rubber vs fiberglass roof

capt mav · 10-29-2009, 03:10 PM

I recently had the fiberglass roof of my 2000 journey ripped off in a windstorm. The dealer is pressing me to go with a rubber roof as a replacement vice the orig one piece fiberglass roof.... Which is better?
I have no idea? THanks for the help everyone.

Route 66 · 10-29-2009, 04:09 PM

If it's really rubber, then it's not the best choice.

I believe rubber has been replaced by Brite Tek, a superior product.

I still prefer fiberglass, but Brite Tek is a quality roof.

Always-RVing · 10-29-2009, 04:51 PM

I've heard the best to worst is:
(1) Fiberglass
(2) TPO
(3) Rubber

hardy1000 · 10-29-2009, 05:09 PM

Fiberglass, in my opinion is far superior.

bellsharbor · 10-29-2009, 06:10 PM

You didn't say if this is an insurance replacement. Either way, I think fiberglass is much superior. Winnebago has never used a rubber roof, that I know of and I sure wouldn't want one--if I had a choice. Good luck--

capt mav · 10-29-2009, 09:44 PM

Im being told an entire 1 piece fiberglass roof may be too hard to ship down here to Corpus Christi TX??? Has anyone had any experience with replacing an entire fiberglass roof? This is a nightmare....

Keith K · 10-29-2009, 10:37 PM

There's a reason that synthetic rubber (EPDM) is not used on better-quality motorhomes. I've owned three 5th wheels with EPDM roofs and they were a pain. While they're durable enough, they discolor and require cleaning at least twice a year. You have to scrub the roof with a stiff brush to break up the oxidation-like crud that forms. Don't confuse EPDM with Brite-tek. EDPM is cheaper and easier to put on than fiberglass, that's why your dealer wants to do it. I'd pay extra if necessary for the fiberglass.

GDub · 10-29-2009, 11:29 PM

I wouldn't go back to a rubber roof. I'd rather have a fiberglass roof with seems than rubber. I had an Itasca with an aluminum roof that was great. maybe that would work? That was an 82 Sunflyer I believe.

becks · 10-30-2009, 09:26 AM

One more vote for fiberglass only. Have had both, but will have nothing but fiberglass going forward.

LHyzer · 10-30-2009, 10:02 AM

I prefer fiberglass as well.

69RoadRunner · 10-30-2009, 10:05 AM

Insist on a direct replacement with fiberglass. Push it hard and don't take NO for an answer.

If you still fail to get the fiberglass due to shipping problems, get Brite Tek (in writing).

Easyrider · 10-30-2009, 11:19 AM

I'd go with fiberglass, I've had both and the rubber is a pain to maintain. I really don't see why the fiberglass would be hard to ship, it's a thin sheet that I would think could be rolled into a tube easily and shipped that way. If your repair man is telling you differently I would check with someone else just to be sure.

hardy1000 · 10-30-2009, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easyrider

I'd go with fiberglass, I've had both and the rubber is a pain to maintain. I really don't see why the fiberglass would be hard to ship, it's a thin sheet that I would think could be rolled into a tube easily and shipped that way. If your repair man is telling you differently I would check with someone else just to be sure.

Can you take a road trip to pick it up and have it installed without shipping it or do you have a dealer there that could recieve it and install it for you. I hope its not in Denver.

Good luck, I know it is a pain but I'm sure you will be happy with the results.

davebw31 · 10-30-2009, 12:49 PM

FIBERGLASS ! I have previously owned a TT and a 5th wheet with EPDM roof. Never again! I purposely bought my NRV because of the fiberglass roof , plus other features I liked, and because it was in my price range. Twice a year, scub/clean roof, let dry, then using a roller , treat with $37 a gallon conditioner (X2). Because the residue from the deteroation of the EPDM material it would stain the sides of the RV and I would have to wash the whole RV each time (more work, no play) !

Now I just wash the RV as I should with no streaking!

Cousin Ed · 10-30-2009, 01:31 PM

We were just at the factory and I remember the rolls of fiberglass roofing.... you need another dealer!

rvten · 10-30-2009, 04:13 PM

One more vote to stay with Fiberglass roof. I had 2 with rubber by Fleetwood. Metal on an old Alegro.

ChiefJohn · 01-09-2010, 08:07 AM

We've had both and will never go back to a 'soft roof'. Fiberglass is much easier to take care of and, IMO, looks better as it weathers/ages.

robbstein · 01-09-2010, 08:59 AM

We had a problem with our 2000 Itasca Horizon (the first year they came out). Got caught in wind on I-10 strong enough to tear the roof from under the front cap over the driver's side for about 20 feet. My dealer was able to fix it with a partial replacement and then they put a metal strip down along the top - well screwed in - to make sure it didn't happen again.

Even with that problem, I would never go back to a rubber roof. As stated above, the fiberglass is much more durable and easier to maintain.

mrschwarz · 01-09-2010, 09:05 AM

Y'all forgot to mention how quiet fiberglass roofs are in a rainstorm!

Route 66 · 01-09-2010, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Y'all forgot to mention how quiet fiberglass roofs are in a rainstorm!

My MH must have good insulation as I can barely hear rain on the fiberglass roof.

Rain falling on the vent covers makes far more noise.