The roof of your RV is one of the most important features no matter what type of RV you have. If the roof didn’t matter, you’d simply sleep out under the stars or in a tent. But many an RVer started out as a tent camper who was rained on one time too many! So, how do you care for your precious roof and avoid RV roof repair as long as possible? Read on to learn 5 major tips for RV roof repair and maintenance.
Protect Your RV from UV Damage
There most popular time to camp is summertime. However, as enjoyable as it is to be in the sun, when your RV is parked in the sun, your roof is taking a beating. It’s a fact that RV roofs are vulnerable to damage from the sun; and the extent of the damage is directly related to the amount of time you are having fun in the sun!
But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to protect your RV from UV damage and prolong the need for RV roof repair. First, if it is possible to store your RV indoors between your camping excursions, then it is one of the easiest ways to care for your RV – roof and all. Next, consider an RV roof protectant. These can protect against UV rays, stains, and even keep your roof and the sealants and caulking on it from drying out and cracking.
Finally, when you are camping, or when you store your RV when you don’t have indoor storage available, make every effort to park in the shade to keep heat and sun damage to a minimum. It is good to remember that if you are parking under a tree for shade, consider the type of tree and the time of year. Certain trees can drip sap on your RV. And while fall can be a beautiful time for a color tour, it’s the time of year when trees can drop leaves, debris or even nuts on your roof – which can be especially noisy at night!
Reseal Seams on the Roof
Time marches on and after several years it may feel like it has been marching on your RV. Keeping up with RV roof repair can be a very worthwhile investment. It’s also a recommended maintenance by most RV manufacturers to inspect and reseal seams every 90 days at a minimum.
Properly sealed joints are an important part of roof maintenance. Anything that involves the roof such as fans, vents, or AC units will have joints that will eventually need to be resealed. These fixtures, while necessary for the comfort and safety of your RV living, were installed by cutting a hole in the roof to install them. Even though the holes are sealed once the installation is complete, time and weather eventually take their toll and resealing is necessary.
When your roof seam are properly sealed it is easier to keep moisture out and maintain the desired temperature in your RV. This means that ultimately sealed joints save you money because it can cut down on heating and cooling costs. A well-maintained RV lasts longer and has a higher resale value when you are ready to upgrade.
However, it is possible that even with regular seam sealing, in time you may need extensive resealing. There are products you can use to reseal your entire roof depending on the type of roof you have. The type of roof you have determines the type of care it needs.
At All American Coach here in Sylvania, Ohio, many of the RV models we carry use one of two types of roof membranes. You can learn more about them, including tips for taking care of these roof types:
One thing that is of the utmost importance is to use the correct sealant for the type of roof you have. Using the wrong product on your roof can result in more than just RV roof repair; you could cause damage that would require an entire roof replacement!
Cleaning the Roof
RV roof repair can be expensive and regular cleaning is one of the best and easiest steps in maintaining your RV roof. Unlike the roof on your home, which you may never climb up on, your RV roof needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to keep it in good condition. If your RV roof is safe to walk on, getting up on your rooftop to give it a good scrub is also the perfect time to clear away any debris as well as inspect for any damage that may need repair.
Other types of RV rooftops aren’t rated for bearing weight like a person walking around. For these, you’ll need to clean it from atop a ladder or from a raised position without getting on the roof. You may also be able to use ply decking to create walkways on top without damaging the membrane. As always, err on the side of safety when it comes to doing anything on ladders or on top of RVs!
There are plenty of roof cleaner products available. You’ll want to be sure to check that you’re using the proper cleaning solution for the type of RV roof you have. For instance, steer clear of using petroleum-based products on rubber roofs. It could cause damage that is beyond simple RV roof repair and requires roof replacement.
Some RV Roof Repairs Are Actually Replacements
Even with proper care, over time simple RV roof repair may not be enough. If time has worn down your roof or if you have extensive damage, it may actually be time to consider replacing your entire RV roof. Replacement costs will vary depending on the type of roof you have. It can be a costly, so depending on the length of your RV, plan to spend several hundreds to thousands of dollars.
The good news is, while it can be a sizeable investment, it will be far less expensive than purchasing a new RV and, depending on your skill level, it could be a DIY project. But whether you have it professionally replaced, or have the experience to tackle the job yourself, you will eventually be able to get back on the road.
Avoid Repairs with an RV Roof Cover
One way to minimize long-term damage to your roof is with an RV roof cover. A cover can lower the risk of needing RV roof repair by protecting your roof from the sun and elements. There are full RV covers which are great for storage and keeping your whole RV protected, not just your roof. Some covers give extra protection only to your roof. But either option is a good investment and a way to postpone RV roof repairs as long as possible.
There are covers designed to be left on even while you are camping. These covers leave doors accessible and as an added benefit, they keep your RV protected from excess heat while you are camping which can cut down on your cooling expenses. Covers also help protect against dirt and debris. They also add an additional layer of protection against rain which is important since that last soggy tent camping trip is likely the reason you are a proud RV owner, or looking to become one!
Contact RV Wholesale Superstore
The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126
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