RV Roof Repair and Maintenance

Picture this: you dig out your RV keys and head over to the storage lot where you have it parked. You reconnect the battery (because you read Harvest Hosts’ blog post about properly winterizing and storing your RV), check the fluid levels, and go to start it up when you hear an ominous dripping sound. The roof has sprung a leak! You’re kicking yourself for not paying extra for the covered storage.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, mishaps can happen. Over time, RV roofs can become damaged by the sun. This dries out the material and causes rips and tearing that lead to leaks. This particularly tends to happen around air conditioning units, ladders, and vent fans. Then, when winter comes along, moisture runs into the cracks, freezes, and expands the crack. Most RV repair shops can charge upwards of $10,000, depending on the extent of the damage. Harvest Hosts has your back. Below we’ll discuss how to repair and maintain your RV’s rooftop to avoid costly service appointments.

There are different techniques, budgets, and preferences to repairing a leaky roof. These factors depend on the owner’s preference and the extent of the damage. Another important factor is the experience level of the person performing the repairs. If you plan to repair your roof yourself, don’t bite off more than you can chew, so to speak. Large repairs can sometimes require many people to assist, but small repairs can be completed in just a few hours.

First and foremost, always take caution when ascending onto your RV’s roof. If your RV has a ladder, always use that. If your RV does not already have a ladder, the roof may not be suitable for walking on. To prevent injury, always research your specific RV before attempting. Your RV’s manual is a great place to start.

Next, you must establish what type of roof you have. Performing preventative maintenance or making an actual repair will require you to know what type of roof your RV has. Roof types range from rubber to fiberglass, aluminum, canvas, or vinyl.

Preventative Maintenance

Performing preventative maintenance on your RV can save you lots of money in the long run. This also ensures that your RV is in tip-top shape and prevents costly repairs from raining down on your vacation plans- literally! Be sure to add preventative roof maintenance into your regularly scheduled RV care plan. Taking your RV out of storage or removing the cover requires a roof check. Covers can sometimes lead to a development of mildew due to lack of air circulation. Every time you wash your RV, you should check the roof as well.

Rubber Roof

Rubber roofing comes in two different varieties: EPDM and TPO. Both require slightly different maintenance. Like we said above, always refer to your manual for specifics regarding your RV.