One of the most common problems with RVs is leaking roofs. There is a lack of knowledge about how to fix leaking roofs, which can quickly ruin an RV. Many used RVs are offered at dirt cheap prices because they have leaky roofs.
The good news is that RV roofs are fairly easy to repair.
- Identify the leak’s source.
- A temporary fix until a permanent fix is found.
- A permanent fix needs to be implemented.
RV Roof Leaks: 3 Simple Steps
Our first step in inspecting an RV’s roof is to examine it from the inside as well as the outside.
1) Detecting leaks (Be Proactive!)
Preventing future RV problems can be achieved by performing regular roof inspections. In addition to checking inside your RV, you should also check the outside. Keeping an eye on your roof for leaks will allow you to catch problems early. If you catch a leak early, you will save your RV from costly structural damage, and you’ll prevent rain from damaging its contents. Many RV manufacturers recommend that you inspect your roof annually.
It is important to conduct a full inspection at the start of the season and a second one at the end. Those who are going on a long vacation might want to inspect their roofs the weekend before they depart.
- Interior Inspections
An RV roof can be easily inspected from the inside. Before you do anything else, check out your RV’s ceiling. Leaks are indicated by water stains, whether they are new or old. However, a leaky ceiling is not always an indication of a leaky roof. Therefore, you should inspect both the inside and outside of the walls and floors.
- Exterior Inspections
Exterior inspections are ideal for roof inspections. However, there are some roofs that are impossible to climb! If you look at the outside, you can see depressions in the roof that indicate cracks. Maintenance of the roof HVAC system and vents should be performed regularly. It is possible for leaks to occur in these areas due to aging sealants.
2) Fixes that are temporary
A patch should always be on hand in case your RV leaks. When your roof leaks while on vacation, it can be especially frustrating. Our RV roofs may also require immediate repair due to time or money constraints. There should be no ignoring the issue, however. You will not only avoid worsening the problem, but you will also save some money.
- Tarping
For tarping your roof, all you need is a big tarp and ropes or bungee cords. When the tarp is not pulled tightly over the roof of your RV, it will act as a big sail.
- Tar Paper
In extreme cases, you may be able to glue down tar paper to the roof. The cost of tar paper is not high, and it can protect your roof. Apply the tar paper according to the instructions on the package.
- Dry it Out
Once one of the above steps has been completed, the interior must be thoroughly dried. A dehumidifier, heavy-duty fans, and electric heaters can speed up the drying process. Drying your RV will reduce the likelihood of it developing mold or mildew.
3) Permanent Fixes
There is probably no better time than now to fix your roof. There may be exceptions to this rule, such as deserts that rarely receive rain. There may be a valid reason for you to ignore a leaky roof in this instance. RVs may still experience leaks around the area of the rooftop AC unit, even if they are never exposed to rain. You may also have difficulty reselling your RV if your roof leaks.
