When to Reseal RV Roof: Inspection & Seasonal Tips
When you have an RV, roof maintenance is NOT an option; it’s a necessity. That is, unless you want to wake up during thunderstorms with water stains and puddles on the floor.
If you don’t like the idea of wet spots or water damage, inspecting and maintaining your RV roof throughout the year should be part of your seasonal routine.
Remember that resealing your RV’s entire roof not only prevents leaks but also helps maintain its integrity throughout the season.
Regular resealing is important for protecting your roof from deterioration caused by weather, UV rays, and environmental factors. It also prevents minor leaks from developing into structural damage, mold growth, and other issues that require serious repairs.
In other words, the minor cost of purchasing and applying a coating is small compared to the significant cost of replacing your entire RV roof later on. Resealing is important for protecting your investment and preventing deterioration that can lead to costly repairs.
That said, below, we break down when, why, and how often to reseal your RV roof.
For more information on maintaining your RV roof, feel free to check out our ultimate RV roof repair manual.
How Often Should You Reseal Your RV Roof?
We recommend that you inspect your RV roof seals carefully every six months (twice a year) and reseal it annually. The average frequency for resealing an RV roof is about once per year, but this can vary depending on factors like climate, roof material, and how often your RV is used or stored outdoors.
If you keep your RV covered or indoors during the off-season, you’ll be able to go much longer between resealing, possibly every few years. On the other hand, if your RV stays uncovered and parked outside all year, you’ll likely benefit from a yearly resealing.
Here are a few factors that can influence how often you need to reseal your RV roof:
- Climate - RV roofs tend to require more protection and be recoated more frequently in regions with intense sun and heat, extreme cold, or even along the coast, where salty coastal air can damage your RV’s exterior.
- Roof type - Rubber (EPDM or TPO) roofs are generally more delicate and are more likely to experience cracks, gaps, and leaks. Fiberglass roofs are more durable, but they are still not impervious to water damage. Aluminum roof types tend to be the most long-lasting, both in terms of water intrusion and corrosion resistance. However, regardless of the kind of roof your RV has, it’s still essential to inspect it regularly.
- Full-timers Vs. Seasonal Users - The more frequently your RV is moved, the more likely it is to develop leaks. However, even if your rig spends a great deal of time parked, it can still experience wear and tear or damage from falling tree branches, leaves, and other debris buildup.
These factors help determine the ideal resealing schedule and frequency for your RV roof. That said, it’s essential to select the appropriate RV roof sealant for your roof material, as well as the specific make and model of your rig.
How to Know If It's Time to Reseal
If you’ve recently purchased an used RV and aren’t sure how the roof has been maintained over the years, it’s never a bad idea to apply a sealant coating just in case. But even if it’s just been a while, it’s good to get up on your RV roof (carefully!) and inspect it for the following signs.
- Cracked or lifting sealant near vents, ladder mounts, seams, edges, or AC units
- Dark streaks near seams, which can be a sign of water intrusion
- Previous patch jobs that are starting to fail - Carefully inspect anywhere that’s been patched or repaired in the past.
- Interior signs of moisture, water stains on the ceiling, cabinets, or moldy or mildewed wall panels
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to inspect your RV roof for leaks, make the necessary repairs, and then reseal as needed. Ignoring these signs can lead to more severe leaks and damage, compromising your RV roof’s integrity and safety.
Can I Just Reseal Seams, or Do I Need to Do the Whole Roof?
No, you won’t always need to cover your entire roof with a sealant coating just because you’ve found a drip on the inside.
However, that doesn’t mean you can apply a strip of RV sealant tape and call it a day, either. Proper sealing is crucial for both seams and the entire roof, depending on the condition, to prevent leaks and prolong the lifespan of your RV roof.
If you get up there and the rest of your roof is in good condition, with no cracked, peeling, or bubbled sealant, it should be okay to apply lap or cap sealant to your seams or trouble spots without coating the entire roof. Use lap sealant on any vent, skylight, or AC unit joints, and cap sealant for your roof edges.
On the other hand, if your RV roof appears severely sun-damaged, rusted, or if you’ve noticed multiple leak locations, then a full recoating is the better option.
You’ll still need to reseal those problem areas with lap or cap sealant or sealant tape. However, you’ll then want to cover the entire roof with a coating to lock out moisture, protect your roof from the sun, and keep the inside as dry as possible.
Ultimately, if your roof is in poor condition, don’t skimp on the repairs. It’s better to recoat the whole thing instead of ending up with more leaks and further damage later on.
Check out our RV roof coating application guide for more information on applying it the right way.
What's the Best Time of Year to Reseal?
Spring and fall are the best times of year to apply an RV roof coating. You can realistically reseal an RV roof pretty much any time of year, as long as the weather isn’t too cold or too humid.
We do, however, recommend verifying and coating your roof in the spring or at the beginning of the camping season, which ensures you and your family stay warm and dry inside your rig throughout the rest of the year.
Just remember to avoid applying coatings or sealant products when the weather is cold or damp, as this can prevent the material from properly adhering to your RV roof.
During the off-season, we also recommend covering your RV or parking it indoors to protect it from the elements. Many campers benefit from indoor storage or covers to extend the life of their roofs. This helps protect your roof from unnecessary exposure to harsh weather conditions.
