If you own an RV, you probably don’t think too much about roof maintenance. Many people tend to neglect the roof until it becomes a big problem. RVs move around a lot, and when traveling through falling branches and variable weather patterns, the surface material starts to wear down. You should inspect the roof regularly and make sure to address any damages as soon as possible. This guide will help you do some basic patchwork when you find gaps or tears in the roof.

What’s Wrong with a Damaged Roof?

If you don’t know about the potential consequences of a damaged roof, you should consider how much even one small gap could affect your entire RV. When water has access to your interior, moisture will eventually create mold, dry rot, and mildew. The rot compromises the structural integrity of your walls and floorboards, while mildew eats away at the furniture fabric, creates a toxic atmosphere, and smells terrible. That’s why it’s very important to either bring your camper into our service department or perform some small fixes yourself.

Cleaning the Roof Beforehand

Before performing any repairs on your roof, make sure you clean the area thoroughly. Find the spot that you plan on sealing up, and scrub it carefully with a mild detergent. Remember to wipe up any remaining water and let it dry completely before applying chemicals.

Fixing the Roof

Fixing small gaps in an RV roof is extremely easy. You first need to apply a liquid rubber compound to the gaps. Then, scrape the sealant around the damage, so that it extends at least an inch away in every direction. Once it dries, the gap should be fixed! If you have a slightly larger hole to patch up, apply your first layer of sealant, then put a fiberglass screen over the area, and cover that up with more sealant. This will cover a larger area with a more secure bond, and it will save you from a lot of costly repairs down the road.

Repairing the roof is essential if you plan on keeping your RV in good condition. There are a few ways that you could do it yourself, and this guide will help you with those. However, if you want to save yourself some time and leave it to the experts, visit White Sands RV in Summerdale, AL. Our service department will get your RV’s roof looking as good as new. We proudly serve all those in Mobile, AL, and Pensacola, FL.