A surprising number of RV problems start on the roof when membranes or roof seals have been improperly installed, damaged, or not regularly maintained.  Roof membranes are a thin layer of rubber material over plywood, and are susceptible to damage or deterioration from improper installation, sunlight UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap, or damage from tree branches. I have even seen small holes in the membrane caused by bird beaks eating bugs or seeds off of the roof, I found those by being on my hands and knees on the roof.

A special RV sealant (not caulking, and not silicone) is used around the edges where the membrane meets the front or rear cap and side walls. Roof penetrations such as vents and skylights also have this lap sealant. It needs to remain pliable as the RV flexes during travel and temperature changes. Due to that movement, sealants are designed to be both sticky and flexible.  The component of the lap sealant allowing it to be flexible is solvent, which can evaporate over time leaving voids, cracks, holes, or bubbles.  Those gaps can occur within a few months and water can then seep through the roof membrane and cause severe damage to the RV, often unnoticed until many months later.

During your annual maintenance, those gaps need to be cleaned, and filled or covered with the same sealant product approved by the manufacturer (none of which is sold at Home Depot). However, the previous RV owner (even new RVs) may not have had those seals maintained.  NRVIA Inspectors are trained to look for those gaps and potential water damage or ensure the proper sealant was used if the roof was maintained regularly. Some RV owners use the wrong sealant, which we can easily notice.

Another important reason for roof inspections is all RV roofs need to be washed at least annually, to remove dirt, droppings, and even mold that could cause premature deterioration of the membrane.  Some RV roof material manufacturers require annual roof washing, and not doing so may void your warranty.  The NRVIA trains its Inspectors to look for evidence of a roof that has not been regularly or unsuitably washed.

Damage to an RV as the result of an improperly maintained roof is rarely seen by buyers or sellers, nor by a Dealer’s PDI. Surprisingly, some inspections even exclude getting on the roof!  The resultant damages (or potential damages) can include delamination, rotting walls or framing, and even mold, and can cost thousands of dollars and possibly render the RV unrepairable. Drastically lowering the resale value. 

Avoid this disheartening news by having your next RV inspected by me at BJC RV Inspections and Repair Service or an NRVIA Certified Inspector near the location of the RV.

The post Why RV Roofs Need Inspected first appeared on BJC RV Inspections and Repairs.

• You get that sunken feeling in the pit of your stomach
• Then comes the fear of looming expensive repairs
• Followed by the realization of loss of equity in your RV
• Then the frustration of the unreliability of your RV

It prompts you to say out loud “why didn’t I get up there and make sure this didn’t happen!”   

Here is an equally depressing situation…you discover a water leak and contact your RV manufacturer or insurance company/extended warranty for compensation of the repair costs, only to have them ask for documentation showing you washed your RV roof, and inspected (and repaired as required) the seals according to the prescribed interval as documented in your RV owner’s manual or insurance/warranty agreement.  Did you do those? Do you have that documentation? Do you know how, and what to use?

Check the Seals Twice Per Year:

Visually check the seals for small holes and cracks and separation. By the way, those just happen, it’s the nature of an RV that twists and moves slightly as it goes down the road. Also, the harmful UV rays of the sun cause seal damage.  Knowing those happen, should prompt you to get up there and check for cracks or holes, and for sealant pulling away from the roof or cap materials at least twice per year.

Seals are along the perimeter of the RV, and around each opening or vent, or something added to the roof such as solar panels, TV antenna where they attach.

Repairing them is easy, but you have to do it correctly and use the right stuff. Contact your RV manufacturer and ask what sealant to use for those repairs, but most will say to use a Self Leveling Lap Sealant. Dicor or Alpha Systems are what I use on most all RV’s (get the color to match yours).

NO NOT use silicone or other caulking (it doesn’t stick very well to rubber roofs such as TPO or EPDM). Remember to scrub the repair area well with a brush and water, and let it dry before applying the repair compound.

Check the Membrane

Most RV roofs use a rubber membrane glued to plywood. That membrane will last a long time, and has a long warranty, but you have to wash it annually, and you need to inspect it for holes or cuts. Mostly those are caused by tree branches. Water can get in through those holes and ruin your roof.

If the hole is small, you can put a silver-dollar size dollop of the above self leveling lap sealant. If the holes or cuts are larger, use an Eterna Bond or similar patch tape applied with a small roller.

Check the Covers and Caps:

Visually check the covers and caps. Some can crack, become loose, or even be missing! Check the attachments they use such as bolts, pins or clips. Replace if necessary. Don’t let anything go…do it now, not later.

No one wants an AC cover flying off while driving down the freeway, or a skylight sailing through the sky. Also, the sun’s UV rays can cause these AC covers or shrouds to get brittle and crack. Clean them and apply a UV Protectant to reduce the sun’s damage.

Wash Your Roof:

Get up there at least once per year (and after you have done the above), and wash your roof. The membrane needs washed to keep the warranty, so please do this. I use a bucket of water with Murphy Oil Soap and a long-handled soft brush. Rinse with water, and when dry…apply this UV protectant per the directions.

Please please please be careful up there! Know where you are and where each step is placed, and do not get up on your RV roof if it’s wet or icy. “Do everything up there at half speed” is good advice because a fall off your roof will get us both in trouble!

Click RV-ing Products to order products for your RV that I either use, or wish I did!

See the “Where Is Kevin” to the right and if I am in your area, I would love to check your roof for you and repair any issues. I’ll also show you how to do it yourself the next time!

The post Don’t Neglect Your Roof! first appeared on BJC RV Inspections and Repairs.