Roof has ridge and bubbles

[Bobsrv]

Just remove our cover from are 295RL. Purchased in November of 2021 and dealer delivered to my house. Just getting it ready for first Trip. Should the roof look like this?See atached pictures

[howson]

Just remove our cover from are 295RL. Purchased in November of 2021 and dealer delivered to my house. Just getting it ready for first Trip. Should the roof look like this?See atached pictures

There is a pertinent thread that has information related to your question. See https://gdrvowners.com/forum/exterior/72369-loose-roof

If there are still questions please feel free to follow-up either here or in Cooper 's thread.

Howard

[StephenO]

The reference thread will give you information about the bubbles in the roof, but I am wondering about the 'black streaks' in your first picture, by the sewer vent cap. It's hard to tell by the picture, but it looks like the roof is scuffed in a couple spots. Maybe worthwhile looking closer there, and confirm that it's just dirt and not physical damage.

[pvduke]

Since this is the newest post on the subject....
Lots of speculation on this topic. Here's the facts: loose edges, roof bubbles and 'raisin roof' (like mine)? 99% of them appear when the TPO/membrane expands in direct sunlight in un-bonded areas, most lay back down when it cools.

Cause: something causing no bond to occur between substrate and TPO/membrane during the build. Pure and simple. E.g.: inadequate adhesive flash time (if your roof is cherry and defect free of course) causing excess off-gassing under TPO/membrane, contamination during the process, expired/frost damaged adhesive, etc.

And, these issues on newer/new RV's are 100% NOT normal. Anyone in an official/sales capacity telling you it is normal.... well, probably does not have your best interest at heart.

This condition happens with [all] RV makers when they rush the process or use poor quality components. If the bond is solid and the substrate holds it simply can't come loose (it's bonded on a molecular level) and will last the life of the TPO/membrane until it's forcibly removed or the seal is compromised.

But- if it is not ballooning or doing the "beach ball" while towing you are OK "for now". Call CS and start a file. This is a known, industry wide issue, especially the last few years, and is no fault of the owner.

[TucsonJim]

This topic has been discussed in multiple threads and even though the bubbles and ripples are unsightly, the official position is that they are not a "defect", and subject to warranty repair. Here's a PDF file with the official letter from the roof manufacturer, Alpha Systems. Even if it's not covered by warranty, it's probably a good idea to record your concerns with GDRV customer service like PVDUKE suggests.

Air pockets letter 6.22.20 Alpha Roofing Systems (1).pdf

Jim

[pvduke]

Nice letter thanks. I tried to pull that up in another thread but it wouldn't load. Regardless. I won't flog this issue anymore. Suffice to say there's thousands and thousands of RVs out there with dead flat and smooth roofs in all weather conditions the way they're supposed to be. The letter is an unsigned and undated panacea. If your roof is less than a few years old and you have defects you owe it to yourself to register a complaint with your respective manufacturer.

sorry edit lost connection again up here in the mountains.

My credentials: gold level certified master technician with American Honda and other manufacturers, Automotive motorcycle and RV claims adjuster and field inspector for mechanical breakdown claims, liaison and adjudicator for several RV companies for extended warranty claims, failure analysis specialist.