RVJimofOregon
Central Oregon Coast
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Joined: 09/13/2003
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I am confused on EPDM and TPO roofs. This is the questions I have.
1. How to tell the difference (my owner manuals does not address the kind of roof).
2. Which one is better?
3. It looks like most sealers and products can be used for both, is the true or should I be very careful checking out the products?
4. Anything else I need t know or web sites that might give me some help.
I have a 2000 Fleetwood Discovery 36T MH.
Thanks
RV Jim
Jim & Joyce
Central Oregon Coast
No RV at this time but looking!
Treat the earth well, It was not given to you by your parents,“It was loaned to you by your children”
Indian proverb
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1492
Washington, DC
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Joined: 04/08/2005
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You might want to take a look at Alpha Systems website, one manufacturer of both EPDM and TPO roofs. 
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50pascals
rochester, ny
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Joined: 01/10/2008
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TPO is a soft plastic. It is usually a pebbled texture and shiny, and feels hard.
EPDM is dull white, soft and rubbery. You can squish it around with your fingers.
Some chemicals are not interchangeable.
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2oldman
Winchester WA
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google
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fordsooperdooty
Southern California
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Per the Canadian National Research Counsil...here is the bottom line between TPO and EPDM roofing materials. TPO is the newest of the two.
In general, TPO membranes are being marketed as a product that combines the properties of EPDM and PVC, without the associated drawbacks that the latter two materials have. In other words, they are supposed to be as UV-resistant and as heat-resistant as EPDM, and as heat-weldable as PVC.
The following benefits and characteristics have been reported for TPOs:
environmentally friendly and recyclable
seams can be heat welded
available in many colours
resistant to heat and UV degradation
resistant to many chemicals
good cold-temperature flexibility
no external plasticizers added.
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen. 
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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Keep in mind Alpha Systems EPDM roofs are not the same thing as most of us call EPDM. You can not used Liquid Rubber/Liquid Roof (same products but different market channel/pricing) with the Alpha Systems EPDM per their website.
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Troubleshooter
Anchorage, AK
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Joined: 05/02/2002
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RVJim,
IIRC, Fleetwood started using the Alpha TPO roof covering on their Discoveries with their 2001.5 models. Prior to that, the covering used was a EPDM rubber product.
One Old Fellow's Opinion
Bill
2002 Discovery 3126E CAT
2004 Saturn VUE
Mountain Master Tow Brake
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eadeal55
Suffolk VA
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I have the EPDM on my Bounder. Warranty card from Alpha Systems says I don't need any of the after market sealers, I only need to clean it once or twice a year with a mild abrasive cleaner, like Comet. I usually get up on the roof in March, give it a good scrub, check the end caps and protrusions to ensure I don't have any cranks in the seam sealer, fill in any cracks with the Alpha leveling seam sealer, and off I go. So far so good...
Andy & Lee, plus Ruby & Bella, the Cocker Spaniel girls
'05 Fleetwood Bounder 33R, F53 w/6.8L V10...towing a
'07 Chevy HHR LT2 w/2.4L EcoTec,
Blue Ox Aventa LX, Brake Buddy Classic
FMCA #F359977 - Colonial Virginians
FCRV #733452 - Tidewater Wheels
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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TPO is better, EPDM is dreadful.
bumpy
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loedman1
Napa, Ca.
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Joined: 06/12/2006
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Bumpyroad wrote:TPO is better, EPDM is dreadful.
bumpy
Please elaborate .....
My 11 year old roof awaits your reply.
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