RV & Trailer Truss Roof Deck
Our newest application, Truss Roof Decks, should outperform and outlast the competition
Azdel Onboard® Composite Roof Deck
Imagine a seamless, walkable roof that won’t leak, won’t be easily damaged by impact or weather, and won’t need to be replaced in a few years. Well, it is here. In collaboration with Impact Guard®, we have created a new roof deck that has proven to be tougher, lighter, waterproof, and more weather-resistant than common roof decks in the market today. In a world where roofs are often the first and main problem area in an RV, durability is a crucial thing to have.
Step 1: To create the base layer, our RVX 8.0mm composite is thermally laminated between two sheets of IMPACT GUARD fiberglass. Because their ingredients are similar, the heat-fusing of these materials creates a natural, strong bond without the need for glue. These panels are incredibly impact resistant, but will flex just enough to secure tightly to curved trusses.
Step 2: The thermally-laminated base panels are securely screwed onto the trusses along the unit. Step 3: An aluminum radius strip is then attached, overlapping the base and front of the trusses, creating a strong backer with uniform curvature for the top layer, while increasing the screw retention for any drainage system being added. Now you’re ready for the top layer.
Step 4: Adhesive is added to both the base and to the underside of what will become the top layer. The top layer is also Impact Guard fiberglass, similar to the layers used for the sandwich panel base. The difference here is that the top layer runs the entire length of the roof. In this long direction, the fiberglass layer is very stiff. In its cross-direction, it is flexible, allowing the edges to curve downward and attach securely to the aluminum radius. Attach your drainage system. Water easily runs off the roof and drains.
Photo of the very sample used in the test video, taken afterward. No visible damage or blemish.
This test comparing the IG/Azdel roof deck to OSB highlights the superior strength of our new construction.
In the video above, the strength of this roof deck is put to the test. Using the same truss construction, we compare the strength of a typical RV roof deck made with OSB with that of our roof deck. The OSB structure was first compromised at just over 1100 lbs and finally failed at 1996 lbs. The test ended with our deck handling over 2300 lbs with no noticeable damage. This was roughly the machine’s maximum pressure.
The toughness of the exterior shell, combined with the overall rebound ability of the entire deck, significantly increases the structure’s ability to withstand both pressure and impact at higher levels. A more durable roof will surely increase the life of an RV.