Unfortunately, it’s pretty easy to overlook the roof on our RVs. We really don’t like climbing up there, and patching up holes sounds pretty unimportant, because how much damage is a small leak really going to do? Well, it turns out that roof repair is actually one of the most important parts of RV maintenance. A sturdy roof will extend the life of RV and improve the quality of your fifth wheel or travel trailer’s interior, making your RV lifestyle more comfortable. Leaks, cracks, and gaps in your RV’s roof can do serious damage to your vehicle if ignored, so the best thing to do is fix it before it becomes a big problem.
Thankfully, repairing small holes in your RV’s roof is actually really simple! And with this guide, any RV owner should be able to do this basic maintenance. If you find that your roof has a large hole or more serious issue though, RVs and Boats for Less in Pocatello, Idaho near Logan and Salt Lake City, Utah is here to help you out! Schedule a service appointment today, and we’ll be sure your RV gets fixed up the right way.
Reasons to Repair Your Roof
If there’s a leak in your motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel, the first inconvenience of the roof’s damage is that you won’t be able to stay dry. But much more serious issues also arise from neglecting your roof. When water gets inside the RV, mold, dry rot, and mildew can start to grow, which are harmful to your health and can eat away at the wooden features in your RV. Also, when water freezes, it expands, so a small hole in your RV’s roof during the winter can quickly turn into a larger hole once the moisture starts to freeze. And when a hole gets bigger, it serves as an opening for all those wonderful pests and critters to invite themselves in. It’s really an all-around mess, isn’t it?
If you repair a hole immediately, though, you’ll be able to fix it before problems start showing up. You should inspect your RV’s roof as often as you check the tires, and when you do, look for loose screws, gaps, or tears. It’s smart to look in the corners and joints in the roof, because gaps form easily in the seams.
Preparing the Roof
Check out the manual before starting any RV repair project, especially when working on the roof. If you find a hole in the roof, you’ll need to figure out from your manual what kind of sealant you need to use on your RV. Then, before patching it up, clean the roof as best you can. Dirt, grime, sap, or any other debris will prevent the sealant from sticking to your RV, so you’ll need to get it completely off to patch the hole all the way. Use a mild detergent to scrub the roof, rinse it off with water, and wipe away excess water with a squeegee. Then, dry the area completely with a clean towel or cloth.
Fixing the Roof
Applying the sealant is pretty simple, but be sure you wear the proper clothing and avoid touching your face while working. Sealant is designed to stick, and it’s nearly impossible to get off clothes or skin, so wear gloves and work clothes that you don’t mind ruining.
Once you’re all set up, it’s time to start patching! Lay a product on the problem area and wipe it into a thin layer that extends at least an inch away from the hole in every direction. You need the overlap to ensure it gets covered all the way. This is an easy fix for small holes, but for larger ones, you might need a fiberglass screen. To use this, apply your layer of sealant over the hole, then block it with the fiberglass screen, and place more rubber sealer over the screen. This is also pretty simple, and you’ll have fixed significant damage to your RV at an affordable price!
Schedule a Service Appointment
Most RV owners can do just about any small maintenance work, but if there’s a more serious issue, or you simply aren’t comfortable doing the repairs yourself, don’t hesitate to schedule a service appointment at RVs and Boats for Less. Our experienced professionals will ensure the job gets done right, so come on in anytime to our dealership near Idaho Falls and Twin Falls, Idaho.
