How to Properly Seal and Repair Your RV Roof

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Taking care of your RV’s roof is a large part of RV maintenance. This is one of the most important parts of your mobile home-away-from-home, after all, and deserves a little TLC from time to time. Even the most durable roofing products are going to face damage and wear over time, so the best thing that you can do is to learn how to repair and seal your roof for the best chances of avoiding future issues. That starts by making an assessment of the roof to decide what your next steps will be.

What is the Problem?

Water damage is the leading cause of RV repairs, and it usually is a result of a leaky roof that was improperly maintained or incorrectly repaired. Before you do anything, you need to figure out what problem you are trying to solve. If, for example, you are looking to reseal all of the seams on your roof, you will be looking for the best RV roof seam sealant. If you need to repair cracks or fill in missing areas on a rubber roof, a liquid roofing product might be a better option.

Identify the problem so that you can choose the correct solution. After all, it doesn’t matter how well you know how to seal or repair things if you aren’t sure of exactly what needs done.

Choose the Right Products

The increasing demand for universal products has created a new place for brands that cater to RV owners with all types of roofing materials. However, there are still many repair and sealing products that are uniquely designed to work with a specific material or another. For example, you need to avoid petroleum oils and citric acids in products that you are going to use on a rubber roof, because these can cause irreparable damage.

Read the product information to find reputable brands. Look at repair kits, which might offer a better deal depending on the types of repairs that you are dealing with. Finally, make absolutely sure that the products you buy are compatible with your roofing material. A great deal on the supposed best RV roof seam sealant is no good if the specific adhesive is damaging to your fiberglass roof, for example.

Use Your Resources

Some people assume that they have to take their RV to a shop or dealership for a roof repair. The fact of the matter is that this simply isn’t true. In fact, the majority of resealing jobs, repairs, and even full replacements can be done by the average handy person, with the right information. Take advantage of online RV communities and articles that can help you learn the best products and methods for repairing and sealing your roof. Watch YouTube videos of tricky repairs or things you aren’t certain of so that you can follow along.

Preparation is Key

The biggest part of most RV repair and sealing jobs is removing the old sealant or damaged roofing material. Having a clean, smooth surface to place the patch, pour in liquid rubber, or install brand new sealant around all the seams is going to make all the difference. Repairs will last longer and seams will be stronger when the area is cleaned and prepped prior to applying the new materials.

Wrap Up

To sum it up, it’s all about preparation and knowing what you are getting into when dealing with RV sealants and repair jobs. Take the time to learn about the project ahead of you and find the best RV roof seam sealant or repair kit for the job. Remove all of the damage so that you can start with a clean slate, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. If the job is too big or simply outside of your abilities, there are repair shops and dealerships that can help. Just make sure that you shop around to find the best service and rates before you schedule your service.

How to Choose the Best RV Roof Material

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Like structure roofing, RV roofing options are vast. There are a number of materials used to create RV roofs, including everything from liquid rubber to vinyl, fiberglass, and standard rubber roofing. Choosing the “best” material is a misnomer in this situation, although it is one of the most common questions asked by RV owners. Why is this question so difficult to answer, though? There isn’t just one right or wrong answer. Plus, while all roofing materials have their pros and cons to consider, modern products are fairly similar in terms of longevity and protective benefits. Therefore, it largely comes down to a matter of personal preference.

Liquid Roofing

Liquid products are the best RV roof material for a versatile, convenient, economical solution. These products are designed to fill in all cracks and crevices, and dry white to offer energy savings by reflecting sunlight. Liquid roofing products are also easy to apply with a brush or squeegee, and typically require little to no maintenance. Plus, they self-level, so you can ensure an even coat and avoid pooling that can lead to damage later on.

EPDM and TPO (Standard Rubber Roof)

Rubber is the most common roofing material used on RVs. Unlike liquid products, traditional rubber membranes offer a sheet-style application. EPDM and TPO refer to the two types of rubber materials used to make RV roofing, and each has its own pros and cons. EPDM is more affordable and offers a low-maintenance solution, while TPO is a synthetic that is ideal for flat roofs with few fixtures or attachments. Each type of rubber has different maintenance requirements, so make sure that you know which one you have.

