RV Roof Care and Maintenance Tips
An RV’s roof has quite a job. Enduring cold, rain. Ice, snow and harsh sunlight. Given all that an RV’s roof must endure, you don’t want to overlook it. It is important to know what type of roof your RV has and how to maintain it.
Types of Roofs
There are several different types of roofs and materials. The most common RV roofing material is rubber. It is inexpensive and light. There are two types of rubber roofs. One is made of Ethylene Propylene Diene monomer or EDPM and the other is Thermal Polyolefin or TPO. You can check your RVs manual to see which roof material you have.
Another type of RV roof is fiberglass. It is heavier in weight and cost is higher as well. It is labor intensive to maintain than a rubber roof.
Lastly, another roof type is aluminum. This is a rarer roof type though. Older RV’s or airstreams are where you would mostly find this roof type. It adds more wight but doesn’t require as much maintenance as rubber and fiberglass.
Keep it Clean
The first and easiest way to maintain your RVs roof is simply to keep it clean. Spraying it off every now and then will prevent buildup. It is a good idea to remove large debris from the roof.
Recalk/Seal
It is important to check the caulking or lap sealant for any cracks or wear. If the condition of the caulking is poor, it may be time to strip out the old stuff which can involve a little digging and scraping before resealing those areas. * Note- Check with your RV dealer for sealants that are compatible with your roofing material.
Caution
Read your roof manufacturer’s instructions for proper cleaning and sealing techniques to prevent damage to your roof and possibly void your warranty.
Cleaning and inspecting your RV on a regular basis can add years to the life of the roof and help prevent costly repairs caused by water and other types of damage. Always refer to your RVs manual and reach out to a service center or qualified technician with any questions.
Our service technicians would love to help you with any questions you have about keeping your RV in tiptop shape! If you have any questions or concerns about servicing your fifth wheel or trailer, feel free to call us at (936)-305-5335.