Keeping your RV roof in great shape is a critical part of enjoying the adventures that you take in it. Like the roof of your home, the RV’s roof protects you and your family from the elements. It also protects the items and fixtures inside the RV, saving you from issues like water damage, wind damage, and other potential risks. With proper maintenance, you’ll be happy to know that RVs generally won’t require a lot of repairs.
There are even a lot of repairs that you can handle on your own if they do come up, so take the time to get to know your RV and learn all about how to care for it, as well as how to handle simple repairs and maintenance needs. Here are some big points to get you started.
When cleaning, never use anything citric or abrasive, and avoid petroleum-based cleaning products, too. All of these can lead to the breakdown of the roofing material, and there are RV cleaning products made for all types of roofing, including rubber, fiberglass, and aluminum RV roofs.
One of the common issues that you’ll have to handle is the resealing of the joints and edges around the roof. These include the seams on the sides of the roofing (if they are present) as well as the edges around all rooftop units, including A/C units, fans, light fixtures, etc. Self-leveling sealants are great for this. The instructions are simple and they apply like caulk, so they’re fairly simple to work with, too.
Another common RV roof repair and maintenance issue is the resealing or recoating of the entire roof. This usually occurs with rubber membrane roofing, which requires occasional care to keep it in its best shape. You will need to recoat the rubber to keep it watertight and prevent cracking or other issues over time. However, with proper care, a good rubber roof can last 20 years or more.
If you take good care of your RV, you’ll find yourself doing fewer repairs. Not only that, but you’ll save the risk of ending up at the dealer with really expensive repairs because you’ve been taking care of things as they come up. Keep these tips in mind and take the time to get really familiar with your RV so that you can handle anything that comes your way, from simple repairs to recoating and beyond.