RV ROOF MAINTENANCE

Maintaining the roof of your RV is something you should stay on top of (pun intended) to protect your RV and you and your loved ones inside.An RV’s roof is continually exposed to the elements, from the hot summer heat and heavy rain in the spring to snow and ice in the winter, leaving it prone to wear and tear. Neglecting roof upkeep can result in leaks, water damage, and expensive repairs. In this tutorial, we will discuss important advice and best practices for maintaining and protecting your RV roof.

1. Regular Inspections

Maintaining your RV roof in good shape begins with regular inspections. Check your roof twice a year, especially in the spring and fall, and after any significant weather events.. As you examine, keep an eye out for:

• Cracks or Tears: Examine your roof membrane for any indications of tearing, punctures, or cracking. If not taken care of right away, these could result in leaks.
• Seals and Seams: Examine the seals surrounding air conditioners, skylights, and vents. Make that the sealant is intact and free of any cracks or degradation.
• Discoloration:  Keep an eye out for any discoloration or soft places that could point to roof or subsurface water damage.
• Debris:  Clear away any gathered debris, including leaves, branches, and dirt. Debris can retain moisture, causing harm over time. Keep your roof clean to ensure its life.

2. Cleaning Your RV Roof

Frequent cleaning is necessary to avoid dirt, mold, and mildew accumulation, which can cause the roofing material to deteriorate. For a thorough cleaning, adhere to these steps:

• Choose the Correct Cleaner: Choosing the right cleaner is very important so you can avoid damaging the material of your roof. There are coordinating cleaners for whatever kind of roof you have on your RV. (ie: TPO, EPDM rubber and fiberglass roofs)
• Gently Scrubbing: Scrub the roof gently with a sponge or brush with soft bristles. Scrubbing too hard could harm the membrane.
• Rinse Thoroughly: To get rid of all soap residue, thoroughly rinse the roof with water. Dirt and filth can be drawn to soap residue.

3. Handling Small Repairs

You can discover little problems that need to be fixed throughout your inspections. By taking quick action, you can avoid future issues that could be more serious:

• Sealant: Use an appropriate RV roof sealant if you see any gaps or fissures in the sealant around vents or seams. Before applying, make sure the area is clean and dry.
• RV Roof Patch: Use an RV roof patch kit to fix minor tears or punctures. Follow manufacturer instructions for the best results.
• Schedule a service appointment: Roof failure is a very critical thing that can potentially end in tragedy. It is important to attend to roof repairs within a timely manner and to know what exactly you are doing. Scheduling a service appointment at McClain’s RV is the safest option to ensure the health of your camper. We have RVDA certified master technician’s that have thousands of hours of experience that you can trust to do that job. 

4. How to Apply a Roof Coating

Applying a roof coating to your RV roof can provide it with even more security. Roofing coatings help in:

• Reflect UV Rays: Coatings protect against sun damage and lower roof temperature by reflecting harmful UV rays.
• Seal Small Leaks: Coatings can block small leaks and cracks by forming a waterproof barrier.
• Increased Roof Life: Regular roof coating application can add many years to the lifespan of your roof.

Prior to applying a coating, make sure the roof is clean and dry. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, follow the application and drying times. You can find everything you need to protect your roof at a McClain’s RV Parts department.

5.Precautionary Actions

Potential roof issues can be avoided by taking the following precautionary measures:

• Tree Branches: Keep your RV parked far from overhanging branches of trees that could pierce or scratch the roof.
• Shade: To lessen your exposure to the sun, park anywhere there is shade.
• Protective Cover: When leaving your car parked for a long time, cover it with an RV cover. This can lessen deterioration and shield the roof from the weather.

6. Expert Examining

While yearly expert inspections can uncover problems you might overlook, self-inspections on a frequent basis are still crucial. A specialist can offer a comprehensive evaluation and suggest any necessary maintenance or repairs. Our certified RV master technicians know all about RV roof maintenance. Schedule a visit to one of our service departments closest to you!