Some roof bubbles

Toy4Rick

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2021
Messages
418
Hey all,

Our 2022 2500RL has some roof bubbles since new, the dealer told us GD won't do anything about them (in our case) fast forward by 6 months and GD told me they will... since they were not big and in just a few areas, and some suggesting to give it time as they usually go away... I decided to not follow up (probably my mistake)

Fast forward to today (2.25 years of ownership) and I went to replace the crappy roof vent with a better one. The removal went as expected (major PITA), the reinstall went as expected... the TPO is not attached around the roof opening and this is where my concern is now...

I used Dicor lap sealant, self leveling and got real good adhesion to the TPO, however since the TPO isn't attached to the roof, the bubbles are now worse than before

Questions
1. Before I install the vent cover, is it worth pulling the new vent, gluing down the TPO and re-installing the vent? or just leave it and not worry

2. When I install the 2 other roof vents, what adhesive is recommended to re-secure the TPO to the roof before I install the new vent? or am I better off not doing anything with the roof
3. Is this something worth going back to GD, or is this now an extended warranty issue? or am I SOL

One pic is along the roof edge, the other pic is on the side of the new vent where the bubble runs along the side, kinda hard to see but the bubble is about1.5-2" to the right of the sealant and runs the full length of the vent.

Thanks, Rick
 

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So I'd just live with the bubbles. It sounds like you did a good job with the lap sealant, so leaks aren't an issue. It doesn't seem like the effort of removing the vent cover is worth the questionable gain you'd get securing the TPO. I have some small bubbles on my coach and they've never been a problem.
 
Sounds reasonable...

For the other vents, while I have access, I would prefer to glue down the TPO, I found Lippert uses Alpha Systems adhesive, I'll give the 8019 a go ?
 
Last edited:
So a quick update

The TPO coming loose is from removing the vents as it's not stuck down very well...

I have some Lippert adhesive coming in tomorrow to get the other 2 fixed up

Thanks, Rick
 
Here is an update

I used the Lippert adhesive to secure the roof membrane before mounting the new fans, worked great

Installed the new fans and the next day, the Dicor is rippled like no tomorrow. It's been nearly 6 weeks and it hasn't settled down so I reached out to Dicor and here is the reply

Why is my roof lifting where I’ve applied the 501 sealant, and will it lay back down?

This happens during the curing process when the solvents cure out and “bite” into the membrane for the best seal. After the sealant is cured, you will see the membrane lay back down. This process can take up to two weeks.

*Curing process may vary due to cooler temperatures.

Why is my 501-sealant bubbling/ rippling after application?

Our sealant contains a small amount of petroleum distillates which can cause bubbling and rippling during the curing process. This is normal and typically goes away within a week or two.

*Curing process may vary due to cooler temperatures.


The next comment from them is pretty interesting...

It looks like there is a little more sealant applied than the 3/8” bead that is recommended, which may also add to longer cure time. But, after a couple of weeks it should lay back down

3/8" bead... LOL, haven't seen that recommendation yet on their website or their Dicor videos...

Now they came back and asked me what type of rood I have

Here are a few pics, have to admit, the ribbing is pretty nice if you like that sort of thing
Also a pic of the roof antenna I did 2 years ago with the same 501 and no issues at allPXL_20240728_183505146 (1).jpgPXL_20240728_183534027 (1).jpgPXL_20240728_183542305.jpgPXL_20240728_183448716.jpg
 
You should reach out directly Alpha Systems since they ultimately cover the warranty of the membrane itself.

I have spoken to their technical staff a couple of times and sent pictures for them to evaluate. The lap sealant does off gas and it takes time for that gas to dissipate since the rubber membrane traps that gas.
 
OK, here's an update after talking to Alpha Systems on the phone

There are 2 types of TPO roofs - see attached
* Orange peel finish is Super Flex - not as susceptible to Dicor bubbling
* Sand Paper finish is Alpah Poly - more susceptible to Dicor bubbling (this is what I have)

* Known issue with Dicor and there TPO roof products - see above
* She has taken >20 reports of this issue in the last 30 days alone
* The bubbles may or may not settle out
* Visual issue only, not a physical issue unless the bubbling is greater than 1" in height or you can pinch the roof membrane between your fingers

Note: Alpha system sealant can do the same thing to a lesser degree if applied in high heat 0 best to do this in spring or late fall - see attached

Note: They do not suggest using the Alpha Systems Adhesive to get the TPO to re-stick, she says it really needs bare wood and putting adhesive on adhesive is only making matters worse... go figure

Long story short, I'm going to live with it unless/until a bigger issue arises

View attachment ROOF SYSTEMS.pdf
View attachment Solvent swell bulletin.pdf
 

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