In this post, we’re talking about the different kinds of “rubber roof” material used in RVs. From EPDM to TPO to PVC, rubber RV roofing is very common on a wide range of rigs, so it’s important to understand. There’s quite a bit of confusion around the different types of rubber roof material, so we’ll try to clear things up in this post.
If your rig has an EPDM, TPO, or PVC RV roof (or any type of “rubber” roof material), it’s important to know how to care for it. Routine inspections and maintenance keep your roof’s integrity strong and performing as it should over time. Exposure to UV rays from the sun, harsh weather, and impact with tree branches can take their toll.
It’s also important to know that different types of roofs require different types of products like lap sealant, RV roof coating, and even cleaning solutions. So, let’s get into this important topic for anyone with an RV with a roof made of synthetic rubber material.
What Is an EPDM RV Roof?
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a flexible rubber-like membrane typically used on flat roofs. One of the most frequently used RV roofing materials, it’s often made from recycled materials like tires, sawdust, and slate dust. EPDM roofing is available in sheet and liquid form. The liquid form dries to a semi-solid finish, providing a flexible, watertight seal.
EPDM sheets are dried and cured, so they offer less flexibility, but the finish is slightly sturdier. This material is sometimes black, although many liquid EPDM products dry to a white finish, which offers better heat rejection.
Pros of EPDM
An EPDM roof is lightweight and easy to install, and repair. The material is resistant to scratches, scuffs, and dents. It can also resist leaks since it’s manufactured in large, continuous rolls with fewer seams. EPDM is an affordable roofing option and can easily last up to 25 years, or longer if properly maintained.
Cons of EPDM
Although EPDM is damage-resistant, it’s not damage-proof, especially when it comes to punctures. A tree branch, for example, can easily poke a hole in the material. Punctures require immediate repair to prevent water penetration.
Also, the outer surface of an EPDM roof is typically very smooth, which means it’s likely to be slippery when wet. So you’ll need to use extra caution when walking up there (see more on this in our post, “Can I Walk On My RV Roof?“).
EPDM is also prone to leaving white or black streaks down the side of your RV. This mostly occurs as a result of the slight “shedding” that occurs as a protective mechanism against UV damage. Keeping your RV’s roof nice and clean can help reduce streaking.
Again, some EPDM roofing is black (really more like slate gray). Not only does black/dark gray roofing transmit more heat, making it harder to cool your rig, but it’s also more prone to worse black streaks. White EPDM roofing is preferable in terms of both energy efficiency and minimizing black streaks.
How to Care For an EPDM RV Roof
Keeping your EPDM roof clean is an integral part of ensuring a long life. Depending on how much you use your RV, you’ll want to clean and condition it at least once a year. Ideally, washing and conditioning the roof every 3-6 months is even better.
Start by gently sweeping loose debris off the roof. Then wet the roof and wash it with a gentle, rubber-safe cleaner (avoid petroleum distillates or citrus cleaners as they can damage the membrane).
- Safe for use on all synthetic and natural rubber surfaces
- Deep cleans, conditions and protects in just one application
If you don’t want to use a dedicated product to clean your roof, a popular choice is to use the same type of car wash soap typically used to wash the entire RV. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to avoid damaging the membrane.
- Washes and conditions in one step
- Rich, luxurious suds
- RUBBER BUMPER: Prevents damage or dings to surface
- SAFE ON ALL SURFACES: Pole/Rod not included
- Smooth composite fiberglass handle with anodized aluminum slider
- Heavy-duty, external quick locking device
You can extend the life of your EPDM roof by using a protectant designed to keep it pliable, reduce UV damage, and preserve the material. Once the roof is clean, apply a protectant, following the directions accordingly. (You can find more information in our post on RV rubber roof protectants.)
- Reducing Powdery Roof Chalk: Protect All Rubber Roof Treatment coats the roof in a tough polymer with anti-static properties, preventing grime from...
- Less Maintenance of the RV Roof: Reduces maintenance up to 75% - More protection, less cleaning required.
You can walk on your EPDM roof when necessary, but only in soft-soled shoes. Again, it will be slippery when wet, so be extremely careful up there.
If your EPDM roof should tear, specialized sealing tapes like Eternabond are usually the best choice to repair it.
