One of the reasons RVs are so great is because they allow you to experience nature in the comfort of your own space, keeping you protected from the weather. However, that’s only if you have a properly sealed roof over your head. If your RV needs repair to do its job properly, read on to learn RV By LIFE’s tips on how to seal an RV roof.
Know Your Roof
Don’t head out to the local RV store to pick up supplies before getting to know a little more about your roof. If your RV was built relatively recently, it likely has a rubber roof—but there are two types of rubber commonly used in the industry. You need to know which one you have before you proceed:
- EPDM – This is a popular type of rubber roof for RVs. Consult your owner’s manual to determine if this is the kind of roof used on your RV or contact the dealer where you purchased the rig for assistance. To seal this type of roof, be sure to purchase a sealer that is designed specifically for use on EPDM. Using a product not suited for this surface could seriously damage the RV and could wind up being an expensive mistake.
- TPO – The other likely option for your rubber roof is TPO, which won’t feel as soft as EPDM. You can use a roof treatment product on this material to protect its condition. Again, make sure anything you apply is listed as safe for your TPO roof.
It’s also possible that your RV will have a fiberglass roof, although this is not as common. Fiberglass requires very little maintenance as a roofing material, but any damage will need to be repaired right away with a fiberglass patch kit.
Address the Seams
If your RV is only a few years old and hasn’t suffered any notable damage, the roof should be in good condition. With that said, it’s still important to perform some annual maintenance to look for problems and address any issues that are found. Specifically, checking the seams on the roof is a worthwhile chore, as this is where leaks are most likely to develop. If any issues are spotted on the seams, fill those spots with RV roof caulking that is designed for your type of roof. For instance, if you have a fiberglass roof, Life-Seal would be an excellent choice.
Recoating Your Roof
As the years go by, those with a rubber RV roof may find it necessary to recoat the entire roof. Fortunately, this is not as intimidating of a project as it sounds, and many RV owners will be able to handle the job. The new rubber coating is applied in much the same way you would apply a fresh coat of paint. Of course, there are risks involved anytime you work on a roof, so take the necessary safety precautions and seek help if you aren’t comfortable with the task.
Shop RV by LIFE
We hope you’ve learned how to seal an RV roof. As you prep for any trip, it’s also important to note that RV maintenance is key. Be sure to get your rig in top condition for your travels with cleaning products from RV by LIFE!