Keep Your RV Roof From Leaking This Season

Most RVers are familiar with the old adage “the best offense is a good defense” which is typically defined as proactively attacking one’s opponents or enemies being the best way to protect oneself (or their RV in this case).

When it comes to your RV’s roof, this means you should actively take a proactive stance in keeping your roof maintained against water intrusion, rather than possessing a passive attitude and doing nothing until you see signs of leakage in the interior of your RV. By the time you see water inside your RV, there is more work to be done than simply patching the leak.

Patch area. Photo via iRV2 member donnyman

How to inspect your RV roof

The simplest way to keep the rubber roof on your RV from leaking is by inspecting it several times a year.

Safety first: Getting up on your RV roof can present a fall hazard, so take appropriate steps to assure your safety in advance. If you don’t feel safe walking around on your RV’s roof, an RV service center might be a safer alternative to have the work done.

If there is a heavy accumulation of leaves or pine needles on your roof, start by sweeping it off or using a leaf blower. Next, wash the roof using a soft to medium bristle long-handled brush with a soft scrubbing motion to remove dirt and grime.

For tougher stains or areas with tight access, consider using a small hand brush or even a stiff-bristled toothbrush.  If the RV has a crank-up TV antenna, raise it before washing so you can get underneath the portions that normally lay on the roof.

Only use cleaning chemicals that are free of petroleum distillates that could damage the rubber. Most car wash solutions are acceptable as is dish soap. While you are up there, be sure to clean your roof vents, solar panels, etc. with a soft rag.

Note: As you wash your roof, the dirt and grime will run down the side of your RV along with a chalky residue from the rubber roofing material, so be sure to hose down the walls of your RV before this combination has a chance to dry.

Definitely needs attention

Now that you have the roof of your RV clean, give it a good inspection, paying close attention to where the sealant has been applied to the rubber roofing around vents, antennae, side railings/seams, etc. Look for areas in the sealant that are cracked or lifting along the edge.

Many times cracks will show around screwheads that are anchoring the varying components, so look closely. While the rubber roofing material will seldom fail on its own, you will also want to inspect it for damage from tree limbs and abrasion.

One spot to look is where your crank-up TV antenna rests while in the down position.

Raise the TV antenna and clean underneath

Once you have identified potential places that water could enter, remove any loose sealant, thoroughly clean the area to be sealed (following the instructions on the new tube of sealant), and seal with the appropriate sealant available online or from your local RV dealer.

While you are on the roof, take the time to inspect all vent coverings (roof vents, refrigerator vents, skylights, and plumbing vents) for cracks and UV deterioration and replace them as needed.

Finally, to assure the integrity of the entire roof, check to make sure the bolts on the roof air conditioner(s) are properly tightened allowing the gasket to maintain the seal.

Conclusion

Remember, unlike a stick-and-bricks home, your RV is bouncing and twisting down the highway along with being exposed to varying amounts of UV rays and pollutants, so maintenance is required more frequently.

By regularly inspecting your RV roof and doing the required maintenance you can maintain a good offense and avoid an unexpected surprise, as a roof leak is an adventure in RVing none of us want to experience. 

Make sure you keep track of all your RV maintenance and repairs with an online tool such as RV LIFE Maintenance. Not only can you keep all of your documents in one place, but you’ll also receive timely reminders when maintenance is due to help you avoid costly repairs and potentially serious accidents.

Dave Helgeson

Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.