Fiberglass

Although they add weight to the RV, fiberglass roofs are the best RV roof material for less maintenance. These roofs are significantly more expensive than rubber roofing and other materials, but they do offer a high-quality, hard-top solution that some people prefer. Fiberglass roofing may require more frequent resealing because the sturdy material doesn’t provide an additional layer of flexibility like a rubber roofing product.

Vinyl

Vinyl roofing shares a lot of the same properties with rubber RV roofing products. This is a more flexible material that is cost-effective when compared to fiberglass. Minor tears or rips can even be easily repaired without a full replacement, which makes this the best RV roof material for affordability and durability. Usually, the vinyl roof is chosen due to manufacturing costs, and isn’t that much different than EPDM or TPO in terms of maintenance and care.

What Really Matters

Now that you better understand the different types of roofing materials available for an RV and what they have to offer, you can decide which one best suits your needs. When it comes to a long-lasting, durable RV roof, the material is less important than things like:

● Routine inspections and cleaning. RV roofs should be inspected and cleaned                 at least 2-3 times per year, depending on how often it is used and whether or                   not it is covered while in storage.

● Use of proper protectant and sealing materials. The wrong materials can cause              a lot of damage to your RV’s roof and even affect its resale value. For example,              using a petroleum-based protectant or sealant on an EPDM roof will create a                  bubbling effect and can cause permanent roof damage. Make sure you care for              your roof with material-specific products and maintenance tasks.

● Ozone, extreme temperatures, and UV rays. All roofing materials are prone to                deterioration over time due to these elements. Some materials feature built-in                  protective coatings to reduce this wear over time. Others require regular                         application of an additional roof protectant, which may be a step you don’t want               to have to deal with.

The bottom line? Choose the best RV roof material based on your own personal preferences. Also, remember that when you are buying an RV, the type of roof that it has doesn’t necessarily make one model better than another. Liquid roofing certainly has a lot of perks, but with the right care, any roofing material can give your RV the protection that it needs.

Why More RV Owners are Considering Liquid Roofing

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Rubber has been used as a roofing material for RVs for over 25 years. It provides a durable, flexible surface that can add strength to the seals around seams and fixtures, and it is much more affordable and easy to install than other roofing materials. To increase the benefits and convenience of this material, EPDM liquid roofing was developed. This liquid possesses all the qualities of EPDM sheeting membranes, but when it dries it provides a more flexible, durable finish.

Liquid Roofing Dries White

Although choosing a roof material is about more than aesthetics, it does matter. In fact, it matters a lot to many RV owners who avoid rubber roofing because they assume that it will be black. Not only is this not as visually appealing on a white or off-white RV, but it can attract more heat and doesn’t offer as much energy efficiency, despite its strong, durable sealing power.

However, liquid roofing products have been uniquely formulated for this exact reason. The formula goes on as a black liquid, but as it dries and cures, it turns white. The white finish will reflect heat and harmful UV rays, and offer a better-looking finish on RVs of a similar color scheme.

Liquid Roofing Offers Full Protection

Liquid EPDM is engineered to protect your RV from more than just UV rays. In fact, this product can resist ozone elements, freezing and extreme heat, snow, acids and alkalis, and even saltwater. No matter what climate you live in or where you take your RV, you can trust that your roof will be better protected with a liquid product than other roofing materials. Plus, the liquid will get into every single crevice and crack on your roof, ensuring a watertight seal across the entire surface.

In case that isn’t enough, liquid roofing has self-leveling properties. While you do have to spread it during application, you don’t have to worry about getting it perfectly even. It will finish leveling out as it dries, giving you a flat surface that won’t be prone to pooling water and other potential damage or leaks as a result of an uneven application.

