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Is Flex Seal Good For Rv Roofs

Ways To Inspect Any Water Leaks Or Damage

Applying Flex Seal to your RV or Trailer Roof | Season 3 Ep 55

To inspect any water leaks or damage on your rubber roof, you need to do a physical check on the entire roof the roof seams, and around the openings.

Make sure to search for any cracks or gaps, especially with the sealed parts. Once its done, check the interiors ceiling, wall, and floor and look for any water damage or leak stains.

This is especially important after weather events like hail. You can read more about if hail will damage your roof here.

After that, use a seal-tech machine that produces pressure on the inside of the RV unit. Then, go back to the roof and spray soap and water solution on the gaps or cracks you found. If bubbles show up, that confirms the area has holes and would cause leaks.

Make sure to thoroughly clean the area that you would seal and dry up using a sponge or clean cotton. This helps the seal product adhere to the surface.

If a seal-tech machine is unavailable, you can use other equipment that blows air pressure within the interior such as a furnace blower.

Other Important Factors To Consider

What is an RV Roof Coating/Sealant?

An RV roof coating or sealant is a product that plays a major role in your RV roofs maintenance. Applying it regularly is crucial in providing the roof in your RV a new shine. Remember that a new roof coating is needed at some points in your RV roofs life.

This especially holds true for rubber roof, which might become chalky. It might also wear off gradually with time. With the help of a highly reliable RV roof coating or sealant, you can revive the good condition and look of your RV roof.

Another thing that this coating or sealant can do is to prevent water and other forms of moisture from penetrating your vehicle. With that, it can help properly secure all the things and features found in your roof. You can even use it around skylights, roof vents, and any other parts that need to be secured.

How Does an RV Roof Coating/Sealant Work?

An RV roof coating or sealant works in extending the life of your RV roof. It does so by lessening the transfer of heat into the roof. It also works in reducing thermal shock caused by the thermal contraction and expansion of the RV roofs membrane.

Furthermore, it can help mitigate leaks. You can also expect most roof coatings, especially the reflective ones, to lessen energy costs while also improving your roofs aesthetics.

Types of RV Roof Coatings

The problem is that it is a bit costly and tends to add more weight to your roof. In addition, it is not that easy to install.

Rubberseal Liquid Rubber Protective Coating

What truly blew me away about this elastomeric roof coating is how extremely efficient it is at reflecting sunlight and the damaging UV rays that come with it.

In truth, this coating prevents most of the suns heat from getting into the RV. Also, whatever amount of heat the roof gets, the coating lets it dissipate quickly.

Because it no longer gets too hot inside the RV, I find myself not turning up the air conditioner as often as before. It helps lower the cost of operating my RV significantly.

Furthermore, the finish comes on thick and is very elastic. So, the liquid RV roof coating will not have any trouble bending and flexing along with the RV roof. It means that the coating will not tear, puncture, or rip apart easily, thus keeping your roof in top condition.

Another thing that I like about this product is how thick its consistency is, allowing me to use it as an elastomeric seal. Once painted over seams and little holes and tears on the roof, it will cover all of them effectively. You may still need to go over some areas with proper sealants, but overall, it handles everything fine.

  • Allows heat to dissipate quickly
  • Keeps the inside of the RV relatively cool even on hot days
  • Highly elastic coating, which can stretch and bend with the roof
  • Thick consistency, offering help in plugging up holes and seams on the roof
  • Takes some sunny days to cure completely

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Best For Roof Edges: Dicor 501lsw

If you only need to seal small areas along the edges of your RV roof, the Dicor Corporation Self-Leveling Lap Sealant is much more affordable than a paint-can style sealant.

And itll also work well to seal around vents, air conditioners, roof antennas, and anywhere else that water may leak into the substructure of your RV roof.

This sealant is best suited for EPDM rubber roofs or rubber TPO, but it will also adhere strongly to aluminum, mortar, wood, vinyl, galvanized metal, fiberglass, and concrete.

It is compatible with other Dicor Products and may be used after their Cleaner/Activator and EPDM Rubber Roof Coating system, respectively, for a full roof sealant solution.

Youll need a caulking gun to apply this sealant and it has self-leveling properties to help with a smoother, more complete seal where applied.

Each tube contains 10.3 ounces of sealant and that small quantity will mean you might need a good number of tubes to seal the edges or seam around your entire RV.

For example, one user used a total of five tubes to seal the edges around a 13-foot trailer.

So, extrapolating that number out, youd need 10 tubes for a 26-foot RV and a minimum of 14 tubes for a 33-foot rig.

Furthermore, this sealant is rated to be reapplied every three months or so for maximum effectiveness.

