Vinyl Roof

Although less common on modern cars, 'soft-top' convertible roofs can be made out of vinyl, which is usually stamped to look like leather.  It was more common on older cars, which didn't have inner waterproof membranes, where vinyl is more waterproof than latex backed fabric. It is still found on some fairly modern cars such as the Mazda MX5 which we are sure will be around for a long time.

It can also be glued to removable hard tops and removable panels. 

In theory, it is more hard wearing and easier to care for than fabric roofs, however it is prone to many of the same problems such as fading, staining and splitting.

Renovo has a range of products for cleaning and reviving vinyl roofs.

What it means

A vinyl roof is a soft-top or roof covering made from a smooth, plastic-coated material rather than woven fabric. On convertibles it forms the outer skin of the hood, stretched over a folding frame. On some older saloons and classics it is a vinyl covering bonded to the metal roof to give a “soft top” or landau look. Unlike canvas or mohair, vinyl is non-woven and non-porous, so it behaves more like plastic trim than like carpet or fabric.

Why it matters

• Different cleaning needs to fabric: Vinyl roofs usually respond best to gentle APC-type cleaners and soft brushes or cloths, not strong TFR or fabric proofers designed to soak into textile roofs.
• Prone to cracking and shrinking: UV, age and harsh chemicals can make vinyl hard, brittle and shrunken, especially around seams and edges, which can spoil appearance and open up leak paths.
• Can trap moisture underneath: On older saloons with vinyl skins over metal, rust can develop under lifting or bubbled vinyl where moisture has crept in unseen.
• Looks different to fabric roofs: Vinyl roofs have a smoother, sometimes slightly grained look. On convertibles they give a different aesthetic and feel under the hand compared with a canvas or mohair roof.

Where you’ll see it

You will see the term vinyl roof in sales listings, inspection reports and detailing menus, often distinguished from fabric roofs. Typical notes include vinyl roof needs clean, vinyl soft top faded or vinyl roof lifting around trims. On classics and older saloons you may see references to vinyl-topped roof or factory vinyl roof option, which are decorative coverings rather than folding hoods.

Context

Vinyl roofs sit alongside fabric roofs and folding metal roofs as one of the main convertible roof types. Care is different: vinyl is not proofed in the same way as fabric, because it is already waterproof, but it benefits from thorough cleaning and a suitable dressing or protectant to help resist UV, drying and staining. On classic vinyl-topped saloons, checking for rust bubbles, lifted edges and trapped moisture is part of any proper inspection. For water leak work, attention usually focuses on seams, stitching, trims and the seals around rear windows and gutters rather than the vinyl sheet itself.

Common mistakes

• Cleaning a vinyl roof with very strong TFR or harsh solvents, which can dry it out, fade the colour and accelerate cracking.
• Using fabric roof proofers on vinyl, which simply sit on the surface, waste product and may leave patchy marks or residue.
• Ignoring early signs of lifting, bubbles or rust lines under a vinyl-topped metal roof, allowing corrosion to spread unseen.
• Coating vinyl roofs with thick silicone tyre shine, leaving them greasy, sticky and more likely to attract dirt and dust.

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 01/12/2025 15:39