What Causes RV Roof Leaks and How to Fix Them – For Good!

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Brian McCallister

When you first bought your RV, you likely envisioned years, or even decades, of fun, travelling around the countryside and visiting family or friends. You expected your investment to last you a very long time. So when you first suspected that your RV roof leaks, you likely felt more than a bit put out. Those issues can crop up much faster than anyone expects, and they can get worse in just a few days if they aren’t promptly taken care of. Wondering what causes that sneaky leak in the first place, and how you can fix it?

Causes of RV Roof Leaks

RV roofs can be damaged in many ways. Whether your roof is made of metal, rubber, or polymer, it can develop leaks. Most commonly, leaks are seen around fixtures, such as skylights or vents in the roof. But that doesn’t mean that you won’t see leaks elsewhere, especially around the edges where the roof meets the wall of the RV. Here are some common causes of leaks and damage:

Sun exposure
Falling limbs
Rain, snow, or hail
Extreme temperature changes
Time

Yep – basically, everything that your RV roof faces every time you leave home with it, is what causes leaks. But don’t worry. While you can’t exactly avoid sunlight and time, you can do things to make your RV roof much tougher than it is. You can do this before you notice any leaks, or use these steps to address RV roof leaks when you do notice them.

How to Fix RV Roof Leaks

If there are holes in your RV roof, you’ll need to seal those. A liquid sealant acts like a glue to piece your rubber roof back together, and can be used around fixtures like skylights and vents.

But more importantly, applying a protective coating over a roof once the holes are sealed up, will help ensure that it withstands damage in the future. Liquid rubber, or EPDM, is a paint-on substance that anyone can put on their RV roof. Leaks will be a thing of the past for at least a decade when this is done correctly. This product adds a durable protective layer against falling limbs or hail, resists water, reflects UV rays, and expands and contracts with temperature changes to prevent cracking in the roof membrane. Liquid EPDM can be used to address RV roof leaks in any material, including metal, rubber, and polymer. And it takes just a weekend to apply this yourself. Simply paint it on and let it cure in dry, sunny weather for a couple of days. Easy as pie!

It is a drag when you realize that your RV roof is leaking, but once you learn how affordable and easy it is to protect your roof, you’ll wonder why you worried in the first place. And as a bonus, applying this protective coating can also make it easier to heat and cool your RV! Hit the road with confidence in your RV roof.

Are You Ready To Attempt a Travel Trailer Roof Repair?

Posted on February 22, 2019 by Brian McCallister

Your travel trailer is your home-away-from-home. It’s where you eat, sleep, cook and relax when you’re on the road. That’s why it’s so important to regularly inspect, maintain and repair your unit before taking it anywhere. One of the areas of your trailer that is especially susceptible to wear and damage is the roof. Consider for a moment all of the elements to which it is regularly subjected: rain, wind, snow, hail, dust, dirt, mildew and harsh sun. If your trailer roof is not properly maintained, you may find yourself relaxing, with pots and pans scattered around, collecting dripping water. Travel trailer roof repair is not as expensive or complicated as you might imagine, so don’t let the thought of attempting it frighten you. Here are some things to remember.

Carefully Inspect All Areas of the Roof.

Liquid Roof Repair

If you decide to go up on the trailer roof, please be extremely careful! You want to spend your time camping, not recuperating. Travel trailers are almost always on the road, unlike larger RVs which often remain stationary for extended periods of time. The continuous movement poses a unique set of concerns. It’s important to take your time when inspecting your trailer roof. If done properly, a roof repair can last for years, so the extra time that you invest now will pay dividends down the road. Look for any obvious cracks or breaks in the roof’s surface. Next, inspect the areas around the roof vents, watching for separations and loose caulking. Don’t forget to look closely at the roof edges too. After you’ve identified any problem areas, it’s time to begin your travel trailer roof repair.

Preparing the Surfaces Before Beginning a Travel Trailer Roof Repair

It is extremely important that the prep work be done carefully so that the repair materials will adhere properly. As with the inspection, the extra time that you spend now will go a long way toward ensuring a lasting repair. You’ll need to begin by sweeping the loose dirt, leaves and debris off of the roof. Next, you’re going to want to thoroughly wash the areas to be repaired. If your roof’s surface is metal or fiberglass, rough sand to 3” out from the edge of the repair area and rewash as necessary.

