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Originally Posted On: https://rvexpeditioners.com/the-best-rv-roof-sealant/
Believe it or not, roof damage can be caused by improper maintenance, and this also applies to RV roofing.
Applying a sealant on your RV roof will be critical in maintaining its condition. If you want to avoid leaks and wear and tear, a sealant is your best option. You risk ruining your precious travel home if you don’t.
RV roof sealant doesn’t need to be intimidating. With our complete guide, you will be ready to move forward with sealing your roof and protecting it permanently.
Read on to find out more!
What Is RV Roof Sealant?
RV roof sealant is a liquid, rubber, or tape adhesive that goes over your roof. This sealant makes your roof waterproof and will prevent damage. This doesn’t necessarily mean your roof will never be damaged, but it will help in maintaining it longer.
How Do You Know if Your RV Roof Needs Sealants?
The short answer is that all roofs will need sealant. You risk ruining your entire RV by not having sealant.
This is because if water gets through your roof during a storm, it can drench your interior and short-circuit your electricity. Your valuables and items will be damaged (sometimes beyond repair) unless they are waterproof. This can sometimes be thousands of dollars down the drain in order to replace your valuables.
It may be good to have insurance for your valuables in this case, but you may not need it as much if you have sealant.
This also means that your RV could then grow black mold, which can be poisonous. Mold grows in wet or moist areas. Since it will be very difficult to get all this moisture out of your RV, mold will grow and can take a lot of effort to get rid of.
Some people are unable to get rid of all the mold, even if they think they did. This can then affect your long-term health, especially if you have pre-existing medical issues.
A sealant may cost you a price in the beginning, but it will be much more worth it to protect your valuables and your loved ones.
What to Consider Before Sealing Your RV Roof
There are a few things to consider before you move on with the process.
Mainly, you will want to know what type of roof you have. This means understanding the material it is made out of and researching how it needs to be treated.
Some sealants may not work for certain roofs, so that’s why it is important to consider them.
You will also need to inspect your roof carefully and see what kind of work may need to be done beforehand. If there are any previous tears or leaks, those will need to be repaired with a liquid or tape sealant.
If there are any parts of your roof that are sticking out, you will need to rip those off and repair the area before moving on. You can also use fiber-glass tape or metal sheets to do some repairing, which can be an easy and quick solution.
What Types of Sealants Are There?
There isn’t just a one-fits-all sealant that works for everybody. Some people will opt for different sealants depending on their roof and their needs. Here are a few options that you can consider.
Tape
Tape sealant can be very effective if you are only sealing certain parts of your roof. This can help with easy repair and maintenance if you have a leak, but are unable to seal the entire roof immediately.
The tape can be stretched out in any areas you need in order to cover a lot of widths. While this is not the best option if you are sealing an entire roof, it can still be helpful to have.
Acrylic
Acrylic sealant is a good option to seal your entire roof. It is less expensive than other sealants but provides optimal protection.
Plus, this sealant even protects from harmful UV radiation. UV radiation can cause skin cancer and other health problems when not addressed. Furthermore, the rays can do damage to your roof.
This is why UV ray-resistant sealing is a nice choice to go with. You can protect yourself and your roof.
Besides UV protection, it also offers leak prevention and will protect you from water damage. This sealant, however, may not offer as much protection as others as its durability may wear away over time.
Even though the sealant may need more maintenance, it will be less than if you didn’t have a sealant at all.
Self-Leveling
Self-leveling sealant can be good for minor repairs, or complete roof sealing. If you want your roof to look aesthetically pleasing, this is a good option to go for.
The self-leveling, when applied, will even out itself to provide a smooth and polished look. You may not get the same results with other sealants that aren’t self-leveling. It flattens and flows across your roof, which means it may be less work to apply than other sealants.
Silicone
Silicone sealant may be one of the best options on the market, depending on your needs. In some cases, it can be more expensive, but the expense is worth it for the quality of the sealant.
Silicone sealant is more durable than other sealants, versus acrylic ones, which means it will require less maintenance over time. You may not need to use as much sealant because of its high power. This can lessen the time it takes to apply and save you money on extra sealant.