DIYers Love the Easy Application

If you’re looking for a weekend project for your RV, a new roof or roof coating could be a great choice. With liquid roofing, it’s as easy to apply the coating as it is to paint a wall. Using a brush, roller, or squeegee, you can apply the liquid product in a short amount of time and let it air dry for a full cure in less than 24 hours. Plus, this convenient material can be applied to almost any surface. So long as the surface is clean, liquid roof can be applied to:

  • Fiberglass
  • Sheet Rubber
  • Fabric
  • Plywood
  • Metal or Aluminum

The liquid roof will cure to a flexible finish on any of these surfaces, providing optimal protection and easy application regardless of your existing roof material.

The Bottom Line: The Bottom Dollar

Perhaps the most popular reason that people choose this option for their RV is how cost-effective it is when compared to other roofing options. The cost of replacing your roof can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, but you can typically expect to pay a repair shop around $300 per linear foot to replace other types of RV roofing.

Liquid roofing, on the other hand, can be done in a matter of hours by anyone with basic painting skills. A gallon of liquid EPDM ranges from $50-$100, and will cover as much as 45 square feet. Depending on the size of your RV, you can get the job done for a couple hundred bucks over the course of a weekend.

RV Roof Replacement: Know When Your Roof is Beyond Repair

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For the most part, choosing whether to repair or replace your RV’s roof is a personal preference. However, there are going to be some situations when a full RV roof replacement presents the better, or even necessary, option. Knowing when that is can save you a lot of stress and help you avoid causing further damage to your RV’s roof and the structure underneath.

Here are some signs that your roof is probably ready for replacement, rather than another repair:

  • The repair is more expensive than a replacement. Although obvious, this is the primary reason that owners choose an RV roof replacement as opposed to a repair. After all, you are looking for the most affordable way to protect your investment. If a new roof is cheaper, it doesn’t make sense not to go that route.
  • The damaged area is too extensive. This is slightly subjective. However, if the damage on your roof covers more than 30% of the roof, it might be in your best interest to at least get quotes on a full replacement. If you aren’t certain, you can get an estimate from the professionals. You don’t have to let them do the job, but they can give you an idea of the costs involved and which option is better.
  • The structure underneath the roof or the fixtures (such as vent fans or hatches) are damaged. In this situation, you can’t really repair the areas that need it without removing the old roofing material first. Therefore, a replacement is the only thing that makes sense.
  • The age of the roof is a good indicator. A roof that is only 10 years old, for example, might be fine to repair even if the damage is significant. A 20-year-old roof, on the other hand, will be better to replace regardless of what repairs are needed. Most RV roofs last a maximum of 25 years, so keep that in mind when considering your options.
  • Whatever damage or issues your roof is facing require a long-term solution. Repairs are typically a short-term solution, and may not always get the job done. You might think you are saving money by doing a small repair now, but when you have to repair it every six months, you might think again. In this situation, a replacement offers a better long-term solution for any kind of roof damage or deterioration.
  • You already have multiple layers of roofing materials. Although it is usually fine to have a layer or two of rubber roofing and/or sealants on an RV, you don’t want too much to build up. This can put unnecessary strain on the roof and add too much weight to the vehicle. If you’ve already done a lot of repairs or cover-ups, it might be time for a full RV roof replacement.

Replacement Time: Consider New Materials

Humans are creatures of habit. If their RV has a rubber roof, the chances are high that they will look specifically into a rubber roof replacement. Although there are multiple types of roofing materials available for RVs today, people are not always aware of all of the options. Do yourself a favor since you are replacing the roof anyway, and explore the materials available to see which ones best suit your needs.

A popular option for versatility, convenience, and durable longevity is the liquid rubber roof. This product is easy to apply, levels itself during application, and will air-dry to a flexible, watertight seal in a matter of hours. Plus, it adds an extra layer of protection around seams and fixtures that you don’t get from materials like fiberglass or TPO, which are much more solid, sheet-like products.

Regardless of what you choose, trust that you are making a solid investment in your RV by replacing the roof when it is necessary. There is a time and place for minor repairs, but they might not always do the job. Keep these tips in mind when deciding what to do with the roof on your RV.

Are You Planning on Doing RV Roof Waterproofing?