This means that you might need to spend more time applying this sealant than youd need with other solutions.

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Check Your Damage Level

Rv Proflex Flexible Sealant Rv Roof Sealant Bright White ...

Theres a difference between dealing with extensive damage or a small crack in your sealant. Examine not only the damaged area but the rest of the seals on your RV roof. While youre repairing damage, youll already be up on the roof and have the tools to address any other areas before they become issues.

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Can You Use Flex Seal On An Rv Roof

RV RoofsFlex Seal willrubberdoesyouyou can

Use a self-leveling sealant, such as Dyco Flow Seal Caulk, to seal roof joints. Inspect all seams yearly and touch up any cracks with the sealer, to ensure you never suffer water damage. Everguard TPO rubber roofing looks more like plastic than rubber. It is more rigid than EPDM, and has a shiny appearance.

Similarly, what is Flex Seal good for? Flex Seal Liquid is your go-to liquid rubber. It will dry to the form of whatever object or surface you spray it onto. It’s a flexible rubberized sealant that will expand and contract. Flex Seal works on wet surfaces, but it works best on dry ones, clean of dirt, grease, and grease.

Hereof, how long does flex seal last on a roof?

A: Depending on the environment, coats added and maintenance, many people have found Flex Seal® will last for years without cracking, peeling or losing any of its strength or sealing properties.

How much does it cost to reseal an RV roof?

Re-coating is probably on the order of $1500-$2500 depending on size and labor costs, and replacement fabric is probably $5000-$7000. Re-coating is well within the capabilities of an owner to do-it-yourself, so the cost would be just for the EPDM coating.

Final Thoughts On Rv Rubber Roofs

To sum things up, many RVers tend to forget and overlook their RV roof since it is not something you see during travels. However, if you forget to check if the roof is not in the best condition, the interior of your rig can be severely damaged, too. Remember that damaged roofs can lead to water damage and leaks which may cost you expensive repairs.

Furthermore, even RV Rubber roofs can last up to 12 years or more, it will still depend on how often you clean it and do regular maintenance checks. Just like anything else in your rigs, roofs also need proper care, inspection, and maintenance. And by doing so, you can keep its quality and durability for a long time.

Lastly, it is important that you know, as confirmed with your RV dealer, the types of chemicals that you can and cant use considering the type of rubber roof you have. This applies when cleaning and sealing the roof. Any use of inappropriate cleaning or sealing materials can cause serious damage to the rubber roof and affect its quality.

If you are still new to RVing, take note of the cleaning and maintenance tips so you can enjoy your camping trips with your RV for a long period.

Here are other blogs with tips on your RV maintenance that would help you with your RVing:

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What Is Your Roof Material

While most RVs have rubber roofs, there are other options. For example, some RVs have metal roofs and even fiberglass roofs. Some different types of RV roofs will require a different RV roof sealant.

Using the incorrect sealant on your RV roof can damage the existing seals and pose a larger problem. If youre concerned about using the wrong type of sealant, contact your manufacturer. They can probably tell you which sealant they recommend for your specific RV.

What Is An Rv Roof Sealant

Sealing Camper Roof with Flex Seal

Roof sealants for RVs are like roof sealants for home and commercial use. The difference is the specific weight of the product. The reason many RV manufacturers prefer EPDM or TPO rubber roofs is the weight savings. With that being said, aluminum and fiberglass roofs are relatively maintenance-free. Still, they add weight and complexity to the entire setup.

However, RV roof sealants are composed of either elastomeric or water-based formulas that adhere to the roofs surface. Its like having an invisible layer of protection or umbrella on top of your RV, which is applied to enhance UV protection and guard against harmful water intrusion.

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What Do You Use To Seal An Rv Roof

There are a couple of options that you can use when sealing an RV roof. One of the most popular methods is a liquid sealant. A liquid sealant will often come in a tube with a caulking gun for application. This is an easy way to address large and small fixes alike. Check with the specific brand for instructions.

Another popular option is sealant tape. This tape forms an airtight bond to help prevent water from penetrating any gaps. A sealant tape is great for roof repairs but also preventative maintenance.

Many RVers seal off the front and rear sections of their RVs roof with sealant tape to protect the original seals. Its a great way to keep your RV safe, but we also suggest carrying sealant tape with you at all times in case of an emergency like a low branch or other abrasions. Applying it is very quick and easy for small tears.

Liquid Roof Liquid Epdm Coatings

This product is not just a simple coating. It is an actual EPDM rubber roof coating that you can pour on your RV. If you are thinking of not just replenishing your RV roof, but replacing it entirely with a brand new one, then this product is for you.

Instead of fixing your old rubber roofs, get rid of it entirely and pour on a new one. Once it dries and cures, it turns into a hard, rubberized shell that is extremely flexible and can move along with the roof.

