RV is surely one of the best investments I have done in recent years. Traveling to different places on a recreational van is something I look forward to every year.
For me sleeping outside is not something I look forward to while camping, it is just not my thing. Honestly, one of the best parts of RV is that it feels like a home away from home, you do not have to wander in the wild when you have got an RV.
Whether it is the rain that bothers you or the extreme weather conditions, RV can always come to your rescue as it offers innumerable facilities and comfort.
RVing is one of the best and the most adventurous experience that you can have on the road. Besides, being one of the most comfortable vehicles out there it is surely very exciting to have a trip in an RV.
While most of us are very particular about maintaining and cleaning the interiors of our most prized possession we often tend to forget the roof. Being on the road, traveling in adverse conditions, and running the vehicle through dirt can be extremely damaging on the roof of the RV.
The roof is still one of the most ignored parts of the RV, mostly because it is out of sight and most of us tend to forget it. But, inspecting and cleaning the roof of your RV is a very important part of RV maintenance. If neglected it can cause serious damage and water leakage which can be very costly to repair.
Before planning an RV trip make sure to inspect the roof of an RV. If you are planning to do it on your own then make sure to be very careful. You can always seek the help of a professional to inspect the possible damages and water leakage.
RV roof maintenance is a very important part of owning an RV, it ensures your RV runs in proper condition for the longest time possible. Here are some of the tips and tricks that can help you with the RV roof.
How to fix cracks in the RV roof?
One of the most common problems that I have faced with my RV is the cracks on the roof. Cracks in the roof can cause leakage which can further lead to a lot of other damages. But you do not have to stress yourself over the crack on the roof. Fortunately, you can repair it on your own in just a few steps. Here is how:
Look for the cracks on the roof
Prevention is always better than cure, so, at first, you must inspect the roof for any cracks from time to time, and fix them right there. By inspecting and repairing the cracks right there you can avoid further damage and save yourself a lot of money.
You must check the exterior and interior of the roof for cracks. For the exterior pay attention to bents and the area around the HVAC system, as it is more prone to leakage that can cause cracks. Also, check for the soft spots, which may have formed because of excessive water.
Once you are done with the exterior, check the interior side of the roof. It is very easy, start by inspecting the ceiling of the RV. If there are water patches or stains on the roof, it is quite obvious that the crack must be nearby. However, not all cracks result in stains, so make sure to check the walls and the edges of the floor for cracks.
Fixing the Cracks
A roof that is made from rubber is very sturdy and lasts longer than any other type of material. Make sure to wash the roof of the RV from time to time to maintain.
You can use a rubber patch to fix the cracks on the roof, check the manual, and apply the rubber patch. You can do this by tarping and tar paper, it will fix the cracks temporarily. But, if you are looking for a permanent solution you can choose the following options:
- Seam tape
- Epoxy resin
- Rubber or fiberglass coating
- Aluminum sheeting
Tips for RV Roof Maintenance:
While the above-mentioned tips can help you in fixing the cracks and leakage in the roof of your RV. It is always good to maintain your RV for better results. While cleaning the RV is an important part of maintenance there are tips that can help you in maintaining your RV in perfect condition for the longest time.
Here are some of the tips that can help you maintain the RV roof in perfect condition even when exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Choose the right material
RV roofs are made from different materials. It is important to choose the right material while picking an RV for yourself. It is very important to know the material of the roof. It will help you in maintaining the roof properly. Mostly an RV is made from three different types of material.
- Rubber: Rubber is one of the most common materials used in RV roofs. You must clean the rubber roof at least thrice in a year. Rubber roofs are mostly made of EPDM or TPO. Both materials require different types of maintenance so make sure to check the manual for cleaning and maintenance.
- Aluminum: It is very rare that RV roofs are made from aluminum. These days aluminum is not used in preparing RV roofs as it adds to the weight. But, the good news is that it is very low maintenance.
- Fiberglass: The roof made from fiberglass is very delicate and is not that common either. It is more expensive and like aluminum roofs, adds weight to the RV. However, they do not need much maintenance.
Roof caulking
Roof caulking around the roof edges, air condition, and venting can save your repair charges. Moreover, it can prevent the roof from leakage. The roof caulking helps in proofing the roof by sealing it.
