Prolonged exposure to rain, extreme heat, frigid temperatures, harsh cleaning detergents, tree branches, and even oxidation can cause roof seals to deteriorate, leading to water damage. If you’re wondering how to properly seal an RV roof, this post will walk you through the necessary steps. Use our tips to ensure the sealant application process offers long-term protection for years to come.
Common Problem Areas to Focus on When Resealing an RV Roof
By carefully inspecting and resealing the following areas, you can prevent leaks and extend the life of your RV’s roof:
- The joints where different roof sections meet.
- Where the front cap meets the roof.
- Edges and corners of the roof’s perimeter.
- The area around the AC unit(s) and skylight(s).
- The seals around fixtures, like the roof vent, fridge vent, satellite dishes, and antennas.
- Around any other accessories installed on the roof.
Use these steps to clean and reseal the roof of your recreational vehicle:
1. Choose a Warm, Dry Day to Apply the Roof Sealant
Apply the sealant on a warm, dry day, ideally with temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the weather forecast to ensure no rain is expected, as moisture can hinder the drying process and affect the sealant’s effectiveness. Begin your application early in the morning to avoid working under the heat of the midday sun. Plus, it takes 3 to 4 hours to complete the job and a few more to dry in the sun.
2. Inspect Your Roof
Start by sweeping the roof and checking for cracks, gaps, and worn-out seals. Pay special attention to areas around roof vents, skylights, corners, and edges. Look for signs of water damage, such as discoloration or soft spots. Address any potential damage before you reseal to maintain the integrity of your RV’s roof.
3. Gather Your Supplies
Here are the items you need (all of these products are available at your local RV dealer):
- A high-quality RV Sealant (Dicor is one of the best sealant brands for fiberglass, aluminum, and rubber roofs)
- Quality caulk gun with a stop for easy control.
- Gentle cleaning solution (avoid petroleum distillates or citrus cleaners as they can harm the roof membrane).
- Odorless mineral spirit to clean the old sealant (brake cleaner, acetone, and denatured alcohol are harsh on a rubber RV roof).
- Two hand towels or rags for cleaning and drying.
- Rubber gloves.
- Ladder.
- Plastic putty knife to remove old sealant.
4. Clean the Old Sealant
The cleaner the area, the better the sealant’s contact and adhesion. Start by sweeping the roof. Next, dampen a towel with odorless mineral spirit to clean the dirty sealant. Wipe with a dry towel, focusing on nooks and edges. If your RV roof is super dirty, and the sealant is intact, give it a good cleaning using water, a soft bristle brush, and gentle soap. Let it dry before applying sealant. But if the sealant has badly damaged areas, avoid using water as it can penetrate the cracks.
5. You Don’t Always Need to Remove Old RV Roof Sealant
If the sealant is still pliable, soft, and easy to press, you can apply new sealant directly on top. However, if it is old, hard, cracked, bumpy, or uneven, removal is necessary for a proper seal. When removing old caulk, avoid digging into it to prevent roof damage. Instead, use a putty knife or scraping blade to gently lift it. For stubborn spots, use a heat gun to soften it.
6. Make a Small Hole on the End of the Caulking Tube
Many RVers make the mistake of cutting a large hole on the end of the caulking tube, which can release too much material. Instead, create a small hole at a slight angle (around 22 degrees) to control the flow and avoid excessive pressure during application. Attach the tube to the caulking gun and gently squeeze to fill the clear plastic tube with sealant, removing any air bubbles. Pause until you are ready to apply.
7. Apply a Thin Bead of Sealant in a Fluid Motion
Holding the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle, slowly run the nozzle along the outer edge and then the inner edges of the old sealant. Fill the area between the two lines of sealant with a moderate amount of sealant, while ensuring it is evenly distributed. A substantial but not excessive bead is sufficient for an effective seal. Use Dicor non-sag sealant on the edges, and Dicor self-leveling lap sealant on flat areas. The good news is that Dicor lap sealants work on any roof type.
8. Apply a Small Area at a Time
Don’t tackle a large area at once. Apply sealant in manageable sections, about one to two feet at a time to prevent the sealant from developing a skim coat on top. This ensures better adhesion and a smoother finish. Also, remember to wipe the end of your caulking gun before starting a new section to avoid any buildup that could affect the sealant’s performance.
10. Wait for the Sealant to Dry
The drying time can vary based on the sealant type and environmental conditions. Typically, this can take 24 to 48 hours. Don’t expose the sealant to any moisture before it dries.
Repairing an RV Roof With EternaBond
If you need to make repairs to an RV roof, EternaBond tape is a good product for small tears and rips. It’s a super-sticky, waterproof tape that can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years and comes with a 15-year warranty. Here’s how to apply EternaBond.
- The first step is to clean the existing sealant and areas around it using mineral spirits or water.
- If the existing sealant is old and damaged, remove it and apply EternaBond, and then apply new lap sealant around the edges of the EternaBond tape.
- Buy a 50-foot-long roll that’s 4 inches wide for the RV side edges and 50 a 50-foot-long and 6-inch-wide roll for areas around roof installations like vents.
- Cut the length you need for the area you’re applying, lay it down on the roof, and slowly peel the backing off.
- Press down the tape with a little roller as you go to activate the adhesive for a tight seal. Make sure there are no wrinkles.
- For more peace of mind, apply a small bead of lap sealant along the edge of EternaBond tape.
- Remember that you still need to perform regular inspections of your roof. Fortunately, EternaBond is super easy to repair. Just patch a new strip over the damaged section.
How to Properly Seal RV Roof FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about the RV roof sealing process.
How Often Should You Reseal an RV Roof?
You should reseal your motorhome or trailer roof every 2 years, depending on your area’s climate and roof material. Regular inspections in the spring can help determine if resealing is needed sooner. Keeping up with this RV maintenance task prevents water leaks, prolongs the roof’s life, and will prevent some of the most expensive repairs to your camper.
How Much Does it Cost to Reseal a Camper Roof?
The cost to reseal a camper roof can vary widely based on the size of the camper, the type of sealant used, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. On average, DIY resealing might cost between $100-$300 for materials. Professional resealing services typically range between $500 and $2000.
Reseal Your RV Roof to Prevent Costly Water Damage
Resealing an RV roof is an essential preventative maintenance task that helps protect your wheeled home from water intrusion. Every one to two years, apply a high-quality sealant to your roof’s seams, vents, edges, corners, and other vulnerable areas on your RV exterior. Of course, don’t forget to inspect the roof on a regular basis to identify spots that need resealing.
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Joseph Measom
Joseph Measom is an experienced RV technician and the expert behind RV Top Tips. He believes in providing top-notch service while helping RV owners understand their vehicles, so they can handle basic maintenance and minor repairs with confidence.
Besides repairing RVs for a living, Joseph owns two RVs and does all the work on them himself, giving him firsthand experience with the challenges RV owners face. Known for his problem-solving skills and commitment to quality, he sticks with the task until the job is done right. Whether he’s making repairs or offering practical tips, Joseph’s goal is to help RV owners keep their RV in top shape.