More importantly, this coating can twist, flex, and even stretch and contract. Unlike other roofing materials, this coating will not freeze and crack even in sub-zero weather.

This liquid roof RV coating is also virtually impervious to water. Although this RV rubber roofs coating might look porous when dried, it is still a watertight membrane that spans the entire roof. You no longer need to worry about water leaking into your recreational vehicle and having to deal with a severe mildew and algae infestation.

The thing that I like the most about this RV roof coatings is its efficiency at reflecting heat. It can block up to 90% of the suns heat. You can touch the roof without burning your hand, even when it is scorching hot outside.

  • Goes on thick as it plugs up leaks and seams effectively
  • Elastic while remaining strong and virtually indestructible
  • Requires one coat to protect your RV roof properly
  • UV-resistant, preventing the heat from penetrating
  • Self-levels, preventing water from pooling on the roof

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Benefits Of Rv Roof Sealant & Coating

  • Structural protection. First and foremost, sealing up any cracks that have already occurred and preventing new ones with roof sealant is an investment in the structure and longevity of your RV. A layer of rubber roof sealant will also help prevent any warping from the heat and will save you money in the long run by helping to prevent costly RV roof repairs.
  • Temperature regulation. A roof coating forms a protective barrier that helps to regulate the temperature inside your RV, which will keep things cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. As an added perk, youll likely end up using less power, since you wont have to crank up the air conditioning or heating.
  • Reduced wear and tear. The roof surface of your RV takes a real beating over time. With repeated exposure to the elements, your RVs roof can start to show signs of wear and tear. Having rubber roofing atop it helps keep that wear and tear to a minimum.
  • Energy use reduction. RVs use a lot of energy when in use, even on short trips. An RV roof coating can help reduce these costs due to the added insulation it provides to your vehicle. Less power used, more money saved.
  • Reduced costs. In the same vein, keeping your RV in tip-top shape by protecting the roof from damage and the structure from warping, youre saving a lot on roof maintenance down the line. Thatll help keep more cash in your wallet.

Best Caulk To Use On Exterior Surfaces

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Kevin Means said:Yes, do yourself a favor and don’t use silicone. Look for a product called Dicor. You can find it at just about any RV store and I think Home Depot carries it. It’s self-leveling and specifically designed to do what you’re trying to do. It stays pliable, is pretty easy to apply and once cleaned, you can apply it over itself. It’s also not real difficult to remove if you need to. Eternabond tape is also good stuff – sticks to just about anything but is a bit more difficult to seal around things than Dicor.Kev

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What Have We Decided About Flex Seal Rv Roof Repairs

Many RVers have used Flex Seal for repairing leaks in their RVs. From reading RV forums, it is clear that some were very happy with the results while others had nothing good to say. Relying on Flex Seal as a permanent solution to a leaky RV roof may not be a good idea. It could be argued that Flex Seal is not designed for RV roof repairs. However, many of the negative reviews seem to stem from those expecting Flex Seal to be a permanent repair.

The ready availability of Flex Seal at major retailers, as-seen-onTV stores, and online, makes it very easy to keep a few cans of Flex Seal Liquid, Spray, or Shot on hand for emergencies. It might not hurt to have a roll of the tape as well. Flex Seal is also relatively inexpensive. You can apply it on almost any surface, in cold weather, hot weather, on dry surfaces, and wet surfaces. It does stop leaks and will certainly get you to a point where you have the time to shop for a more permanent roof repair for your RV.

Personally, I keep a roll of Eterna Bond Tape, Dicor Self Leveling Lap Sealant Caulk and another tube of Dicor Non Sag Lap Sealant Caulk on board my RV for any emergency repairs I have to make. Ive used flex seal and although I think it worked, it was really hard to work with. Have you used Flex Seal to make a repair on your RV Roof? Please share your comments about it below. You never know but your comment could help a fellow RVer! Check out some of our other articles about RV roofs and repairs below:

Is Flex Seal Tape As Good As Advertised

Is Flex Seal Tape as good as they say? If so, this tape would be perfect for sealing up cracks and gaps on an RV.

This tape works well for making minor RV repairs and for waterproofing and sealing for some time. However, its not a perfect long-term fix and doesnt work as well as alternatives, like Eternabond tape.

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How Much Does It Cost To Replace My Rv Rubber Roof

In general, it costs around $300 to $350 per linear foot to replace an RV rubber roof. For example, a 30 foot RV will cost you around $9,000 to $10,000 to replace the entire rubber roof.

If you dont have a plan of doing it yourself, you have to consider the labor cost of the auto-shop who will do the job.

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