How To Fix A Leaking Camper Roof

You love your new RV, but if there’s one thing that takes away from the experience of owning one it’s keeping up with leaks and damage.

Motorhomes take a total battering every time they get taken out on the highway- imagine if your house was supposed to take an earthquake two weeks out of the year, every year. It’d be falling to bits!

On top of that, motorhomes need to be light enough to be taken out on the road, and they face all the same challenges from the elements that your house would face.

It should come as no surprise then, that RVs are prone to the occasional leak and do require maintenance.

This is such an understood part of the motorhome lifestyle that many motorhome manufacturers will void your warranty if you don’t maintain your camper for damage every 90 days.

Leak fixing and prevention vary by the type of material that your Camper’s roof is made from, but some elements of keeping them waterproof and sturdy apply to them all.

Below, we’ve compiled the comprehensive guide to making sure your mobile home is ship-shape and ready for the road.

What Are The Types Of RV Roof?

Maintaining your RV roof can be difficult, as products such as cleaners will vary depending on the type of roof your camper has.

An RV roof can be made from fiberglass, TPO, PVC, EPDM, or aluminum; TPO and EPDM are the most commonly-used today.

Fiberglass and aluminum roofs can be safely cleaned with the same products which you would use to clean the sides- it is the seams which you really have to pay attention to.

In all cases, it is best to maintain the seams of your RV with the same sealant used by the original manufacturer, but in some cases self-leveling sealants may be used.

Sealant tape is also used along seams. These are actually very resilient, coated in a ‘micro-sealant’, and essentially form an instant seal against your seam.

Problems usually arise when the tape is not applied correctly or as per the directions, or if you have picked up an inferior product.

To give yourself the best chances of correctly sealing your seam, always clear your surface and have a roller ready to thoroughly work the sealant in the tape.

TPO, EPDM, PVC roofs will have cleaners created specifically by the manufacturers for their upkeep, and only these will guarantee maximum effectiveness and your warranty.

Make sure that you fully understand the warranty for your RV- if it is not maintained in the manner laid out in your warranty, it may be voided.

How Do I Use Roof Cleaners?

Keeping a clean roof is a key part of RV roof maintenance. EPDM roofs naturally weather so a cleaner/protectant product should be used to sure it up- this should also minimize the iconic black streaks and peeling film associated with these types of RVs.

Even when spot cleaning, absolutely avoid citrus or petroleum-based products, and always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting cleaning.

TPO and PVCs are similar- but while EPDM is a type of rubber, TPO and PVC are both plastics. Plastics won’t weather in the same way rubber does, and are far more lightweight.

Sealants for these products are made in a variety of colors to match the color of your roof, typically by the manufacturer.

Contacting your manufacturer with the model of your camper and asking for care instructions is the best bet to make sure you’re properly servicing your mobile home.

RV Seam Maintenance

Seam maintenance is one of the most important things you will do- referring to where the front and rear of the roof meets the rest of the vehicle, as well as along the guttering, vents, antennae etc.

These must be carefully cleaned and checked every season for new problems. If you notice a leak, it must be dealt with immediately. Dry out everything you can to prevent further damage. Carry a roof emergency repair kit wherever you go.

Silicone sealants should not be used on a motorhome roof, as they are not compatible with the materials used. They will simply separate and then render actual roof sealants ineffective.

If you are looking to have your RV professionally maintained, there are companies out there that will do that for you, with professional-standard products. Vet and check your providers before you use them.

Some companies even claim that their days-long process can provide a permanently sealed roof, which requires no maintenance. This process is likely pricey, but worth looking into.

Side Sealants

Your motorhome sides will also need resealing every so often. Manufacturers nowadays supply a foam-based gasket tape which may be backed up to your liking by a silicone-based caulk. Windows, doors and other extrusions should be checked for gaps and leaks.

To apply these caulks, clean the surface thoroughly of dirt and old caulk using caulk removers or an appropriate adhesive.

Cut the tube and apply a carefully-considered amount of caulk to the seam, before spraying the area with a tooling fluid. You can make this yourself with a spray bottle of water containing a small amount of dish soap.

Motorhomes with many windows, complex seams, and extrusions such as cabovers woll require to be caulked more often than those without, especially over time.

Don’t forget these easy-to-miss spots: the side-rood termination seams and the awnings upon the side walls.

Whether you live in your RV all year round or it only sees use once or twice a year, it still spends all of its time outdoors, and you must still make sure to take care of it the way that you want it to take care of you. S

pend good time and money on getting the proper seals for your motorhome, and you ensure that it lives a good long life, even should you decide to sell it on into the care of someone else.