Repair Material Options for a Travel Trailer Roof Repair

There are a lot of different companies offering a variety of repair solutions, so which one is the right one to use for your travel trailer roof repair? Keeping in mind the amount of movement that a travel trailer undergoes, it is highly recommended that you choose a repair material that will hold up well under any conditions. Many people prefer a repair material and sealant made from synthetic rubber. Often referred to as EPDM material, this rubber repair can be applied to most roofing materials and will withstand years of punishing conditions.

Performing the Actual Travel Trailer Roof Repair

For metal or fiberglass repairs, cover the repair area with butyl adhesive tape. Next, place polyester reinforcing fabric over the butyl tape. If you want a straight edge finish, place regular masking tape around the outside perimeter of the area. Finally, apply the liquid roof material with a paint brush and allow it to set. You can remove the regular masking tape in about 24 hours.

There you go! You now have a beautiful travel trailer roof repair that will last for years. For best results, always inspect the roof of your trailer before and after each camping season. Happy camping!

Choose Liquid Roof Repair Coatings to Keep Your RV Safe

Posted on December 3, 2018 by Brian McCallister

Do you know how much money it might cost to repair the roof of an RV that has suffered water and leak damage? It can cost up to $5,000 and maybe more if there is water damage on the inside of the vehicle that needs to be repaired. This is not an amount that any RV owner would look forward to paying. However, the roof of an RV is exposed to the elements and it could be suffering more damage than you realize. Therefore, it makes sense to spend a fraction of that cost on a permanent RV roof coating that can provide the protection that you need right now. RV Liquid Roof repair coatings could be just what your RV doctor ordered.

What Is an RV Liquid Roof Repair Coating?

The coating is the only 100% liquid EPDM rubber available, and it makes for the very best coating to protect your RV roof. What makes this such a good option? For starters, it is easy to apply. You do not need to take your RV to a specialist to have the coating added. It is possible to do it yourself, and it will generally only take a few hours, including the prep time for your roof.

RV Liquid Roof Repair

Once the coating is on the roof, it provides you with protection from the elements, ensuring that water is not going to make it into your RV to cause damage. The coating can also help to protect against UV rays, which can also be rather detrimental to the roof of an RV. The formulation makes it the perfect choice for vehicles in motion.

Another one of the nice benefits of this coating is the fact that it will work well even when there are major temperature changes. Those who live in cold climates, for example, might find that some products will shrink and crack. That does not happen with RV Liquid Roof. It is formulated to work well in extreme temperatures that can go as low as -25F during the night.

Additionally, the cure time for this liquid roof repair coatings will be slow, which is actually a good thing. Once you put the coating onto your roof, it will start protecting it immediately. However, it will take a long time to cure, but that means you will not have to worry about air getting trapped between the coating and the substrate, which would end up causing separation and cracking. Once this is on, it will provide an airtight seal, which makes it a part of your roof, not just a coating that sits on top of the roof. This helps to provide it with the durability and longevity that your RV needs.

Will You Ever Have to Look at Your RV Roof Again?

While the liquid roof repair coatings will help provide you with a substantial amount of protection, that does not mean that you can forego examining your roof a couple of times per year. The high-quality coating will keep your roof safe from all of the normal elements like the sun, rain, and most small debris. However, if anything large has hit your roof, there could be damage, although it is unlikely.

Therefore, you should still take the time to head up to the roof and give it a quick inspection occasionally. This will let you see if there are any issues that need attention. You can inspect the roof whenever you head up there to clean it off, for example. Just make it a part of the regular cleaning routine.

7 Signs You Need RV Roof Repair

Posted on October 22, 2018 by Brian McCallister

Your RV is more than just an expensive toy that lets you vacation where and when you want. It’s an investment, and one that can provide years and years of amazing returns. However, you need to take care of that investment if you want it to stand the test of time. Just as you spend time and money washing and waxing the siding, changing the oil, and making sure the transmission is in good shape, you also need to spare some consideration for the roof. In fact, you might find that you actually need RV roof repair. Not sure what to look for? Here are seven signs that you need to repair your roof.

