RV Roof Maintenance Pays Off
There are so many reasons to love having an RV. There’s the convenient, ready-to-use kitchen; the bathroom that’s at your service, 24-7; the way you can switch on a light instead of hunting for a flashlight. But ultimately, an RV means you have a roof over your head, wherever you go.
Show that roof some love! The roof is your barrier against the brutal heat of the sun and the chill of rain, and both of those natural forces take a toll on roof longevity on motorhomes and travel trailers. Here are some tips for inspecting and maintaining your roof, so it will keep on serving you. If you have any questions, please ask the great team at Schwab's RV World in Leduc, Alberta, where we serve the RV community in Edmonton and beyond.
Out of Sight, Top of Mind
Maybe you can’t see your roof, but you can’t ignore it, either. You should pay attention to it every month of the year, and clean and inspect it regularly. A leak in the roof will allow water damage, which may cause serious hidden problems before you notice it. With regular inspections, you can identify and resolve problems before they cause big issues.
Check Your Manual for Material-Appropriate Advice
RV roofs are typically made from one of these materials:
- Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber (the most common for current RVs).
- Thermoplastic olefin (TPO) rubber.
- Aluminum.
- Fiberglass.
The material of your roof should be stated in your manual, along with manufacturer suggestions on how to clean, maintain and seal it. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to prevent voiding your warranty. If you aren’t sure what material you have, you can often get a better look at it if you remove some vent trim to expose roofing material that has been protected from the elements. Additionally, consult your manual to verify whether the roof is strong enough to walk on.
Clean Your Roof Regularly
Clean it regularly, especially if you store it uncovered and under trees. Routine cleaning prevents dirt from building up, and it allows you to inspect it properly. Layers of dirt can easily conceal small cracks, holes, or failing sealant.
If you will be walking on your RV roof, be extremely careful. It may become very slippery when wet. If you will not be walking on your RV roof, be extremely careful. Your ladder may become slippery when wet.
Use mild dish soap or a product specifically for cleaning your type of RV roof. Do not use products with petroleum distillates, citrus ingredients, or harsh abrasives. Use a soft bristle brush and soapy water. When you rinse, make sure to rinse the sides thoroughly as well, to prevent streaks.
Inspect Your Roof After Washing
Once your roof is clean and dry, examine it closely. Inspect all seams where panels meet or items like vents protrude through the roof. Check all the seams where the roof meets the sides. Go inside and look carefully for any evidence of water, especially around vents and other protruding accessories.
Sealing and Repairs
If you have evidence of any leaks, don’t delay. Seal them, or make an appointment at Schwab’s RV World repair center. Prevention is the very best remedy against internal water damage in an RV. Any amount of time and money you put into prevention would be exponentially multiplied if repairs are necessary. We look forward to helping you with your RV repairs as well as RV shopping at our dealership in Leduc, near Edmonton, Alberta.