Tips on how to care for the roof of your RV

One of the most neglected areas on your RV is the roof. If you don't keep it clean and inspect its seams on a regular basis you could end up with a big repair bill for water damage. Most of today's RVs use some type of rubber or vinyl roofing material. Here are some things you can do to extend the life of your RV roof.

Safety first!
Be extremely careful whenever you work on your RV roof. You can be seriously injured from a fall. To properly clean and inspect your roof for any damage or potential water leaks you need to climb onto it. Some roofs are more structurally sound than others. It may be necessary to use a couple of 2X4 pieces of plywood or particle board to help distribute your weight between the roof rafters. Regardless of its structural integrity, however, you should walk lightly and be careful.

Rubber and vinyl roofing on an RV are both good, but without routine preventive maintenance they will not last as long as they could.

There are different manufacturers of rubber and vinyl roofs. They provide different instructions for cleaning and maintaining their products. What I'll concentrate on here is what applies to most rubber and vinyl roofing material used on RVs.

Rubber and vinyl roofs should be cleaned and inspected several times a year. Depending on where you park or store your RV its roof may need to be cleaned and inspected more often. Regardless of the type of rubber or vinyl roof you have, NEVER use any cleaners or conditioners that contain petroleum solvents, harsh abrasives or citrus ingredients. These cleaners can cause permanent damage to rubber or vinyl surfaces.

Most manufacturers of rubber roofs recommend you use a medium bristle brush and a non-abrasive cleaner. For light cleaning you can use warm water and a mild detergent like Dawn dish washing liquid. For more difficult cleaning, and to condition and protect the roof, use a commercial cleaning product designed specifically for the roofing material of your RV. Check with your RV dealer for sealants that are compatible with your roofing material.

Hard-to-clean areas like stubborn stains caused by leaves, sap, mold or mildew may require a second treatment. Use caution to prevent the cleaners from getting on the sides of the RV. Always rinse the sides, front and back of your RV before and after rinsing the roof to prevent cleaners from streaking or damaging the finish on your RV sidewalls.

Cleaning the roof is only part of maintaining it. Every time you clean it you need to inspect the sealants around all of the openings and the seams. Water will take the path of least resistance and will find even the smallest opening. Thoroughly inspect the roof sealants for potential leaks and reseal any areas of the roof seams and around openings where you suspect a leak.

Routine cleaning, inspecting and sealing your RV roof can add years to the life to the roof and help prevent costly repairs caused by water damage.


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