Most RVers take good care of their rigs. They check tires, clean the windshield, windows and doors, and always keep things looking neat and tidy. But the roof is one area that often gets overlooked or completely forgotten about.
And unfortunately, if you ignore RV roof cracks or gaps, even a small leak through your vents can lead to hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in damage and repair costs.
That's why we encourage RVers to carry a roll or two of water proof patch tape with them at all times, which makes it easy to stop leaks quick, and keep them seal up for good.
The problem, however, is that there are many "waterproof" tapes on the market. So how do you know which one works best?
Well, we've tested and compared the 5 most popular sealant tapes to help you find the best option out there. Below, we pit 5 top-rated sealant tapes against each other to determine which ones are worth it, and which ones are not.
What Makes a Great RV Roof Repair Tape?
If you're looking for a great RV roof repair tape, you need something that provides industrial-strength adhesion on all types of RV roofs, including rubber, EPDM, TPO, fibergrlass, metal and wood, as well as being able to adhere to glass, screws, bolts, rivets, and flashing.
However, good adhesion isn't the only factor to look for. Here are a few other factors that set great sealant tapes apart from the rest.
- 100% waterproof - Because the entire purpose of using a sealant tape is to repair your RV roof, stop leaks, and keep your RV roof watertight, you need a tape that will remain 100% waterproof season after season, and year after year.
- UV resistance - Your RV roof spends a lot of time in the sun, which means that UV-resistance is not just an option. It's a MUST! Only use sealant tapes that have UV-resistant coatings to ensure your repairs last, even when exposed to direct sunlight.
- Temperature resistance - Great RV sealant tapes stay strong, tacky, and flexible in all sorts of weather conditions. You want a sealant tape that stands up to hot, cold, and mild weather alike. Because rain or shine, you need our RV roof to remain waterproof.
- Outdoor durability - Your RV roof sees a lot of different outdoor environments, from sun and rain to snow, ice, hail, leaves, and falling tree branches. You want a tape that's tough, rugged, and that lasts even when continually exposed to harsh outdoor environments.
- Easy to apply - You want a sealant tape that's easy to apply to uneven or curved surfaces. The best RV sealant tapes have easy-peel backings and release liners that make it easy to measure, cut, and apply the tape without making a mess.
- Long shelf life - The best sealant tapes are packaged properly to ensure they have a longer shelf life. This means you should look for tapes with airtight packaging and sealant protectors that prevent dirt, dust, and debris from sticking to your tape.
The Best RV Sealant Tapes Compared Side-By-Side
Now that you know what to look for in a great RV roof repair tape, here's a quick side-by-side look at the 5 best RV sealant tapes currently on the market. Then, below, we'll take a closer look at each sealant tape one by one.
Eternabond: The Longtime RV Favorite
Eternabond tape has been the go-to RV repair tape for decades. It's an extremely durable sealant tape that provides excellent UV resistance. So it's an ideal option for use on RV roofs. It's also been around for so long that it has years and years of proven performance behind it.
On the downside, it's a slightly more expensive sealant tape option. The brand recommends using EternaPrime (primer) to ensure the tape adheres properly. So you're not just buying a roll of Eternabond tape. You'll be buying a can of primer on top of it, too.
We've also found that Eternabond isn't quite as flexible as other tapes. So it's a bit tricky to cut, measure and apply, especially in tight, hard-to-reach places.
Overall, it's still a decent sealant tape for RV use. But it's just a more expensive option that's not always the easiest to work with.
Check out our Eternabond Vs. TitanPatch Pro comparison article, to see which tape offers the most reliability in a range of real-world situations.
Gorilla Waterproof Tape: Easy but Temporary
Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal is yet another top-rated sealant tape option. The brand and its products are really popular amongst DIYers and professionals alike. So it's usually pretty easy find Gorilla's sealant tape at local hardware stores or wherever else you shop.
Gorilla's waterproof tape may not be the absolute best option out there, but it's still a decent quality repair tape that's affordable. So it's a great choice for quick, emergency repairs.
Conversely, it's not the most UV-resistance sealant tape, and we've often seen it lose its tackiness and start to peel when exposed to heat and rain for short periods of time.
Check out our Gorilla Sealant Tape Vs. TitanPatch Pro comparison article, to see which tape offers the most reliability in a range of real-world situations.
Flex Tape: Great Marketing, Limited Reality
Thanks to the brand's viral marketing work, Flex Tape might just be the most well-known sealant tape on our list.
For those who don't know or remember, Flex Tape put together a really neat infomercial back in the day, where the brand's spokesperson cut an aluminum boat in half, tape it back together with Flex Tape, and then took it out on the water.
It really was an impressive commercial that showed the tape's strong initial adhesion. But we found the whole thing a bit over-the-top and unrealistic. After all, nobody is really cutting boats in half and taping them back together with any type of sealant tape.
Either way, Flex Tape is a good adhesive that's quite easy to work with. The only problem is that it doesn't have the best UV resistance and we've seen the bond get weaker when exposed to direct sunlight and prolonged heat.
Check out our Flex Tape Vs. TitanPatch Pro comparison article, to see which tape offers the most reliability in a range of real-world situations.
3M Extreme Sealing Tape: Industrial Strength
3M is another brand name that's been around for years as a leader in the realm of industrial adhesive solutions. They've got a great sealant tape that's reliable, that offers superb adhesion on smooth surfaces, and that's resistant to a wide range of temperature fluctuations.
