Jump to content

Roof Replacement: ¼" Luan vs. ⅛" Hardboard


Recommended Posts

Hey Everyone, 

So I'm replacing my roof, and looking for some advice on a material...

(I have a '78 Dolphin Micro Mini, so weight is even more important than normal.)

I feel like ¼" luan is the ubiquitous workhorse, so it's what most people recommend. However, while at Home Depot, I found some ⅛" hardboard that feels like it would be lighter (and cheaper). Since it'll be covered in EPDM, and my roof doesn't need to be incredibly load-bearing, is there any reason why I shouldn't go with that, instead? It's half the price of the luan, and has to be lighter than ¼" luan, I would think. 

One obvious downside is that because it's thinner than the luan, it would also be just a little more difficult to walk on my roof, having to be very careful not to cause distress, as it would most certainly be more prone to breakage than the ¼" luan. 

Anyone have an opinion to share? Should I just stick with what everyone uses? Or has anyone used ⅛" hardboard before? 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Knowing how flexible the luan is I would think it would be impossible to walk on your roof with the 1/8 inch hardboard. Your roof also provides structure to your camper. Keeps the walls stable in a very bouncy situation. I can imagine the 1/8 inch stuff fluttering from the wind when your going down the road. Not good. I have worked with luan and hey if this old lady can fling those sheets around luan is not that heavy. I think your camper can handle it.

Linda S

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1/8” MDF has a tendency to swell and bulge when in contact with moisture. It’s designed for interior applications. Putting on your roof is inviting disaster. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

25 minutes ago, fred heath said:

1/8” MDF has a tendency to swell and bulge when in contact with moisture. It’s designed for interior applications. Putting on your roof is inviting disaster. 

Hmm...yeah, I mean, I think I was being over-confident in the EPDM to keep the moisture out, but I think everyone knows that's a pipe dream...

I also appreciate the assessment, Linda, about the weight of the luan. 

Okay, I think I'll stick with luan for this. Thank you! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

23 hours ago, notbadbutgood said:

Hmm...yeah, I mean, I think I was being over-confident in the EPDM to keep the moisture out, but I think everyone knows that's a pipe dream...

 

Even if the moisture does not come down, it can still go up.    

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...