Maintaining your RV roof with RV roof sealant is one of the most important regular maintenance items to keep up with on your rig. Failing to use sealant proactively can lead to water leaks. Water leaks — in turn — can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your RV.
We don’t want that for you, so let’s chat about how to patch your roof with RV roof sealant.
How to use sealant to patch your roof
What is RV roof sealant?
RV roof sealant comes in a few shapes and sizes. Most camper roof sealants come either in caulk-like or tube form, where you can either use a caulk gun or the bottle itself to carefully run a line of sealant along any gashes or suspicious seams on your RV roof.
Other types of sealants for RV roofs come in the form of a tape-like material that you place over the site of any potential roof leaks.
What does RV roof sealant fix?
RV roof sealant will fix areas of your RV roof with minimal to moderate damage. For example, if your RV roof seams are starting to come apart or you’re noticing minor water leaks around a vent fan, camper roof sealant will do the trick.
On the other hand, if you suspect that your roof has significant damage that’s causing large amounts of water to get in, you should call a qualified professional to ensure the leak is fully taken care of.
How do you apply RV roof sealant to your roof?
The application process will depend on the type of camper roof sealant you buy. For example, if you buy the style of roof sealant that comes in a tube, you can simply use the tube to run light beads of sealant in areas where you suspect water is getting into.
Other RV roof sealants — like RV roof magic — come in a 1-gallon can and are designed to be applied like paint over troublesome areas of your RV roof.
How to choose an RV roof sealant
The type of RV roof sealant you use will depend partly on the type of RV roof and partly on your personal preference.
For example, RV roof sealant that comes in tape form is very effective and easy to use. However, it can look a bit unkempt if anyone ever climbs on top of your roof to see the RV roof tape. You’d never want to use sealant tape on an aluminum travel trailer (e.g., Airstreams) because it’ll place a large white patch on your silver roof.
Instead, if you own an aluminum trailer like an Airstream, you’ll want to use something like gray vulkem to do the trick.
Otherwise, your RV roof will be made of rubber or fiberglass. No matter which of these two materials your RV roof is made of, you can still use RV roof sealing tape or a sealing caulk on it. RV roof sealing tape is highly effective when you have a gash on your roof that’s allowing water in. If — on the other hand — your RV roof is leaking along a seam, vent, antenna, etc., then a caulk will likely be more effective.
Finally, when you choose a sealant, these are the qualities to look for:
- Reviews — look for lots of high-quality reviews from people who have used that type of camper roof sealant
- Longevity — Shop for sealants designed to last 10+ years
- Ease of application — Check application instructions before buying
What are the best RV roof sealants?
When it comes to the best RV roof sealants, these are the four most popular options:
- Kohree RV sealant tape — Durable, long-lasting, and easy to apply
- Price: $30.99/50 ft.
- Price: $30.99/50 ft.
- Flex Seal Liquid Rubber in a Can — Easily apply to your RV roof just as you would apply paint to stop RV roof leaks
- Price: $109.99/gallon
- Price: $109.99/gallon
- Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant — One of the longest-lasting, easiest to use, and most popular RV roof sealing caulks.
- Price: $38.00/4-pack
- Price: $38.00/4-pack
- Grey Vulkem — The best option to seal aluminum RV roofs (such as Airstreams).
- Price: $12.38/bottle
Tips to keep your RV roof healthy
The best RV roof sealant is the one that prevents roof issues and leaks from occurring. The best way to prevent your RV roof from leaking is by applying an RV roof coating every 5-10 years.
Always be sure to wash your RV before applying a roof coating.
For rubber roofs, you could use something like RV Roof Magic. Dicor’s fiberglass RV roof coating is popular for campers with fiberglass roofs.
Your roof should not need proactive maintenance if you have an Airstream-style aluminum trailer.
Patching and maintaining your RV roof is one of the most important tasks you’ll have as an RV owner. It’s imperative to leak-proof your RV’s roof if you install upgrades like solar onto your camper’s roof. By following the steps above, you’ll ensure that your RV keeps the fun in and mother nature out.
Looking to rent an RV? Check our rigs for rent here.
