Checking the Condition of Your RV Roof

The roof of your RV has a big job to do and may be one of the most important things to maintain on your rig. After all, it protects everything below it – including you and your loved ones – from the elements. A good roof also helps prevent moisture from entering the rig and causing damage to any interior parts and systems of the RV. For this reason, you should take roof maintenance and repair seriously.

When you’re looking at your roof and deciding which repairs need to be made, be sure to check:

Your Roof Material

Typically, RV roofs are made from rubber, fiberglass, and more rarely, aluminum. Before you perform any type of maintenance on your roof, it’s important to know what the roof material is as each type of roof requires different care.

• Rubber roofs are the most common, with ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofs and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofs being the two main types. Each of these types has different maintenance requirements.  
• Fiberglass roofs aren’t as common as rubber roofs but tend to be more durable and are hard to the touch.
• Aluminum roofs are the rarest type of RV roof, so it’s unlikely that your rig has this type, but it is a low-maintenance option.

Before you begin any cleaning or maintenance, it’s always best to first consult your owner’s manual and see what the manufacturer suggests for roof care.

Caulking

About once a year, you will have to check your rig’s roof is properly caulked. Doing so will ensure that moisture does not enter your roof and cause water damage. Always check the caulking around anything that is attached to the roof, including:

• Air fans and vents
• Air conditioners
• Skylights
• Roof racks
• Ladders

The climate in which your RV is located and how exposed your roof is to the outside elements can hasten the deterioration of caulking, so you may need to check your roof caulking more frequently than once per year. Again, check your owner’s manual to see which caulking product the manufacturer recommends.

With a little time and effort, you can maintain your rig’s roof and ensure it lasts for a long time.

Want to learn more about RV maintenance and repair? Contact us today!