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The weather is starting to get nice and you’re beginning to get the itch. It’s time to get the RV ready for another season of camping. You always perform a thorough inspection before and after each season, and today, you noticed that the roof is looking a little rough. It’s been years since you’ve done anything to the roof, so maybe it’s time to do some RV roof waterproofing. What’s the first step?

Are You Planning on Doing the RV Roof Waterproofing Yourself?

The first thing that you’re going to want to consider is whether you’re comfortable going up onto the roof and doing the work yourself. There’s no shame in hiring a competent roofing professional to do the job for you. Most of them are insured and will guarantee their work, and because the area of an RV roof is relatively small, the cost of hiring someone shouldn’t be too high. Many of them will allow you to supply the materials, so you can shop around and take advantage of sales promotions, further reducing your costs. If you do decide to do the job yourself, please be careful! Falling from the roof of an RV can cause serious injury or even death. RV roof waterproofing is not a complicated process and can usually be done on a weekend, weather permitting.

Which Waterproofing Sealant to Choose

When choosing an RV roof waterproofing material, there are a number of factors to consider, such as the material that your roof is made of and how you use your RV. Most RV roofs are made from either metal, fiberglass or EPDM synthetic rubber, so be sure to choose a waterproofing material that will work on your unit. Liquid rubber sealants work effectively on most RV roof surfaces, which makes them a popular choice for do-it-yourselfers. You may not think that the way in which you use your RV is a factor when choosing an RV roof waterproofing material. If your unit is parked at a camp ground year round, a liquid rubber sealant will give you the protection that you need. An RV that is constantly moving around will require a liquid roof material because it will better tolerate movement.

Wash, Rinse, Repeat

An RV roof waterproofing material will adhere well only if the underlying surface has been thoroughly cleaned, so it’s time to get out the bucket and brush. Before washing the roof, sweep or blow off all of the debris and loose material. You can wash the surface with warm soapy water; ordinary soaps should work fine. Scrub the roof well with a brush, removing all dirt and mildew. Next, rinse it thoroughly; you can use a pressure washer or garden hose. If you can’t seem to get the results that you want with regular soaps, there are cleaners specifically designed to clean RV roofs. Some detergents can leave a film behind which will keep the rubber sealant from adhering properly, so the point about rinsing thoroughly can’t be over-stated.

Applying the Sealant

It’s probably taken hours to sweep and clean the roof’s surface and now you’re ready to apply the sealant. Some people don’t do the work themselves because they think that it will be too difficult. The reality is, if you can paint a wall, you can seal your RV roof. Start by applying the sealant around the vents with a brush, and then do the rest of the roof with a medium nap roller. Let it dry and you’re ready for a summer of fun. Happy camping!

Some RV Roof Sealant Tips for You to Consider

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When it comes to maintaining their RVs, many people confuse time-consuming with difficult. Properly maintaining your coach, if done on a regular basis, is not that difficult, but can take a bit of time. Most RV owners however, are more than willing to expend both the time and effort required to keep their unit in great condition, because they realize that their RV represents a large financial investment from which they derive enormous pleasure. The part of every RV requiring the most scrutiny, whether the camper is always on the road or parked at a campground year-round, is the roof. That’s because the roof is the part that is most susceptible to damage from the elements, and just as importantly, any failure in the roof’s integrity will eventually translate into damage in another part of the trailer’s structure.

RV Liquid Roof

RV Liquid Roof

The Most Important RV Roof Sealant Tip is: Safety First.

It’s only natural to want to save money, and doing your own scheduled maintenance on your RV roof can save you a lot. However, and this is important, if you’re not comfortable working on the roof, please hire a professional. You’re not going to do your family any good or save money if you get hurt from a fall. Most professionals are licensed and insured and will warranty their work. Having said that, if you’re confident that you can safely do the roof sealing work yourself, you will save a significant amount of money that can be spent on other things.

Take Your Time When Performing the Inspection.

