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Sky Pilot · 06-18-2016, 01:58 PM

Anyone know what type of Membrane is used on 2009 Monaco ? It is a RipTide model?

And where the membrane curls over the sides to the wall, is it common to have air bubbles just above the trim molding covering the seam between the roof and the exterior wall? No air bubbles anywhere else but pretty consistently along both sides. No leaking or issues, I am aware of. I assume it is from heat? And anything to worry about?

What is the normal life of these roofs if keep outside and cleaned once a year and retreated when necessary? And what if kept inside, do they require any treatment other than a periodic inspection to make sure all caulking, seams etc appear sound? And if one does go bad, what is ballpark cost to replace? Coach is just under 34ft and the membrane maybe covers 30 ft of roof, the rest is fiberglass.

Lastly, Is there any advantage to a membrane roof over fiberglass roof? Both the front and rear of the roof are fiberglass as well as the curved sides down to the wall, the membrane goes over the fiberglass sides and under the fiberglass front and over the fiberglass back.

Thanks,

Scott

jelag · 06-18-2016, 11:03 PM

The roof membrane is held down with a thin film of adhesive that mostly stays soft/fluid and will allow the membrane to move some and later peel off if needed for repair/replacement... I have 2 thoughts... 1 - when they applied the adhesive they skipped a spot or two... or 2 - the adhesive dried and set before the roof membrane was applied...

I see two choice.. pull the rail on the side of the coach... pull back the membrane until the bubbles are exposed... apply some fresh adhesive... roll down with a roller and pull the membrane back down and attach the railing... leave the bubble and watch it... knowing you'll have to deal with it if it gets bigger... have you ever driven down the road and see a vehicle in the other direction with a bubble the size of a beach ball from the air pulling the membrane up? you could put a pin hole in the bubble... let the air out... apply adhesive... roll down... and than put a large drop (size of 50 cent piece) of self leveling non-setting adhesive... like what is used around the vents, AC and other items that go through the membrane...

Hope this helps.... jim

justimagination · 06-18-2016, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sky Pilot

Anyone know what type of Membrane is used on 2009 Monaco ? It is a RipTide model?

And where the membrane curls over the sides to the wall, is it common to have air bubbles just above the trim molding covering the seam between the roof and the exterior wall? No air bubbles anywhere else but pretty consistently along both sides. No leaking or issues, I am aware of. I assume it is from heat? And anything to worry about?

What is the normal life of these roofs if keep outside and cleaned once a year and retreated when necessary? And what if kept inside, do they require any treatment other than a periodic inspection to make sure all caulking, seams etc appear sound? And if one does go bad, what is ballpark cost to replace? Coach is just under 34ft and the membrane maybe covers 30 ft of roof, the rest is fiberglass.

Lastly, Is there any advantage to a membrane roof over fiberglass roof? Both the front and rear of the roof are fiberglass as well as the curved sides down to the wall, the membrane goes over the fiberglass sides and under the fiberglass front and over the fiberglass back.

Thanks,

Scott

I'll try to give you my opinion, it absolutely the worst thing the RV Mfgs. ever did to save a few dollars. It would be perfect if there were NO HOLES in the roof such as AC/VENTS/ANTENNA/FRIDGE HOOD/PLUMBING VENT PIPES/SUN LIGHTS as so on. Comparison, when Auto Mfgs. started adding T-TOPS/SUNROOFS, they had a problem, WATER INTRUSION. The majority of bubbles under the roof skin is caused by water. My local RV Dealer gave me a price of $5,000.00 to replace the Rubber roof, I declined. Worst enemy is HEAT which causes dry rot, just like a Vinyl Top on Cars of 70's/80's, their no longer used. JMHO AND GOOD LUCK.
David g.

Gary RVRoamer · 06-19-2016, 10:59 AM

RV roofs are indeed full of holes, and that's where the water gets in, not through the membrane/covering itself. EPDM rubber or TPO membranes are a bit more susceptible to wear & tear than fiberglass of metal, but really no different at all with respect to caulking openings and the seams. All these roofs have seams where they meet the sidewalls and front & rear caps, and they all have potential leaks where stuff pokes through the roof.

The biggest drawback to EPDM rubber membrane is that it chalks after a year or two, making amessy run-off that streaks. Harder to clean too. TPO, fiberglass and metal are all superior in those regards.

Gordon Dewald · 06-19-2016, 11:55 AM

When we got the 5er there were several bubbles. Wanted the manufacturer to replace, dealer was onside. However manufacturer was not concerned. Said mark the edges of the bubbles and if they got bigger replacement would be in order. Marked the bubbles with permanent marker. 10 years later the marker has pretty much disappeared but bubbles have not increased in size.

Many reasons for bubbles to be there. Could be too much or not enough adhesive. Adhesive may not have been left to cure long enough before membrane was placed. Or the roof may not have been cleaned well enough before placement. If they are not growing there is likely no problem.