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Mendocino, California. Delivery all over Northern California. Call or text (909) 259-7837

Free RV manual

How to Care for an RV Roof and Seals

Water is the biggest enemy of an RV. How to check the roof and seams, which sealant to use and the signs of a leak.

Why it matters

Most RV walls and floors are wood behind the skin. A small leak can rot them for months before you see a stain. Most RV damage we hear about starts with a seam that nobody checked.

Know your roof

Most RV roofs are rubber, called EPDM, or a white plastic sheet called TPO. Some are fiberglass or aluminum. Your manual will say which. It matters, because cleaners and sealants made for one can harm another.

Before you climb up, check that your roof and ladder are made to be walked on. Some are not. Stay on the parts over the roof frame and away from the edges and skylights.

Checking the seals

  1. Look at the roof twice a year and after any hail or tree strike.
  2. Check the sealant around every vent, fan, antenna, air conditioner and the front and back edges.
  3. Look for cracks, gaps and sealant pulling away. Press gently. It should feel soft, not hard and chalky.
  4. Check the side seams, windows and doors from the ground too.
  5. Fix small cracks with a self leveling lap sealant made for your roof. Clean the area first. Do not use household silicone on a rubber roof. Nothing sticks to it later.

Signs of a leak

Stains on the ceiling, a musty smell, soft spots in the floor or walls, or wallpaper that bubbles. Check inside cabinets near the corners. If you find one, find the source fast, even if the stain is small.

When to call a shop

Call a shop for soft spots in the floor or walls, a roof membrane that is torn or bubbling, or a leak you cannot trace. Water damage costs far more the longer it goes.

The maker's own manuals

These guides cover how most RVs work. Your own rig may differ, so check the manual for your make and model.

Renting from us? Call or text 909-259-RVDR before you try a fix. We would rather talk you through it than have you guess, and it is free.

The other manuals

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