Another important RV roof sealing tip is to take your time when doing the inspection on your roof. If done properly, a roof reseal with the correct products will last for many years, so it’s important to take the time to make sure that every area is examined before proceeding. Check along the outside edges of the roof and look for any separations in the seam material. Pay particular attention to the caulking around all of the roof vents, looking for cracks and peeling. If you have to repair any areas, be sure to use a caulk that is specifically designed for use under a liquid EPDM rubber roof sealant.

Choose the Right Product for the Job.

You’re familiar with the phrase; ‘penny wise and pound foolish’. That phrase refers to people who buy inferior products that aren’t meant for a particular job, thinking that they’ll save a few dollars. What inevitably happens is they end up spending more in the long run when they have to redo the whole thing. Most people today are using EPDM type sealants on their RV roofs because they are fairly easy to apply, don’t require professional installation, can be installed in a weekend and provide long-lasting results on a variety of roof surfaces like metal, fiberglass and rubber.

RV Roof Sealant Tips Thee Ps

Don’t forget about the three Ps of RV roof repair and sealing; prep, prep and prep. Even if you choose the top-of-the-line liquid EPDM rubber sealer that only requires one coat, you still need to make certain that all repairs have been made and the surface is really clean. If any dust or detergent film remains on the roof’s surface, it could keep the liquid roof sealant from adhering properly. The little bit of extra time that you spend now doing the job properly, will pay huge dividends down the road when you’re able to enjoy your RV without having to worry about damage from a leaky roof. Happy Camping!

Using an RV Liquid Roof Treatment

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Your RV is a Big Investment

After your house, your RV is perhaps the biggest investment that you will ever make. It’s your home away from home when you’re on the road, and just like your house, you want your RV to be clean, comfortable and trouble-free. Regular inspection and maintenance play a big part in keeping it that way. The single biggest factor in keeping your coach in good shape is the condition of the roof. An RV roof is subject to the worst that Mother Nature has to offer; rain, sleet, snow, hail, and wind; the list goes on and on. Over time, the integrity of the roof’s surface deteriorates and small defects will appear. If left untreated, these seemingly minor flaws can develop into much bigger damage which will spread to other parts of the RV and compromise the structural integrity of the unit. Detecting and fixing problem areas of the roof when they first appear by using an RV liquid roof treatment can help ensure that you will enjoy many years of trouble-free camping.

RV liquid Roof

RV liquid Roof

Perform Regular Inspections

Thoroughly inspect the surface of your RV roof at the beginning and end of each season. If you’re using your coach for extended periods of time, a monthly inspection is warranted. If you don’t feel comfortable going up on the roof yourself, it is best to hire a professional. Look for minor cracks or splits in the roof’s surface. Inspect around the outside seams, taking special note of any separations. Check around all roof vents, antennae and the air conditioning unit. Are there any splits in the caulking? Does it appear to be pealing? Take your time when doing the inspection and never adopt the attitude that a problem isn’t that bad, that it can wait. Any defect in the integrity of the roof will only get worse over time. The sooner the problems are addressed, the easier and less expensive they’ll be to fix. After you’ve identified the areas that need to be treated with an RV liquid roof treatment, it’s time to prepare the surface.

Preparing the Problem Areas

Before you can apply an RV liquid roof treatment, the roof must be prepped. Start with a thorough cleaning of the surface. All loose dirt and debris must be swept or blown off of the roof. Next, thoroughly scrub the surface of the roof. You can use regular soaps as long as they don’t contain any petroleum or citrus products. It’s extremely important to thoroughly rinse the soaps and cleaning solutions, as any remaining residue can keep the RV liquid roof treatment from adhering properly.

Choose the RV Liquid Roof Treatment That’s Right for You

It is recommended that you use RV liquid roof treatment for a number of reasons. After several years, the surface of the roof isn’t going to be perfectly flat, especially if any repairs have been made to it. A liquid will fill in and coat even the smallest splits, cracks and defects. Also, a liquid will cover and coat any raised surface areas like repair sites, the caulking around the base of vents and antennae, or the lip around the roof’s edge. If you’re only sealing smaller repair areas, be sure to overlap the edge of the repair by about 3 inches. Lastly, because repair and prep work can be time intensive, you’ll be wise to use an RV liquid roof treatment that only requires one coat. It’ll save you hours of time that would otherwise be spent waiting for a first coat to dry.

