Is UV protection required on all RV roof materials?

Dear Dave,
Are you aware if Crossflex membrane requires application of UV protectant solution? There is no info in Dicor’s specs about that. In fact, the specs only contain cleaning info! I’ve found on the web that Camco recommends against using UV protectant for TPO membrane but I’ve found nothing about Crossflex. Many thanks. —Mark, 2023 Coachmen Cross Trail 23XG

Dear Mark,
There are so many companies jumping into the roof material market and it is getting quite confusing on what their product actually is. First it was EPDM back in the late 1980s, and companies called it a rubber roof. Then, when the adhesive let loose and the material bubbled and actually flew off, TPO came on the market to give it a better name.

Now there is Alpha SuperFlex™, Crossflex™, PVC, and the list goes on. I think the newer material is superior to EPDM, as the color is inherent, not a coloring added to the black membrane, so there is less chalking and deterioration. It also is stronger and expands and contracts less with temperature changes. And most claim there is very little maintenance.

Dicor roofing membrane

According to the Dicor literature and maintenance PDF, the material is a synthetic thermoplastic made with internal polyester cross fibers. It also claims to be 3X more puncture-resistant and 25X more tear-proof than other membranes. However, I see the same claims by other companies—so it seems to be a marketing race of confusion!

In Dicor’s care and maintenance PDF, it recommends cleaning with Dicor Roof Cleaner PN RP-RC320S, which you can find on Amazon here.

It also states the following: “Dicor Products’ roofing membrane is specially formulated for exposure to the sun and natural elements.”

However, it also has the following note: “If additional UV protections are desired, apply Dicor’s RP-RG-320S Rubber Roof Gard Protectant immediately after cleaning.”

The warranty states, in part:

This limited warranty does not cover fading or other changes in color of the Membrane.

This limited warranty does not cover damage or leaks due to:

Your negligence or failure to properly maintain the Membrane.

Your delay or failure to take prompt action to mitigate damage caused by the deterioration of the Membrane.

So, to me, this does imply they recommend using some type of UV conditioner on the material.

Best UV protection

In my opinion, it is a good idea to occasionally treat the roof after cleaning with 303 Protectant which I have used on Fiberglass, Rubber, TPO, and almost every material and it has worked brilliantly. It is easy to use and not messy. You can find it on Amazon here.

I am not sure why Camco does not recommend UV protection on TPO. Dicor states that the Rubber Roof Gard Protector RP-RG320S is good for TPO, and they actually sell the material.

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