Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Jessica Lauren Vine
Are you asking, “How often should you seal your RV roof?”
Having an RV is a great way to get around and travel while cutting back on your accommodation costs over the long run. However, an RV is only a good investment for as long as the owner takes good care of it, and one of the most neglected parts of an RV is the roof. Keeping your RV roof in good condition can maintain the RV’s value and ensure there is no water damage, but how often is it necessary to reseal?
It is good practice to check your RV roof for leaks and inspect the seal at least twice a year, resealing or adding when necessary. Additionally, you should seal your RV roof at least once a year to ensure the seal is fresh and the RV roof will withstand the harsh natural conditions of your area.
Though it is common for people with RVs to seal off the areas where there may be gaps in their RV roof, like the area where an antenna or air conditioning unit is attached, this isn’t the only thing you need to do to ensure your RV roof is in good condition and leak-free. A complete roof coating is necessary to keep the roof in good shape to ensure your RV roof is always ready for the next outing.
Sealing Your RV Roof – How Often Is It Necessary
Though sealing your RV roof can take a lot of time and effort, ensuring your RV is in the best shape possible is essential. However, since the process requires time and money, it is unnecessary to do it too often. Luckily, there is a basic guideline that most RV owners follow and should follow to ensure the RV roof is in good shape and will hold up the next time you use it.
- Checking Your RV Roof – Since not all RVs are the same, and we don’t all live in the same place with the same weather, checking your RV roof is essential. I recommend you check your RV roof for leaks or tears in the sealant at least twice a year. If you can see an area where the adhesive isn’t performing as it should, you should seal it as soon as possible, considering the weather.
Though checking your RV roof twice a year ensures that it should be in good shape, it is also best to inspect the roof if your RV has been standing for a while or before a trip. Doing this check will ensure you catch any areas where damage could occur, which will help you avoid additional damage.
- Yearly Seal Application – Though the measures above may help you avoid extra damage, it is best to recoat and reseal your RV at least once a year to ensure it is fully protected. There are different types of RV roof protective sealants and coats for sale, and some work better on specific roof materials.
Resealing your RV roof once a year will ensure that your RV roof looks good and stays in good shape. Though one of the main reasons people seal their RV rooves is to ensure there is no possible water damage, there are other reasons to seal your RV roof. Sealing your RV roof also protects your roof from harmful UV rays due to sun exposure and even low-hanging branches that may cause damage.
When Should You Replace Your RV Roof?
If you’ve had your RV for a couple of years, you may be wondering when the sealant will stop being a reliable way to protect your RV. The unfortunate fact is that your RV roof, even when well taken care of, will need to be replaced eventually, as the sealant will only last and protect your RV roof as long as the RV roof can stay in good condition.
If you take good care of your RV roof by checking it regularly and resealing it once a year, it should last for at least ten years before replacing the whole roof. Though this may seem like a surprisingly short lifespan for an RV roof that appears in good condition, structural integrity is the key to avoiding damage to the rest of your RV and the things you have inside.
It is best to replace the whole RV roof at least once every ten years, though this depends on the kind of roof and the manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, you may need to replace the RV roof sooner if it has sustained significant damage or was not adequately taken care of in the past.
How To Seal Your RV Roof
Knowing that keeping your RV roof in good shape is the key to saving you a lot of money and expanding the roof’s lifespan means that you should do anything in your power to shield it for as long as possible. The best way to do this, as we mentioned above, is to reseal your roof every year and regularly check for cracks or leaks.
However, if you are a new RV owner or unsure how to seal your roof, there are some easy-to-follow guidelines and steps below. Before starting the process, you should ensure you have purchased the proper sealant for your roof type. Finding a suitable adhesive is easy, even at online stores like Amazon.
- Clean Your RV Roof – Before you can start applying a sealant or coating to your RV roof, you first need to ensure that the surface is ready and prepared. The best way to do this is to clean the roof with a power washer and brush. If you have old or previously applied sealants on your RV roof, you may also take this off.
- Let The Roof Dry – After washing your RV’s roof, it is essential to give it enough time to dry thoroughly before starting the application. Doing this will ensure no water keeps the sealant from adhering to the roof’s surface.
- Use Tape To Keep The Sealant Away – Naturally, you don’t want sealant or coating getting all over your RV; one of the easiest ways to prevent this is by using masking tape. Not only does lining your roof with masking tape help keep the sealant from getting onto undesirable areas, but it also provides you with clean lines when the tape gets removed.
- Reseal Any Holes Or Gaps – Now that your roof is clean and dry, you can start sealing all the holes or spaces where your RV roof has attachments again. One of the most important places to do this is around the AC unit of your RV.
- Paint On The Sealant – With any gaps sealed and your edges marked and protected with tape, you can start with the first seal layer. You can use a brush or paint roller to make this task easier. Most people, including myself, suggest you wait a couple of hours for the first layer to dry before adding a second coat.
- Wait For The Sealant To Dry Fully – One of the biggest mistakes people make after resealing an RV roof is going out too soon. It is best to wait before going out and allowing the protective layers to dry for anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, differing based on the coating thickness and the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the roof is dry, you should be ready for a year.
Conclusion
The importance of sealing your roof can not be understated when keeping your RV in good condition. Not only can the sealant layers protect your roof and interior from water damage, but it also helps prevent other forms of damage to your RV roof. Though you may not enjoy it, it is essential to seal your RV roof at least once a year and look for cracks and leaks so you can stop them in time.
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