Coat the Mobile Home Roof With a Quality Product

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Do you have a mobile home or RV? Naturally, you want to make sure that it has protection from the elements and that it will last a long time without giving you any headaches. Having a coating for the roof will provide you with a layer of protection that can help to ensure you do not have to worry about problems with it. The best option available is called RV Liquid Roof, and it offers some fantastic benefits.

Prolong the Life of Your Roof

You will find that using a permanent RV roof coating such as this will allow you to add to the longevity of your roof. Where some roofs might get to the point where they will start to crack or have leaks in them, this coating can provide you with an additional 20 years of protection. This means less worry on your part.

RV Liquid Roof

RV Liquid Roof

Works With All Roof Materials

One of the other reasons you will want to choose RV Liquid Roof is because it is capable of working with many different types of roofing materials. This includes wood, metal, and concrete. Since most RVs have a metal roof, you will not have to worry about it not adhering properly. This product was built specifically to work with RV roofs.

Resistant to Temperature Changes

Another nice feature of the coating is that it is capable of resisting damage from temperature changes. Those who live in environments with extreme temperatures that might cause lesser coatings to expand too much and not return to shape, or that might cause them to crack from being too cold, will not have to worry. This coating can expand and shrink with the temperatures, still providing you with the longevity and the protection you need.

Cheaper Than Replacing the Roof or Other Parts of the Mobile Home

Take a moment to think how much it will cost to replace the roof of your mobile home or RV. That alone is likely to cost many thousands of dollars that you might not have. If there are leaks that have already caused damage to other parts of the unit, the cost of repairs is going to be much higher. Most people do not have extra thousands lying around to make these types of repairs. Therefore, it simply makes more financial sense to take preventative measures and coat the mobile home roof now.

It Is a DIY Product

Another way that you will be saving money when you use RV Liquid Roof is through the application itself. You do not need to hire a professional to do it for you. It is very simple to do and requires very few materials. After cleaning the roof, it should not take long at all to get the coat on your roof. It goes on like paint, so you will need a roller and a paintbrush. You only need to add a single coating, as well, so you should be able to get the entire roof done in a couple of hours at most. Once it is on, it begins to provide you with protection almost immediately.

Less Maintenance

Not only will you have the added peace of mind when you have a permanent RV coating on your roof, but you will find that the roof itself will generally require less maintenance. You will still want to make sure that you keep the roof clean and that you inspect it during those cleanings. You shouldn’t have any issues, though.

With all of these benefits, it is easy to see why you need a coat for your mobile home roof. It is a fantastic way to add some protection to your investment.

How to Apply an RV Liquid Roof Treatment

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Those who have a new RV love the fact that the vehicle is ready to go and that it does not require much at all in the way of maintenance. They can plan their route, head out to get away from the rat race, and spend some time relaxing at a nice campground somewhere. However, those who have older RVs know that to continue to be able to enjoy the RV, they need to make sure they are maintaining them properly. An important aspect of that is the roof. Fortunately, there is a fix that is relatively easy called RV Liquid Roof.

RV Roof Coatings

RV Liquid Roof

The Main Reasons RV Roofs Have Leaks

Many different factors can contribute to leaks in an RV roof and understanding what some of those factors are can help to prevent them, or at least reduce them. For example, one of the biggest causes of leaks in RVs is actual physical damage occurring on the roof. A tree branch might have fallen on the roof when it was parked under some trees. You might not realize it at the time, but it could have caused a small hole that could become a big problem later. Even if it did not put a hole in the roof, if it caused a dent, this will provide water with a place to pool, which can shorten the life of the roof.

In addition, simple wear and tear will take its toll on a roof. The UV rays, along with heat and cold, can cause damage to the roof. Extreme temperatures could cause the roof to contract and expand, which can cause problems over time. In addition, there are issues with driving and turning the vehicle, all of which can put some stress on the roof.