This sealant is also UV ray resistant so it offers many of the same benefits as acrylic coatings. It is more durable than acrylic, so if you are willing to spend a little extra money, this may be the best option for you.
How Do I Know What Sealant Is Best for My RV?
Ultimately, the type of sealant you choose is dependent on your type of roofing and the benefits you are looking for.
If you aren’t afraid of doing some maintenance every now and then, then tape sealant or acrylic would be perfect and inexpensive. If you want to go a long time without needing to repair it, then opt for silicone or self-leveling.
RV Roof Sealant Cost
If you seal your roof yourself, sealant and other supplies may only cost a few hundred dollars. If you choose to have it done professionally though, it could cost upwards of 1,000 dollars.
This is still a good price though considering the long-term benefits of sealing. You may end up spending more money on repairs and maintenance in the future if you don’t seal it, and in that case, there’s no reason to not seal your roof.
RV Roof Maintenance
RV roof maintenance will be important even if you do seal it.
The biggest thing to be on top of is cleaning it. Depending on the sealant you choose, you should clean the roof several times a year. Typically, clean it at least four times a year if not more.
You should also regularly inspect it for water damage and leaks. While this may not be as common if you seal your roof, it is still possible. As stated earlier, checking for leaks will help prevent mold growth and other issues, even with sealant
If you don’t check it regularly, then the damage can worsen and be harder (and more expensive) to fix. Luckily, checking an RV roof is much easier and quicker than checking a residential roof.
Besides checking for water damage and leaks, you will also need to check the sealant. Checking the sealant regularly may prevent leaks before they happen. If your sealant is damaged, sealant tape is a good option to repair it until you can do more.
Maintain your RV roof so it will last you long-term.
Should I DIY or Hire Professional Services?
There are pros and cons to doing RV roof sealing yourself or by professional services. We’re here to break down the two options.
Professional Services
If you are worried about doing a good job, then professional services might be better for you.
This will cost you extra money though, so if you have a tight budget, it may be more difficult. Sometimes you may not have the proper experience to ensure it is done correctly though, and it will cost you more later to fix it.
In this case, you will then have to spend money on professional services to fix it. This may cost just as much as having them do it, to begin with.
It’s okay to admit if you aren’t the DIY type. There’s no shame in hiring a professional service to make sure your sealant is applied correctly.
DIY
Many people opt for DIY because it is cheaper. While you may risk making more errors, you can study the process in-depth to ensure you do it properly. We have a few tips for you to consider as you seal your RV roof.
Pay Attention to the Weather
If you choose to seal your roof on a rainy day, or near a rainy day, it may ruin all the work you do. To ensure this doesn’t happen, look at the forecast for at least a few days in the future. If there is any sign of rain, you will want to hold off on it.
A warm and sunny day will be an optimal choice for sealing. It will dry quicker and ensure that rain won’t ruin it.
Cleaning
If you don’t clean the roof beforehand, then you will seal in dirt and grime. This will affect the adhesive and make it difficult to seal properly. It may also mean you will need to redo it again in the near future.
Depending on how dirty your roof is, you can use a gentle cleanser and warm water with a cloth or sponge. You don’t want to be so hard on the roof that it peels, but you do want to get off any dirt.
Cleaning your roof also entails cleaning any additional items that are connected to your roof. The sealant will pour around these accessories, so if they are dirty, the seal won’t apply to them.
Cleaning can be a mundane task, but it may be the most important part of preparing to seal your RV roof.
Be Extra Careful
The last thing you need is an accident on your roof. When you do not have enough support, you risk falling off the roof or falling through it.
To prevent this, test out the strength of your roof. Apply gentle pressure and gradually increase it until you know it can hold you. If possible, it is better to have a ladder nearby and stand on that.
To further ensure safety, always have at least one other person around you. They can take action if you get hurt or spot you if you need support.
Protecting Your RV Roof With Sealant
If you want to take care of your roof and get the most out of your RV, invest in RV roof sealant today. There’s no need to risk damage to your RV when sealant can be an easy solution.
Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, sealant can be a game-changer.
We’re here to help you move forward. Have more questions about RV roof sealant or other travel issues? Contact us today for guidance!