- MULTI-USE: Perfect for use on metal buildings, trailer/RV roofs and sides, drain pans, drain pipes, boats, canoes. bonds to a wide range of surfaces...
- NO ADDITIONAL SEALING REQUIRED: Aluminum backing, combined with a layer of advanced MicroSealant, creates a waterproof, moisture, and air tight...
There are also RV roof patch kits available but those may require additional sealant. Finally, keep an eye on any joints/seams in your roof since a failed seal is a common cause of rubber roof leaks.
What Is a TPO RV Roof?
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin / Thermoplastic Olefin) is another common type of “rubber” membrane that has been a popular RV roofing material since the 1990s. In fact, it’s among the most common RV roofing materials used on RVs. Between TPO and EPDM, TPO is probably the first choice for manufacturers these days.
TPO is a single-ply membrane that’s both UV-resistant and affordable, with heat-welded seams. But, like EPDM, it should be repaired at the first signs of a puncture or tear to prevent water penetration into the RV.
Pros of TPO
TPO roofs are durable and resistant to mold, help prevent dirt from accumulating, and are more difficult to damage by impact and punctures than EPDM. Again, they also include UV protection to prevent deterioration from sun exposure.
TPO membrane is less slippery than EPDM due to its “orange peel” texture, making it safer to walk on your RV’s roof when it’s wet. It’s also less prone to causing the white/black streaks down the side of your RV since it doesn’t “shed” or “chalk” the way that EPDM does.
Cons of TPO
A TPO RV roof won’t last quite as long as EPDM due to the breakdown of its chemical makeup from exposure to the elements. But it should still last 15-20 years with proper roof inspection, care, and maintenance.
While less susceptible to punctures, TPO roofs may show divots from anything that impacts the roof (hail, branches, etc). Severe enough divots can potentially leave permanent damage on the surface of the material.
How to Care for a TPO RV Roof
Maintenance and repair of a TPO roof is virtually identical to that of EPDM (see above) and involves regular cleaning and protecting to keep it in tip-top shape. Check out our post on how to clean a rubber roof on an RV for more details.
You’re also able to walk on a TPO roof, but light traffic in soft-soled shoes is recommended to avoid causing unnecessary wear or damage.
Here’s a video about the choice between EPDM and TPO RV roofs:
What Is a PVC RV Roof?
PVC roof membrane is the latest option for a single-ply roofing solution. Often used in commercial roofing, PVC roofing material is made from a lower percentage of oil and petroleum than either TPO or EPDM rubber roofing, and is a good choice for use on flat and near-flat roofs (like on RVs).
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It’s a particularly strong and stable material, and the seams can be heat-welded (which allows the PVC roofing material to expand and contract as needed, while still maintaining adhesion to the substrate). It can also be sealed with solvent welding and attached with adhesives.
Pros of PVC
PVC is a good choice for use in roofing applications because it’s both strong and durable, lasting 20 years or more. It also has great puncture resistance, meaning that you’re less likely to spend time repairing holes in your RV’s roof (PVC tends to be less susceptible to punctures than either EPDM or TPO).
PVC roofs are also a good choice for RV roofs because they generally don’t chalk or cause streaks and spots (which is a problem with some of the other RV roofing materials). PVC is also recyclable (which helps save it from ending up in a landfill) and is also energy-efficient due to its excellent solar reflectivity, which helps to keep your RV cooler in hot, sunny weather.
Of course, regular maintenance is still essential for a PVC RV roof. You’ll still need to perform routine inspections of any self-leveling lap sealant and/or Eternabond tape to ensure there’s no cracking that needs attention.
Cons of PVC
PVC roofing typically costs more per square foot than other rubber roof materials like EPDM or TPO. However, because of the toughness and overall durability of PVC, that initial cost difference becomes less important when spread over a longer predicted lifespan.
PVC roofing also has an issue in very cold climates. When it gets too cold (-58°F / -50°C), PVC can become brittle, cracking or even shattering if you walk on it when the temperature is too low. We don’t expect that this would be an issue for most RVers, but we thought we’d mention it for anyone planning an Arctic Expedition. 😉
How to Care for a PVC Roof
Cleaning a PVC roof is a simple process, as it doesn’t require any special cleaning products or UV protective coatings. A good car wash soap is perfect for getting a PVC RV roof clean (just note that abrasive or alkaline cleaners can damage the PVC or cause it to become cloudy, so they should be avoided).