It can help in protecting the interiors of the RV from insects and damage from the outside elements. In fact, it can also be used in repairing small leaks on the roof. Types of RV caulks available in the market include:
- Elastomeric sealant
- Polyurethane sealant
- Silicone sealant
- Putty tape
Roof shining
Investing in roof shining for RV will ensure that it stays in good condition for a long time. It is important to inspect the roof of your RV before doing anything to it. Keeping a check on the shine of the roof is also an important part of maintaining the RV, otherwise, it can make your RV look dull and worn out.
To do this you must use RV polish and wax to keep the shine of your RV for the longest possible time. It is one of the best ways to make your RV look brand new and in good condition.
By using good wax you can minimize the scratches on the roof. These days waxes for RV also over UV protection against the sun. ThAdd Peel And Stick Wallpaper To Your RV’s Bathroom For A Fresh New Looke wax easily dries out so you do not have to worry about that. The benefits of using roof shining are innumerable. Some of these include:
- Provides instant sheen.
- Protects the vehicle from UV rays.
- It lowers the oxidation rate.
- It repels water from stagnating.
- Prevent building up of dirt.
- Maintains the look of the RV.
Roof patch
A roof patch is something that you must have in your RV repair kit always. Just in case the roof of your RV cracks or scratches while on a trip, a roof patch or roof tape can come handy.
A roof patch can be easily applied on the roof as it easily sticks onto the roof of an RV and protects it from further damage. These patches are water-resistant so you do not have to worry about leakage as well. The roof tape provides you an instant fix by sealing the crack or the wear and tear for a long time.
Good RV roof covers
Storing your RV in the right way is also one of the most important maintenance s steps that you need to follow religiously. It will protect your RV from outside damage and hard weather conditions. If you are someone who stores his RV outdoors, then getting good RV covers is something you must consider.
A good RV cover protects your RV from unpredictable storms, dust, dirt, sun rays, snow, rain, and possibly everything while you are storing it. A good RV cover must protect the RV from wear and tear, and also allow the moisture to evaporate from the interiors of the RV.
Since it covers your entire RV and protects the light from entering, it is important to remove the cover from time to time to avoid an accumulation of dew and excess moisture.
RV covers are available in different materials and sizes in the market. So, make sure to choose something that is best for your RV.
Roof racks and ladders
If your RV comes with a roof rack and ladders then it can be used for storing the material. However, make sure that the RV roof rack is sealed properly around the rack storage area. Additionally, make sure that the rack is in proper condition to avoid any damage.
Most of the RVs come with a ladder, to get up on the roof of the RV. Most RVs have the ladder at the back but some do come one sideways too. The ladder is fixed on the sidewalls connecting to the roof of the RV.
Always make it a point to check twice before protecting anything on the RV roof. So, check that these points are connected and sealed properly by caulking.
Replacing the roof
Lastly, if the roof of your RV is in very bad condition, has got multiple cracks, stains, and leakages then, unfortunately, you will have to replace it.
Make sure you do not delay the replacing process as it can further cause more damage to your RV. Replacing the roof of an RV is quite a task so you can also take the help of a professional. Here is a step by step guide that can help you in replacing the roof.
- First of all, you will have to remove any equipment that is attached to the roof.
- Then, you will have to take off the roof membrane.
- Take out the plywood under the roof membrane. Replace the plywood.
- Attach the new roof membrane with the RV.
- Replace any other part that has been damaged under the membrane.
- Now, seal the closures around the antenna and roof openings.
Conclusion
One of the best things about having an RV is living under a roof. It is literally the best thing about having an RV. You can live and breathe under an RV. Though the RV roof is one of the toughest and sturdiest parts of an RV, it does require cleaning and maintenance from time to time.
One of the best things that you can do on your own and which hardly requires any time is washing the roof at least twice a year (depending upon the roof material).
Knowing the material of your RV will help you in maintaining it properly. If your RV is usually parked outside under trees or in the shade instead of a garage it is more prone to damage from the outdoor weather so it needs more care.
Finally, checking out, cleaning, and maintaining the roof of your RV from time to time is something that will provide you with long-lasting results. It will also help in eliminating the further risk of damaging other parts of the RV, water leaking, and collapsing.
Personally, I used to find it a bit overwhelming to inspect my RV every month but now I make it a point to check it weekly. It has definitely helped me in keeping my RV in good condition for the longest time possible, which has ultimately helped in making every adventure possible in my RV without any hassle.
If you want to buy any additional parts or accessories related to your RV. Get in touch with TOW-MAX. They are one of the greatest platforms in this domain and will serve you in a better way than others.
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