Remove All Vents Hoods & Housings
The first thing we need to do is remove any vents, vent hoods, and housings that are on the roof of your vehicle.
Vents and housings are fairly straight forward to remove. Simply unscrew them with a Phillips or a 1/4 head screwdriver and use a putty knife to scrape off the old lap sealant and pry the vent or housing off the roof.
*Tip: If youre reusing the vents or housings, be sure to carefully remove them as to not crack or damage the base. And completely remove any old sealant from the unit.
Perform A Roof Inspection
Once the roof has been washed and has been allowed to dry, walk the roof with a flashlight. Inspect the front and back seams where the roof meets the front and back walls or caps. Also inspect the side seams where the roof meets the sides and any of the sealed surfaces around any of the various appliances or holes in the roof .
If necessary, remove some of these vent caps to inspect the seals around them further. What you are looking for is cracks, holes, or crevices that could cause a leak or other potential problem. This is where the roof wash is super important. Without a clean roof, these imperfections may not be visible. Mark them or identify problem areas so you know where they are.
Remove Any Termination Bars Strips & Caps
Next, we need to remove any termination bars, drip edges, strips, and caps from the roof of the RV.
Youll need to use your putty knife to remove any lap sealant covering the screws, then unscrew and remove these components.
Keep in mind, every RV is different some use termination bars, some use caps, etc. so inspect your roof carefully and remove the components that your particular model uses.
*Tip: If your termination bars or drip edges are held on using rivets, you can use a chisel to knock off the rivet head.
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Identifying A Metal Roof
If you thought rubber roofs were easy to identify, just wait. A metal RV roof is definitely the easiest in that department. They aren’t nearly as common now as rubber roofs though, but there are definitely a lot of metal roofs still around.
Chances are, if you own a metal roof it is made of aluminum. Metal roofs all pretty much look the same, and here’s there common characteristics:
1.Metal roofs look like metal!
- If it looks like metal and feels like metal it probably is metal. It will be the only type of RV roof that has anything close to a shiny silver metallic look.
2.They have support beams about every 2 feet.
- It’s not always exactly 2 feet, but a metal roof is the only roof that has this quality. The thin flexible metal can’t support much weight by itself, so if you do go up on it be sure to be careful. Stay on the support beams or spread your weight out using a piece of plywood or something similar.
Hi, I’m Robbie. Welcome to Money-Saving-RV-Repair.com!
Like the name implies, this site is all about helping you save money while keeping your RV in tip-top shape–and that is all about you having the knowledge to do so.
I’ve been a technician in the RV industry for 30 years, operating out of San Diego, California. And let me tell you, I love my job.
How To Replace Your Rv Or Motorhome Roof
A DIY RV roof replacement is certainly possible, and will help you save lots of money since you will only need to buy the materials.
The following are all of the steps to follow when replacing your RVs roof:
Remove any fixtures, such as vents, antennas, or air conditioning units. Remove the awning as well.
Use a high-quality stainless steel putty knife to scrape away the old sealant around the removed fixtures.
Remove the existing roof membrane. For RVs rubber roofs such as TPO or EPDM, you will need to peel back the roofing material until you can see the plywood structure beneath. Aluminum roofs require you to unscrew the old panels to remove them, and you will need a dye grinder to remove the fiberglass matting that covers these types of roofs.
Check the plywood beneath the roof membrane for damage. If you notice areas where the wood is rotted or bowing, it has water damage and should be replaced. Clean the rest of the plywood with mineral spirits to treat it to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Install seam tape in places where the plywood meets and along the edge of the campers roof where it meets the side of your camper. This will help maintain a good seal and reinforce any weak areas.
After your roof is replaced, the final step is to reinstall your RVs roof fixtures and seal them with caulking to prevent any leaks in the new roof.
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Ziollo Rv Flex Repair Rv Roof Sealant
The selling point of the Ziollo RV Flex Repair is its resilient and near-indestructible coating. You might never need to reapply a new coating ever again if you applied this one correctly.
Here is another neat thing about this RV roof repair it requires surface preparation no more than a thorough cleaning. You do not even need to sand the surface unless it is fiberglass. It is a bit difficult to make the coating spread out compared to other products, but not by much.
Once this coating properly dries and cures, it will create a near-indestructible, yet flexible, waterproof membrane. It will not allow even a drop of rainwater to go through it and will repel nearly all the heat from the sun. The surface remains cool to the touch even when you leave it under the midday sun.
