When you have a recreational vehicle, you must keep it in good condition, so that there won’t be any problems when you want to use it. One of the things that are often overlooked is the RV roof.
You should always check the condition of your RV roof because rain and melted snow can cause water damage to the interior of the RV that is expensive to repair. Brushing on a tree branch may cause damage to your roof’s rubber membrane, so regular inspection is necessary.

Things to do to check and repair your RV roof

The roof of your RV may not be that strong. If there is a ladder at the back of your car, it indicates that the roof is not sturdy enough for a person to walk on it directly. Lay a piece of plywood over the roof so you can distribute your weight better.
Most RV roofs today are made of rubber, but there are also vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass roofs. If the roof is made of vinyl or rubber, clean it at least every three months. Never use cleaners that contain citrus ingredients or petroleum solvents as these can permanently damage the roof’s surface.

1. Clean the roof and remove every bit of debris you see. Be sure the roof is dry before you repair it. Scrape off old roof material and other debris that has stuck to the surface. Just make sure that you do this carefully so as not to enlarge the hole or tear.
2. Make sure that you check with your dealer which type of sealant fits the roof. If there is a leak, you might have to buy a rubberized leak stopper. The product creates a permanent seal. Because it is in liquid form, it seeps into cracks and crevices and is capable of bonding with metal surfaces.
3. Be careful when using this product as it can ruin your clothes. Wear gloves and use a trowel or old paintbrush to apply it. Be sure to seal the areas around vents, seams, antennas, and other things that protrude through the roof. These areas can develop small tears that can cause leaks over time.
4. If you have a vinyl roof, use fiberglass repair tape. Cover the area the needs patching with a sealer. Cover the area with fiberglass tape and add more sealer to complete the sealing process.
5. Although rubber roofs are longer-lasting, they can still be damaged over time. Soap and water are the best cleaning aids for rubber roofs. Cleansers with solvents and petroleum-based ingredients can cause permanent damage to rubber roofs. Find the right type of sealant for repairing rubber roofs, such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) coatings or Durabak’s RV Roof Sealant that has excellent coverage, adherence, and flexibility.
6. For a metal RV roof, you can use any household roof coating to seal a crack, tear or leak. There are tape-like products that you can use as well. Ensure that the surface is spotless and dry. Just make sure that you apply the tape carefully because you cannot peel it off once it gets in contact with the surface.
7. If the RV roof is fiberglass, you need professional help, because there are several tools you’ll need, such as a respirator, dye grinder, and safety glasses. You also need acetone, fiberglass mat, and catalyzed resin, all of which have hazardous fumes.

Maintenance is critical to keep your RV roof in excellent condition. Check it regularly and immediately repair any small tear or crack that you find. Use a protective cover, particularly if you are parking your RV in an open area.