial-grade adhesives or heavyweight screws.
TPO is a durable choice for roofing our RV since it resists mold development and doesn’t allow grime to accumulate. It can withstand the most severe hits with no puncturing results.
Roofs leak because of thermal growth and shrinkage as you travel through different regions. However, did you know that strengthened TPO can deal with these occurrences?
Furthermore, because TPO is UV-resistant, it is ideal for taking a trip to a more humid destination. It also helps that it is white. TPO keeps your RV cooler since the white shade reflects hotness, allowing the RV to cool quicker.
It’s also possible to customize the color of your roof with TPO because it comes in practically any shade.
Besides that, TPO is recognized for its energy efficiency because it retains the heat and cold longer than other materials. This saves you a significant amount of energy in air heating and conditioning.
TPO installation costs are much lower due to its lightness, and only one piece is needed to shelter the whole RV.
The Downsides of TPO RV Roof
Unfortunately, there is inconsistency in the quality of various products. You may buy the same thing at the same price from two different producers and get two quite different items in terms of quality. Simply, the quality of the TPO RV Roof is inconsistent.
Another downside of using TPO for a roof is that the thickness of the material might fluctuate. Because of the variety in thicknesses, some people believe that thicker products will last longer.
Regardless of depth, the TPO material wears down and degrades at the same rate. A laminate cover is also required for thermoplastic polyolefin. If it does not have this cover, weakness and cracks can quickly appear in the roofing material.
Because the TPO rubber rolls are rather narrow in width, more seams will contract and expand, causing cracks and leaks in the roof and possibly allowing water to enter.
Why Go for a Fiberglass RV Roof
Fiberglass is a roofing fabric that maintains the smooth running of our motorhome. It also makes it leak-free. Glass fiber, which is known for being a favorable material for generations, is used to make fiberglass.
Fiberglass was originally glass wool with threads that entrapped lots of gas, allowing it to be utilized as a heat-proofing object under severe temperatures.
The strengthening of numerous fiberglass layers creates a robust structure that is both more expensive and heftier than other rubber-based roofing components such as EPDM and TPO.
However, fiberglass outperforms rubber roofs every time in terms of longevity, strength, and the requirement for care.
You can overlook your glass fiber roof soon after installation because it does not require frequent repairs and maintains good RV insulation, ensuring hotness in the winter and freshness in summer.
Furthermore, fiberglass inflates and contracts with the environment, letting us travel to various climate regions around the country without fretting about wear and tear issues.
A Few Setbacks of a Fiberglass RV Roof
One of the few setbacks a fiberglass RV roof has is that it is costly to repair a damaged fiberglass roof. It is frequently cheaper to replace sections than to fix them, and the time estimate quickly increases in this case.
Another important setback of using fiberglass as a roof is that it is not heat-resistant. When exposed to extreme heat, fiberglass will create thermal splits, requiring quick repair.
Is It Good to Consider Other Options
If you love something rugged, then TPO might not be a favorable option. Manufacturers are still experimenting with TPO material to boost its durability. The improvement might hit the market in the near future, but while waiting, it won’t hurt to consider other options, too.
To know more about other options, you can watch this video.
Conclusion
That’s everything you need to know about TPO vs Fiberglass RV Roof. So, carefully assess and weigh out which material suits your RV better. In choosing, you must always consider the cost, durability, and quality.
- Both TPO and Fiberglass have different upsides and downsides. People consider fiberglass to be superior to TPO, but it is more expensive for most people.
- Fiberglass is known for its longevity and strength. It also requires less maintenance than TPO.
Read more: TPO vs EPDM RV roof: which is better?
Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.