It also does not matter what roof material your RV has because this silicone coating will have no problem bonding to it. If you follow the instructions correctly and clean the surface properly, the Ziollo Flex will cling to it without any problem. However, keep in mind that this is silicone, so your additional effort will be more than worth it.
More importantly, you can rest assured that this one is a safe product to use. Its formula contains no solvent or VOC, meaning it is a non-hazardous coating.
- Non-toxic and contains no VOCs
- Can flex and stretch along with the RV roof once cured
- Works on most types of RV roof materials
- Waterproof and heat resistant coating for RV roof
- A bit tricky to spread
How To Maintain Your Rubber Roof
Rubber roofs do require more maintenance than fiberglass or aluminum roofs, although fiberglass and aluminum roofs also require proper cleaning, visual inspections and repairs are more expensive.
Soft-soled shoes should be worn when walking on the roof of your RV or camper to clean or make a close visual inspection. Harsh, abrasive cleaners, products with petroleum distillates, or citrus ingredients should not be used to clean either an EPDM or TPO roof.
Maintaining a EPDM Rubber Roof
EPDM roofs should be cleaned every few months to keep the roof under warranty. The hotter and more humid your climate is, the more frequent the cleaning and conditioning should take place. Start by sweeping loose debris from the roof. With a bucket of water and a sponge mop, mop the roof. Some campers recommend dishwashing detergents. Dicor makes a product for cleaning rubber roofs if preferred. Make sure that your cleaning product does not have petroleum distillates.
After mopping, rinse thoroughly with a hose. You can choose to cover the sides of the RV or camper with plastic before you rinse, to avoid black streaking down the sides which will save you work later on.
Inspect the rubber roof for cracks and pin-sized holes which will allow water to leak into the wood structure. Check the edges of the barrier. Look for any areas where the self-leveling sealant might be lifting away. If so, remove as much as you can and replace with self-leveling sealant in a caulking gun.
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Dicor Rpcrc1 Epdm Rubber Roof Coating
Another EPDM rubber roof coating for RV camper trailer offered by Dicor is the Dicor RPCRC1. Many find this product impressive because of its excellent UV and weather resistance. It is also flexible while providing maximum adhesion. Many of its users also prove how easy its application process is.
With the aid of this EPDM rubber roof coating, you get an impressive protective elastomeric barrier designed to prolong the lifespan of the membrane of your RVs rubber roof. It should be noted that it also works using a 2-part, commercial-grade coating system.
Such system operates by combining a cleaner or primer, which is essential for the proper preparation of the roof with an acrylic coating, which then provides a great protective barrier. This 1-gallon rubber roof coating from Dicor is also a highly recommended product because of its wide coverage.
That said, you can definitely get a return of the money you invest on it right away. It can cover an area of around 125 square feet. It is also a wise choice as it is long-lasting provided you applied it carefully. Furthermore, it offers a high level of protection from the natural elements. It boasts of its durable and long-lasting quality that can last for a minimum of three years.
Top 5 Mistakes Rv Owners Make On Their Roof
Avoid these 5 Mistakes to prevent water leaks and damage to your RV, Motorhome, Camper or Trailer:
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How To Walk On Your Rv Roof
We know that being able to walk on an RV roof depends on the structural support of the roof. Every roof has strong areas and weak areas. Knowing where the strong and weak areas of the roof are will help you to navigate your way across the roof safely. And knowing how to walk on your RV roof will also keep you from causing damage to the roof. Walking on an RV roof is as simple as walking on the strongest areas and avoiding the weakest areas of the roof.
Walk On The Strongest Areas
The strongest part of the RV roof is actually right on top of the side wall of the RV. Obviously, this is where the roof has the most support. The roof becomes weaker as you move from the outside walls toward the middle of the roof. So the safest place to walk on an RV roof is as close as you can to the sides as you can without falling over the edge.
Avoid the Weakest Areas
The weakest areas of an RV roof are in the center of the roof and anywhere that the roof has been cut. The center of the roof is furthest from the side support and therefore this area is the weakest so do your best to avoid walking in the center of the roof. And, any areas of the roof that have been cut out to allow for the A/C unit, roof vents, skylights, and other intrusions are also weak spots. Avoid stepping to close to these cut-out areas so you dont stress and possibly crack the roof or the seals around these intrusions.
Thor Tellaro Motorhome Rv Roof Membrane
- 25 Feet Long
Features:
Replace or upgrade your RV roof with this lightweight, rubber roofing membrane. Elvaloy-based PVC material is puncture- and tear-resistant. Flexible design makes it easier to install than other roof membranes. Measures 25′ x 9-1/2′.