Our favorite car wash soap is Meguiar’s Gold Class… not only is it safe to use on your PVC roof, it’s also great for the rest of the RV.
- Washes and conditions in one step
- Rich, luxurious suds
- RUBBER BUMPER: Prevents damage or dings to surface
- SAFE ON ALL SURFACES: Pole/Rod not included
- Fluted fiberglass handle for a comfortable grip in any climate.
- Medium duty pole with 1-1/16-Inch diameter composite fiberglass handle.
For even more information about PVC roofs, check out this article: PVC RV Roof: What It Is, Why It’s Good, and Which to Buy
Keeping “Rubber” RV Roofs Well Sealed
The most important objective with any RV roof is preventing water on the outside from making its way inside. Regardless of the material used on your RV’s roof, it must be inspected regularly for signs of potential leaks. Joints, seams, and roof penetrations (roof vents, plumbing vents, skylights, antennas, etc) are places where sealants can fail.
If water gets through the seals and under your roof membrane, it can significantly damage the underlying structure. Water can often find its way to places far from where it initially entered.
What makes leaks so damaging is the fact that they’re insidious. You often have no idea that you even have a leak until years of slow leaking are discovered to have caused major damage. So, by the time you become aware of the leak, the cost of repairs can be substantial. That’s why it’s so incredibly important to be diligent about your RV roof care and maintenance.
At least once a year, you should inspect every potential opening, re-sealing where necessary to keep the water out. Most often, you’ll see Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant used around these locations. Be sure to clean and inspect your Dicor RV roof sealant to keep things watertight.
- RV ROOFING USE: Lap sealant is sun-ray stabilized to avoid spoiling and discoloration; Plus, it will not stain or discolor any roofing material to...
- COLOR: White hue for stylish and beautiful RV roof
If you think your RV roof maintenance has fallen short, or if you had an unfortunate meeting with a low-hanging tree branch, check out our post on How to Repair Holes In an RV Roof.
Want to know even more about the differences between all the options? Read our article: PVC vs TPO vs EPDM RV Roof Options: Which Is the Best Choice?
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bob
Friday 22nd of August 2025
Hey Geeks!
Thanks for the usual good information. What roof type is used on your new ORV trailer?
TheRVgeeks
Friday 22nd of August 2025
Hey Bob! Our new trailer has a PVC roof, and we are incredibly impressed with it. It seems an obvious upgrade from older styles of rubber roofing material.
AK Fish
Friday 22nd of August 2025
IF your are still under warranty with a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roof for your Keystone RV (other manufacturers may have similar requirements) then you must use ALPHA brand sealants.
For a Keystone RV with a TPO roof, warranty requirements include a quarterly inspection of seams, joints, and attachments, along with periodic washing of the roof. Owners are responsible for cleaning and resealing these areas using the originally installed sealant, and must use Alpha sealants for the Alpha system. Avoid silicone containing products.
Per ALPHA SYSTEMS roof warranty: This warranty shall be void if any component in the Alpha Roof Membrane is not an Alpha product. The manufacturer reserves the right to deny liability for damages caused by non-approved products. For RVs, the Alpha 1021 self-leveling sealant is ideal for horizontal surfaces like the roof, while the 1010 non-sag sealant is for vertical applications.
After warranty period is over, use what your want.
Tom T.
Friday 25th of August 2023
My 5th wheel camper's roof (2021 model) is labelled as having "Dicor Tuff Flex" material. Is that TPO or EPDM? Or is it something else? If it is something else, what material is it and what is the recommnded maintenance procedures and products for taking care of that roof? Thank you for considering this inquiry.
TheRVgeeks
Tuesday 29th of August 2023
Hey Tom... Dicor Tufflex is neither TPO or EPDM. It's a PVC material (https://dicorproducts.com/product/tufflex-pvc-roofing/) and here are Dicor's instructions (PDF) for care: https://dicorproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/05/Roof-Care-and-maintenance.pdf