Last Updated on July 5, 2023

Owning a recreational vehicle is not an easy job. If you own one, you already know that it not only costs a lot to buy, it but also to maintain it. You might have saved money for a long time to purchase the RV of your choice, so you don’t want anything to jeopardize that investment. But just buying an RV is does not guarantee by itself a carefree life. One needs to put a lot of effort in order to maintain its quality. It’s your home away from home, so it’s worth the effort of keeping in tip-top condition.

RV Problems

Your RV can bring a lot of problems, some of which may appear earlier than you think. One area that can be a major source of problems is the roof of the vehicle.  Most RV roof coatings will last many years, but if you’re buying used, then you’ll want to keep a careful eye on it.

It is important to keep a close watch of the roof, and if you don’t inspect it regularly, you may end up with water damage which can be surprisingly expensive to put right.

Preventing RV Roof Problems

One of the best things that you can do to ensure a long-lasting roof is to ensure the seals are in good condition. Everything that pokes through your RV roof will have a seal, which includes air vents, antennas, and exhausts. Once your RV has hit its third or fourth birthday, the chances of requiring a minor repair are good, and the seals are the most likely contender. An RV roof is unlikely to need a major recoat within the first 10 years, but it’s better to check for damage rather than risk it. You avoid leaks by using a good waterproofing solution.

All RV roofs are not the same and you need to use the right material to repair it. If you end up using the wrong material, you could eventually damage it more and it will decrease the value of the vehicle and make it difficult to resale. You should always refer to the instructions before using any seal on the roof material.

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Help Choosing The Right Seal For Your RV Roof

The best seals are capable of preventing leaks in the roof and keeps it safe from any harsh weather condition or further damage. Generally, seals need to be applied 1 to 2 times a year and should create a perfectly watertight bond. To find the best seal for your RV roof, you must be aware of what material the roof is made of. Then, you can check reviews of different seal products and use that fits your RV best. Using a seal is not temporary. Good quality seals are able to sustain any amount of rain, freezing, and thawing. Using a seal will help you reduce the number of repairs required in the future.

There are many types of seals available and some have the characteristic that they can stick to most RV roofs. The core character of seals that one must look for is its adhesive strength. You should also look for sealants that have good elasticity. As the weather conditions change, the sealant can expand or contract but with the right elongation character, this problem is eliminated. Many tough grade sealants also have a lower risk of causing discoloration and deterioration as it is stabilized to protect the sealed area from UV rays. These types of self-leveling lap sealant are ideal for application in horizontal areas and surfaces.

Then there are flexible sealants and as the name suggests, are mainly known for their highly flexible characteristics. It is flexible in the sense that it works appropriately for different models and makes of vehicle. Flexible sealants are easy to use and stick without causing many problems. These also remain very stable in all weather conditions and hence, are one of the best options

What To Do Before Applying A Seal?

The first thing to do is to properly analyze and understand the portion of the roof that needs to be sealed. You need to clear the area of all dirt and debris. If any previous patching is done in the area, it is advised to remove that. You must take care that all other equipment is safe while you are applying the seal. For that, you might need to remove the air conditioner and the storage pod.

Now once you are done with these things, you can follow particular instructions from the seal brands to apply it. Be careful not to stick to any other part of the vehicle. It can give you a hard time removing it.

Conclusion

A seal can be used on almost every material and is one of the best options if you need to make minor repairs to your RV roof. It’s not just summer that brings damage to the roof. If you move around the country even in colder months, then you’ll subject your RV to varying temperatures which can impact a seals effectiveness. This means no matter what you’re doing, you should always keep an eye on your roof. While checking the roof, it is important to make sure that you only get on the roof if it can support you. If the RV does not have a stair attached, it most probably can’t support your weight. There are various ways that you can protect your RV’s roof, but the most important thing is to keep a regular notice and inspect it properly.

RVs if maintained properly, can have a long lifetime, but they do need maintenance and you must take care of all equipment inside it. In the end, it’s your second home.

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Jonathan Holmes is an avid outdoor lover who has a passion for fishing, camping, hiking, kayaking and much more besides. Crow Survival is a blog dedicated to everything outdoors related and we hope you love our content as much as we love writing it.