What Tools and Products Do You Need to Reseal an RV Roof?
Gathering all the right tools before starting any resealing job is a lot like loading up on snacks and drinks before heading out on a family road trip. Sure, you could skip it… But you’re only going to end up with hungry kids and an upset co-pilot before you even get to the interstate.
So if you want to avoid hollering at your partner to bring you a rag halfway through your job, it’s best to make sure you’ve got all of the following tools on hand.
Note: We’ve listed the proceeding tools in the order that you’ll need them when resealing your RV roof.
- Broom - For gently removing loose dirt and debris from the roof, especially on delicate surfaces like rubber roofs.
- Soft brush - Use a soft brush to gently remove debris and dirt without damaging sensitive roof surfaces.
- RV cleaner - To help loosen up and remove old sealant residue. Use a broom or brush for removing loose dirt and debris before applying the cleaner. You can also use mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol for this.
- Gloves - Keep your hands clean and dry when using harsh cleaners or applying sealants and coatings.
- Scraper - To help you scrape out and remove old or loose sealants.
- Caulking gun - Helps get caulking and sealants in those tight, hard-to-reach areas.
- Lap sealant - To fill in any gaps, cracks, or openings around vents, skylights, and AC or ladder mounts.
- Cap sealant - You can also use a non-sag cap sealant for filling in cracks or gaps around the edges of your RV roof.
- RV sealant tape - Can be applied over top of sealants to ensure they last longer. You can also use RV sealant tape to repair dents, cracks, or any areas where you suspect leaks are coming from.
- Roof coating product - Choose high-quality coatings and sealants to make sure your roof type stays watertight.
- Roller - Used to smooth out and remove air bubbles for sealant tape applications.
- Rags - Used to clean your roof or wipe up any excess sealants throughout the process.
After cleaning and removing all debris, make sure to thoroughly rinse the roof to remove any cleaner residue. Then, give your entire roof enough time to dry before resealing.
If it’s the first time you’re applying a roof coating, consider buying an RV roof repair kit, which includes most of the tools you’ll need to reseal your roof and keep your rig bone dry on the inside.
5 Resealing Mistakes to Avoid
Resealing RV seams, roof edges, and joints isn't rocket science. But there are some common mistakes you'll want to avoid to ensure your sealant lasts as long as possible.
- Not cleaning before resealing - Cleaning your roof is essential for providing a clean surface for new sealants to adhere to. You also need to ensure the surface is dry before applying any type of sealant product.
- Applying in the wrong weather - As mentioned, cold or damp weather can prevent sealants from adhering or curing properly after application. So don't try completing repairs during days with heavy rain or snow.
- Mixing incompatible products - Silicone caulk is not compatible with TPO or rubber roofs. You may be able to find priming products to help them stick. However, it's best to use RV-compatible lap or cap sealants to get the job done right.
- Using expired sealant - Old sealants tend to dry out. They might still be usable, but there's no guarantee that they'll stick or last as long as they should
- Resealing over cracks without prep - It's vital that you take the time to scrape out and remove old sealants or caulks before resealing with a new coating product.
Avoiding these simple mistakes ensures that you and your family will have a great camping season, no matter where the road takes you!
If you want to seal your RV roof like a pro, you can also check out our comprehensive guide on repairing RV roof seams, edges, and vents.
Frequently Asked Questions - When To Reseal an RV Roof
Resealing your RV's roof ensures that the inside of your rig stays dry, regardless of the type of weather you encounter. But it's not only about keeping moisture out. Proper RV roof maintenance also ensures the money you spend on your rig goes as far as possible.
Let's take a look at a few frequently asked questions we hear from our readers about when to reseal their RV roofs.
How long does RV sealant last?
Good quality RV sealants can last anywhere between a few seasons to 10 or 15 years or even longer. It really depends on the quality of the sealant, if it was applied properly, and how much wear and tear you put your RV through. Either way, it's crucial to inspect your RV roof once or twice a year to ensure your sealants are in good condition. Be proactive and don't wait for a leak to happen before making repairs and applying new sealants.
Do I need to remove the old sealant before applying a new one?
Yes, if you notice any loose, cracked, peeling, or dried-out lap sealant, you should scrape it out and remove it before applying new sealant or coating products. This allows you to find and fix in any gaps or cracks before applying a sealant coating to the entire roof.
Can I walk on my RV roof during resealing?
Yes, as long as your RV has a rear-mounted ladder, it should be safe to get up there and walk around during the resealing process. However, it's best to avoid stomping on it or moving around too much in that area, especially if you've noticed soft spots or water damage.
Do fiberglass RV roofs also require resealing?
Yes! Fiberglass, rubber, and metal roofs all require periodic inspection and resealing. The trick, however, is to ensure you're using the correct type of sealant for your roof material. Not all RVs are built the same, and neither are the sealant products available. Review our RV sealant guide for more information on using the right products for your rig.
What's the best resealing product for rubber roofs?
Liquid Rubber, Alpha Systems, and Dicor are among the top RV sealant brands available. However, we've designed TitanPatch RV Sealant Tape to be a step above other similar tape products. You can use TitanPatch tape to fix emergency leaks or cover new sealants, ensuring your rig stays waterproof at any time of year.