In this blog post, we will answer the following question: How often should the RV roof be resealed? We will discuss what type of roof seals to use, how to reseal an RV roof and RV sunroof.
How often should the RV roof be resealed?
Ideally, an RV roof should be resealed every year and entirely replaced after 10 years of use. Not taking proper care of your RV roof will lead to water leaks, high damp levels and even mould inside the motorhome.
To get a general idea, here are the fees of RV roof reseal job:
| RV Rubber Roof | 45 Cents per sq. ft |
| RV Fiberglass Roof | 18 Cents per sq. ft |
| RV Metal Roof | 21 Cents per sq. ft |
The sealant that RV manufacturers use to keep RV skylights and roof vents from leaking can gradually dissolve over time. Sunlight, alternating hot and cold temperatures, and even heavy rain can take a toll.
If you notice even a small amount of water coming through the skylight of your RV, it is most likely time to replace the sealing caulk. Before jumping into action, however, make sure that the water you are realizing is nothing more than condensation that forms on the cold surface inside the skylight.
How to reseal your RV roof (step-by-step)
Check your RV manual to see if your roof is intended to support a person’s weight. If not, place a ladder as close to the side of the RV as possible and carefully climb up until you can easily work on the leaking skylight without leaning too far.
Use a putty knife to scrape off the existing caulk surrounding the skylight. Removing the caulk will take some pressure, but make sure you don’t press hard enough to damage the screws or rivets that hold the skylight accessory in place.
Next, pour a small amount of paint thinner or mineral spirits onto a cloth or soft brush and rub off any residue from the original putty. The cleaner the skylight is, the better the replacement caulk will be able to adhere to.
Insert the tube of roofing cement into the caulk gun, its pointed nozzle facing away from the “trigger” gun. Cut off the tip of the nozzle with a sturdy pair of scissors or a utility knife.
Apply a ring of caulk even all the way around the seam where the metal or plastic flanges of the skylight meet the roof of the RV. It is not necessary to continuously pump the putty gun. Rather, a more uniform flow will be produced if the trigger is pulled at constant pressure until no further pressure can be pressed. Make sure the caulk completely covers any gaps between the flange and the roof skylight.
What type of RV roof sealants to use
A roof sealer is essential to prevent leaks, leaks and moisture; as well as the accumulation of fungi and bacteria. It is very important to apply it, especially in areas where humidity is frequent, where rainy seasons are very long or where weather conditions are very adverse.
So to give the roof of your house proper conditioning without having to pay more, here we show you the best roof sealants that you can apply yourself at home.
This sealant is elastic, it flexes with changes in temperature and with the wind. It is transparent and remains transparent, therefore it does not turn yellow over time. Lasts 20 times longer than asphalt.
It has excellent resistance to ultraviolet rays, adheres to most ceiling patches. You can paint it and it is resistant to mould, and it also freezes and you can leave it in your garage without heating.
It is a superior liquid rubber waterproof product specifically designed for all types of home and industrial waterproofing applications. Its certification makes it ideal for roof applications.
Water-based, it has a low content of volatile organic compounds. You can apply it cold and it has a uniform rubber membrane specifically designed to protect your home.
- Acrylic Roof Cladding
It can be applied to many surfaces, including EPDM rubber roofs, polyurethane foam, modified bitumen, asphalt, mobile homes, RVs, concrete, woods, and more.
This fortified acrylic roof sheathing is designed to cool roofs and provide energy savings. With 10-year protection, you won’t have to worry about reapplying every year.
It is a highly effective and easy to apply liquid rubber sealer. This waterproof coating is ideal for homeowners as well as construction contractors.
Environmentally friendly, its flexible technology allows the waterproof rubber liquid to become a sealant bridge in concrete. You can choose between the different colour options available.
It is a 100% acrylic reflective roofing coating. Its ability to extend over the roof provides long-lasting protection and reflectivity, helping to extend the life of your roof.
How to seal an RV sunroof
The sunroof on your RV can be prone to a great deal of leakage, especially if it is not properly maintained. These leaks can damage the interior of your car and cost you more money to repair. To prevent this from happening, you can seal your car’s sunroof in a few simple steps.
You need to use the correct type of gasket for your car sunroof depending on the car model. Consult your car dealer in case you are unsure of the brand to use.
- Locate the outer and inner edges where the original stamp begins. Mark these ends to remember the exact position of the original stamp. This will ensure that you fit the new gasket accurately.
- Pick up the old seal using your hands to dig from the sides. Start from the ends, where the seals meet.
- Put non-abrasive adhesive remover on a dry piece of cloth, and wipe it in the place where the original seal was emptied. This will help remove any glue residue and clean the area to remove other residue or dirt.
- Use another soft cloth to clean the area thoroughly and remove any remaining seal.
- Hold onto the protective cover, and let it cover 2 inches of your brand new seal. Position the new gasket following the marks you initially made to ensure they are properly aligned on the sunroof. Continue to pull the paper cover off the new back of the seal, working 2 inches at a time to ensure a tight seal.
- Check for excess seals on the edges of the sunroof, and cut off the excess with a razor blade.
Conclusions
The sealant that RV manufacturers use to keep RV skylights and roof vents from leaking can gradually dissolve over time. Sunlight, alternating hot and cold temperatures, and even heavy rain can take a toll.
Make sure you inspect, clean and reseal your RV roof at least once a year, to avoid serious damage and expensive repairs!
If you have any questions or comments about this content, please let us know.
FAQ on How often should RV roofs be resealed?
How to seal the roof of an RV?
To seal the roof of an RV, follow these instructions: With the double-sided tape in place, the original roof edges are repositioned as stretched as possible, pressure must be applied to activate the Eternal Bond tape. Finally, the resulting crack is covered with one-sided tape, and pressure is reapplied with a roller.
How to fix a roof leak?
A good alternative to repair leaks from inside the house is to apply one of the so-called roof patches with a spatula. Once the leak is located, it is only a matter of plugging the opening well with the patch and then sealing it with putty. A simple way to verify the place where the leakage occurs is to hose water on the roof simulating precipitation and detect the exact place where the first drops of water appear inside the house
How to level a flat roof?
To level a flat roof, sand the ceiling joists at a slope of at least 1 per cent, using an orbital sander. Check the slope with a level that measures the slope as a percentage. Create a steeper slope for more efficient drainage. Take out the nails that hold the joists at one end of the deck in place.