However, it's definitely one of the more expensive sealant tapes on our list. It's not ideal for use on rough, porous, or textured surfaces, which may decrease the sealants ability to bond properly.
It also doesn't perform well in temperatures below -20°F. So it's not the best option if you live in a region that gets hit with colder winters.
Overall, 3M's sealing tape is great for industrial applications. But it's not ideal for RV roofs that move around a lot or that may be subjected to temperatures below -20°F.
TitanPatch Pro: The New Standard for RV Repairs
Finally, we have TitanPatch Pro, which is our response to all the shortcomings of the other sealant tapes we've listed here today.
TitanPatch Pro is an industrial-strength adhesive that's 100% waterproof, UV-resistance, and capable of holding strong, even at extremely cold or hot temperatures, from -40°F to 190°F.
It's designed to bond tight to virtually all types of RV roofs, including rubber, TPO, EPDM, metal, fiberglass, and even wood. And unlike other sealant tapes, we're proud to say that TitanPatch Pro has a 488 PSI tensile, which is roughly 50+ PSI stronger than other leading tapes.
We've also built TitanPatch Pro with an easy-to-peel backing and release liner that makes it super easy to measure, cut, and apply the tape precisely where you want, using nothing more than scissors or a utility knife, and all without making a mess.
And as if that weren't enough, it's packaged carefully with additional side coverings that protect the tape from dust, dirt, and debris, which ensures a longer shelf life than similar products.
On the other hand, TitanPatch Pro is a lot newer than other brands like Eternabond and 3M. So, despite the fact that we have a ton of positive user reviews, our sealant tape just doesn't have the same level of industry experience as others.
It's also a bit trickier to get your hands on a roll of TitanPatch Pro since it's currently only available online.
However, none of that means that TitanPatch Pro isn't a great adhesive product.
We genuinely believe it's the best all-weather tape for RV owners who want durability, strength, and flexibility, all packed into an RV sealant tape that's designed to stand strong in areas where other tapes fall short.
Visit our shop to check out TitanPatch Pro for yourself. View product details, user reviews, and other important details to find out exactly why we believe this really is the BEST sealant tape on the market.
Which Sealant Tape Should You Choose For RV Roof Repairs?
As you can see, all sealant tapes have their own pros and cons, making them better suited for various types of repairs or indoor/outdoor applications.
So, to help you decide which sealant tape to use for your next RV roof repair, here's a quick look at the best use cases for different sealant tapes.
In our opinion, TitanPatch Pro really is the best sealant tape out there. It's a more budget-friendly option that's suitable to use almost anywhere, indoors and outdoors. It's rated to withstand even colder temperatures than 3M and it provides even better UV-resistance than Eternabond, making it the most versatile sealant tape on our list.
We encourage you to check out other leading sealant tape brands. But we've already done the digging when we were in the process of designing TitanPatch Pro. We looked at the shortcomings of all these other sealant tape brands, and have designed our tape to be stickier, stronger, and longer-lasting than anything else currently on the market.
You can also checked out our dedicated Sealant Tape page, where we share competitor review articles, tips, and guides on using TitanPatch Pro and other similar sealant tapes for permanent RV roof repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Best RV Roof Tape
You now know all about the 5 most popular RV roof repair tapes on the market. But if there's one thing to take away from all this it's that no two sealant tapes are created alike.
So to help you determine which sealant tape is best for your next RV repair project, take a moment and review the following frequently asked questions we've often heard from our readers.
Which RV roof repair tape lasts the longest?
RV roof repair tapes like TitanPatch Pro and Eternabond offer the best protection against UV degradation. They're designed specifically for use on areas that get direct exposure to sunlight, such as your RV's roof, making them the RV roof repair tape options that last longest.
Can you use waterproof tape on wet RV roofs?
In an emergency situation, you can use waterproof tape on a wet surface. But for best results, use a towel or cloth to dry the surface before application. Cleaning and drying your RV roof ensures the adhesive will bond properly and adhere to the surface for good.
Is Flex Tape or Gorilla Tape better for RVs?
Both Flex Tape and Gorilla Tape are OK options to use an an RV. However, neither of them offer good, long-term protection against UV exposure. In other words, Flex Tape and Gorilla Tape are great for fixing things inside an RV. But they're not the best options for repairing an RV roof.
How do I apply roof tape for best adhesion?
Start by removing all traces of old sealant tapes or caulk, then clean the surface using an RV-specific cleaner, mineral spirits, or rubbing alcohol to remove any leftover dirt and grime. Next, use a clean towel to dry the surface thoroughly before applying your sealant tape. Apply gentle pressure or use a plastic roller to ensure there are no air bubbles trapped under the tape.
What is the best RV roof tape for cold weather?
For years, 3M sealing tape has been the best option for cold weather use. It's rated to maintain adhesion at temperatures as low as -20°F. However, TitanPatch Pro handles cold weather even better than 3M's tape. TitanPatch Pro is designed to maintain adhesion as temperatures as low as -40°F, making it the best option for cold weather use.
Is TitanPatch Pro better than Eternabond?
Both TitanPatch Pro and Eternabond are high-quality sealant tapes. But TitanPatch Pro is designed to withstand even more extreme temperatures compared to Eternabond. TitanPatch Pro can also be applied without using a primer, and it has a longer shelf life, making it a better and more reliable option for long-term RV roof repairs.