We see a lot of RV roof repairs at Coach Specialists. Everything from delamination to air conditioning installations. One thing our customers ask us is if we know how to reseal RV roof sealants and seams. Well, the answer is of course! We would be the leading RV repair shop in Dallas, Texas if we didn’t.
Today, we want to share our knowledge with you. Pulling your RV out of storage and getting ready to hit the road during a vacation in any weather, hot or cold, can be a daunting task. It is important to always inspect your RV from top to bottom before hauling out on the wide-open road. If you find that your roof is a little worse-for-wear and could use some TLC, here are some of the best methods on how to reseal RV roof sealants and seams.
How to Reseal RV Roof Sealants and Seams
At Coach Specialists, we are RV enthusiasts. Most of us either own an RV ourselves or know someone who does. We’re all for other RV enthusiasts who want to work on repairs on their own. It’s a great way to spend a weekend out in the sun. But sometimes we see articles telling RV owners to get up on their RVs roof on their own with some silicone sealant for resealing a rubber roof and we just can’t stand it.
First of all, silicone sealants are great to use on any RVs roof. Everyone is different. It also just isn’t safe to climb on top of your RV without assistance, the proper tools, and an advanced knowledge about what you are trying to do. The best thing to do if you can’t get your car into the shop is to thoroughly read your RVs owner’s manual to find out what types of sealants will work best on your RV.
What to Look For
As you’re inspecting your RV’s roof, it’s important to look at the seams and sealants. Pay close attention to any cracks or dried out sealants. This could cause separation between panels. Once there is separation in panels, water can get through and start wreaking havoc on the inside of your RV. This includes the electrical system and once the water reaches there it’ll be even worse.
If you do find leaks, you will need to replace the sealants. Resealing is not a difficult task. It’s actually a very common process we do here at our shop. We will also use SealTech technology to find out exactly where the leaks live. To the untrained eye, leaks aren’t always visible. Feel along the inside of your RV’s roof for soft spots or water stains. The worse the damage, the more extensive the repairs will be.
To remove older, damaged sealant, a rubber squeegee or scraping tool is used to scrape away the old sealant. This is the most important step in the process. You don’t want to tear any of the rubber roofing. Once the old sealant is removed, the area is cleaned with denatured alcohol on a rag or light water. New sealant compatible with your specific RV can then be applied with a caulk gun.
Trusting the Professionals
As we mentioned earlier, we love RVs and RV care. We love helping out our current and future customers. This is why we recommend taking your RV to an authorized repair facility like ours if you’re uncomfortable climbing on-top your RV. Our facility has large bays to house even the biggest RV you can think of. Our technicians are also specialized to handle only RV work. We’re sure to have your camper back on the road, sealed and fresh before you know it. Skip the shop and schedule a free estimate online! We’re waiting to hear from you!