Not properly maintaining the roof can end up causing problems, as well. If you are not cleaning the roof regularly, and if you are not inspecting it for damage after storms, there could be more problems developing on the roof than you initially realize.

Therefore, you need to have a quality RV liquid roof treatment that is capable of withstanding all of these issues. Liquid Roof is formulated especially for the RV, and it can provide you with the protection that your roof needs.

Inspect the RV

Before applying the RV Liquid Roof treatment, you will want to get up on the roof and inspect it. You are looking for any issues, such as holes and tears, or areas where water has pooled. It is also important that you check the interior of the RV for signs of water damage. They are not always easy to spot from the outside, but if you have water damage in the RV, you can typically be sure there is an issue with the roof. Once you find those issues, you will want to repair them and clean the roof so you can add the coating on top.

Applying the RV Liquid Roof Treatment Is Easy

Fortunately, the application of the treatment is simple. If you now how to use a paint roller and a paintbrush, and you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions, you can put on one of these coatings in a matter or hours, or less. It is fast and easy, and it will provide you with fast protection for your RV roof. Best of all, this protection is long-lasting. With Liquid Roof, you can have added protection for the roof for up to 20 years. This is a fantastic way to provide your investment with some additional protection.

RV Roof Leaks: Understanding the Most Common Causes of Roof Damage

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When your RV is new, you have few things to worry about other than basic maintenance. You want to wash and wax it regularly to protect the paint job. You want to have the oil changed regularly to ensure the engine is protected. You want to change the air filter when necessary to improve fuel economy. You’ll invest in air conditioner maintenance, tire maintenance and the like. However, over time, other problems will develop, including roof leaks. What are the most common causes or RV roof leaks? What leads to this type of damage?

Physical Damage

One reason for a roof leak is physical damage. This can be from any number of things, but is often caused by falling tree branches when parked under trees in a campground or RV park. While a branch may not punch a hole through the roof on impact, it may cause enough damage that the roof is dimpled, which can lead to ponding water. This is detrimental to many types of RV roofing material.

Age-Related Shrinkage

RV roofs must put up with a lot of stress and strain not found with other types of roofs, such as that on your home. You have heat-related flexion, but you also need to account for sheering forces such as during turns while driving. Because of this, roofing materials must be flexible. However, over time, most materials will lose a lot of their flexibility. This makes them brittle, but it also causes them to shrink. One of the most common areas to notice shrinkage is around the seams.

Lack of Maintenance

Failure to maintain your roof properly can lead to leaks, as well. For instance, RV roof leaks may be caused by not resealing your roof when it is time, or from neglecting to inspect and repair damage after a storm. Ideally, you should inspect your RV’s roof at least twice per year – once in the spring when getting it out of storage, and then again in fall before you put it away for the year. Be prepared to handle any needed repairs during these inspection periods, and you will have less to worry about in the way of surprise RV roof leaks. In addition to inspecting the roof itself, you should also inspect the interior of the RV for signs of water intrusion, as well as the exterior siding for signs of bubbling or waves.

RV Roof Leaks

RV Roof Leaks

Not Maintaining Existing Seals

The roof of your RV is not solid. There are a number of protrusions – the air conditioning unit is mounted to the roof. You have several vents, and vent pipes protruding, as well. Each of those is a potential leak. Ideally, caulk and flashing around vents and AC units will help to prevent leaks, but those will deteriorate over time and if damaged. During your annual inspection, make it a priority to check all existing seals for flexibility and damage. If you notice that caulk is missing in some areas, has become brittle, or that flashing is damaged or missing, repair it quickly to prevent damage.

How to Prevent RV Roof Leaks

In most cases, preventing RV roof leaks is simple. You just need to reapply the EPDM rubber coating on top of your roof periodically. This can be done in just a few hours, and requires nothing more than a few basic tools. Of course, you can also hire a professional to handle it for you, and if you are not able to get on top of your RV to do the work, or you’re worried about safety should you get on the roof, then hiring a professional is the better option.