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LIFE WITH AN RV
By Roger White

10/07  The RV Roof

Different types of roofing materials are used on RVs, and certain products are to be used on certain materials to safely seal and maintain your camper’s roof.

Metal & Fiberglass Roofs

Metal roofs are probably the oldest and most popular for campers. Be it aluminum or galvanized metal, the products to maintain these roofs are the same. Units having a fiberglass roof structure should be maintained in the same manner, using the same products as metal roofs. We use Dyco 20/20 seam seal on all seams and around roof vents, antennas, vent pipes, etc., that protrude through the roof metal.

(Never seal around a roof A/C unit, as the condensation drains are located underneath and seal will cause the water to drain inside the camper. If your A/C unit leaks during a rain storm, replace the A/C gasket.)

Sometimes, it is necessary to coat the whole roof. If so, wait 24 hours after applying Dyco the protruding pieces, then, using a medium knap paint roller, roll two coats of Kool Seal elastromeric sealant over the remaining uncoated area.

(Under no circumstances should you apply roofing tar to and RV roof, as it typically will not correct a leaking problems and makes it impossibly to apply a sealant that will work without first removing the tar.)

EPDM & TPO Roofs

Newer built RVs will have either EPDM rubber roofing material or TPO (thermoplastic olefin) roofing material.

EPDM roofing requires a semi-annual cleaning. (Some manufacturers suggest four times a year.) Use one of the following non-abrasive, non-bleach containing products: Spic-N-Span, Top Job, or RV rubber roof cleaners made by Dicor, Protect-all or B.E.S.T. products.

Along with semi-annual cleanings, you should also treat your rubber roof with a UV blocker that will aid in reducing the dreaded black streak/white chalking problems that occur with roofs that are not maintained properly.

Any resealing required on a EPDM rubber roof can only be accomplished with an approved EPDM sealant. These are available in either a self-leveling form (only use on flat surfaces), or non-leveling form made by Dicor. Do not use silicone or any other sealants not designed for EPDM. They will not adhere, and void any manufacturer’s warrantee.

There are a couple of complete roof coatings available for EPDM roofing, but in my past experience, I felt they did not perform well, or accomplish the results the customer was expecting. If you feel this is your only way out of an expensive total roof replacement, Dicor offers a roof renew kit ($570) that includes complete instructions and a five year warranty if applied correctly.

TPO roofing requires no semi-annual cleaning or treatment, but regular washing will aid in keeping the sides of your RV clean. Any sealants needed on these roofs also must be designated and formulated for EPDM and TPO materials.

Remember, all sealants are only as good as what’s under them. A rule of thumb is two applications, then it usually becomes necessary to remove prior caulking and start over with the correct type of sealant for your camper’s roof.

As always, we are here to answer any questions you have concerning the care of your RV. Next month, we’ll discuss basic propane safety. ‘Til then, keep it safe, keep it fun, keep it maintained.


 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Roger White, owner of Roger's Mobile R.V. Repair, has been serving the RV Industry for 30 years. If you need assistance with these procedures or any other problems with your RV, he can be reached at 364-4260. Located in Gassaway, where he lives with his wife and son, he wants all your camping adventures to be safe, and fun.
  

 
 
 

ALSO BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dreaded Roof Leak
Electrical Systems
Pre-Season Checklist
Hot Water ByPass
LP Gas
Winterizing
Better Mileage
Spring Ready?
The RV Roof
Roof Vent
Campground Safety
RV Awnings
RV Awnings II
  

 

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