- 25 Feet Long
Features:
Replace or upgrade your RV roof with this lightweight, rubber roofing membrane. Elvaloy-based PVC material is puncture- and tear-resistant. Flexible design makes it easier to install than other roof membranes. Measures 25′ x 9-1/2′.
- 25 Feet Long
Features:
Replace or upgrade your RV roof with this lightweight, rubber roofing membrane. Elvaloy-based PVC material is puncture- and tear-resistant. Flexible design makes it easier to install than other roof membranes. Measures 25′ x 9-1/2′.
- White
Features:
Repair the crack that gradually appeared or the hole worn in your RV roof with this piece of rubber roofing membrane. Single-ply, TPO material matches your Alpha Systems roof membrane’s durability and UV-resistance. Measures 3′ x 2′.
- White
Features:
Repair the crack that gradually appeared or the hole worn in your RV roof with this piece of rubber roofing membrane. Single-ply, TPO material matches your Alpha Systems roof membrane’s durability and UV-resistance. Measures 3′ x 2′.
- White
Features:
- 15 Feet Long
Features:
- 15 Feet Long
Features:
- 15 Feet Long
Features:
- 15 Feet Long
Features:
- 15 Feet Long
Features:
- 15 Feet Long
Features:
- Almond
Features:
- Almond
Features:
- Almond
Features:
- Patch Kit
Features:
- Beige
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How To Repair The Rubber Roof On Rv
EPDM roofs are the preferred type of RV roof by most RVers because they last longer compared to other roofs. You can use Dicor coating to cover the spot on your RV roof. However, because the EPDM roof features low maintenance, washing with soap is enough to clean off the roof.If your roof begins to deteriorate and degrade, then its time for you to repair the roof of your RV. Sealant products will not do the job if your RV roof takes too much beating to such weather conditions. The only way to revive these kinds of RV roof is by stripping off the cover and then installing a new coat.Thats why we listed the procedures on how to repair the rubber roof on RV so that you can follow the steps easily.
Let the sealant dry for some time to hug the adhesive into the rubber roof coating firmly.
Henry He887hs073 Tropicool Roof Coat
If you are looking for a roof coating that might outlast your recreational vehicle, you will need this one offered by Henry.
This product is a silicone-based coating that protects against rain and leaks and is highly solar-reflective. It means most of the suns rays will bounce off the surface, including the ultraviolet rays. Notably, it retains its reflective properties even after many years.
Another neat feature of the Tropicool coating is that it can already resist rain after just fifteen minutes after application. True to its name, the Tropicool roof coating is most suitable for use in places with tropical climates. Aside from resisting high heat and humidity, it can also protect against torrential rain.
I do not have that much time for RV repairs and maintenance. That is why I appreciate this products one-coating for optimal efficacy. I do not have to wait for hours to apply the second and sometimes third coating.
Another nice thing about this product is that it can bond onto any roofing material. Regardless of whether your recreational vehicle has an EPDM, fiberglass, or painted metal roof, the Tropicool roof coating will permanently bond onto it without any problem.
- Aggressively bonds onto any surface
- Long-lasting for decades even without too much RV roof maintenance
- Thick consistency It has to be warm outside for it to flow freely
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Advantages Of Using Tpo Roofs
Affordable One of the reasons why TPO is the most popular choice in RV roofing is because it is priced reasonably and yet it can last for years. This is possible if it gets proper maintenance and care. Also, TPO has the same benefits that come with using PVC, like having hot-air weldable seams and being energy-efficient, at a vastly lower cost.
Stylish There was a time when TPO roofing was still in its infancy that you might be forced to use other roof colors than black as they absorb light and heat. However, modern roofing technology now enables TPO roofs to be UV-resistant. This also allows it to keep cool. Now, you can choose whatever color of TPO you want. It will still work the same way.
Durable Compared with other thermoplastic membranes, TPO is resistant to mold, does not accumulate dirt, and is highly resistant to impact and puncture. TPO is flexible, so it can adjust with every move of the RV. Furthermore, reinforced TPO can easily handle thermal expansion and contraction, so you can take your RV anywhere in the country.
Ease of installation Usually, TPO roofing is produced in wide sheets, and it is lightweight. This makes installation on RVs much easier. Because of the width of the sheets, it is possible to not have any seams in your roof. Also, the fact that it is super lightweight makes it easy to maneuver into place. This means cheap installation costs.