1. Water spots or stains appear on the ceiling.

This is one of the classic signs that you have a water leak – those stains are a combination of dirt and discoloration from water itself, and mold and mildew thriving on the moisture. If you notice any discolorations on the ceiling of your RV, it’s important to take action immediately.

Liquid Roof RV Repair

2. You see streaks running down the sides of the RV after washing it.

Chances are good that your RV has a rubber roof. That’s great – they’re durable, long lived, and flexible. However, they do degrade over time. If you wash your RV and notice white or black streaks running down the sides, that’s a sign that the rubber has degraded a lot. The color is actually from tiny particles of your roof. You may also notice this after it rains.

3. The floor of your RV feels soft of spongy.

This is a sign that you not only have a water leak, but that it has done significant damage to the interior of your RV. Soft, spongy flooring means that water has run down from the roof, collected on the floor, and then been absorbed by the flooring. In some cases, you may actually need to replace the flooring as well as fix the leaking roof.

4. The exterior siding on your RV is wavy.

When you bought your RV, chances are good that the siding was ramrod straight and picture-perfect. However, it may have taken on a slightly waved appearance now. You might even notice what look like bubbles under the surface. This is a sign that water is leaking between the roof and the exterior siding and causing damage.

5. The cabinets inside your RV are stained, particularly those in the corners.

If you notice moisture-related discoloration on your cabinets, particularly those located in the corners, then it’s very likely that you have a roof leak, and perhaps a serious one.

6. You see strange bulges under the rubber roofing material.

If you take a look at your RV’s roof, the rubber should be smooth and without blemish. If you notice bubbles, or if the roof looks like it is sagging in places, it’s a good sign that water is getting under the material and causing damage.

7. You can push water out from underneath roof seams.

Get up close to your RV’s roof right after a good rain. Locate a seam, and then push around it. If you notice small amounts of water coming out, then you definitely have a roof leak that needs immediate attention.

If you notice any of the signs we’ve discussed above, it’s time for RV roof repair. A single coat of a high-quality EPDM roof coating, such as RV Liquid Roof, will seal up the leak and ensure that your RV stays comfortable and dry for years to come.

Critical Steps in Applying Liquid Roof Repair: A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on September 19, 2018 by Brian McCallister

Your RV is the key to enjoying a lifetime of freedom, open roads, and stunning vistas across the country. However, it does need to be maintained, and it can be damaged, as well. When it comes to non-auto-accident-related damage, the roof of your RV is perhaps the most problem-prone area. Liquid roof repair products can help, but you need to know a few things before you apply them.

Identify Your Roofing Type

First and foremost, make sure you know what type of roof your RV has. Most RVs on the road today have EPDM roofing, but some do not. Yours may have TPO roofing, instead. Not sure what you have? Take a look at the top of the RV. Touch the surface – does it feel like rubber? Does it have a matte finish? Chances are good that it’s an EPDM roof. If it is white and glossy, then you have a TPO roof. Note that you should not use liquid roof repair products on TPO roofs without first applying a coat of primer designed for TPO.

Buy the Right Product

Next, you need to make sure that you choose the right liquid roof repair product. There are many, many options on the market, but they are not all the same. You need to compare the available choices based on cost, but also on longevity, durability, waterproofness, curing time, and other factors. You’ll find that RV Liquid Roof offers the best mix of advantages, and is completely waterproof at the time of application.

Identify the Damage

Before you start applying liquid roof repair products, you need to take steps to identify what needs to be repaired. Is there a hole punched in the roof? Is the EPDM sheet peeling? Are the seams on the roof pulling away from one another? In some cases, you may only need to make spot repairs with a liquid roof repair product. However, in others, you might need to apply a new coating of rubber to the entire roof. This should actually be done periodically throughout your RV’s life to ensure that the roof stays in good shape, is able to protect the interior of your RV, and that it does not become brittle and damaged.

Get the Right Tools

The next step is not to apply RV Liquid Roof. Rather, it’s about finding the right tools for the job. These will vary depending on the actual repairs you need to make, but some of the most commonly needed tools include the following:

Roller and refills
Long handle for the roller
A box cutter or razor knife
A putty knife
A scraper

All of these tools can be found at your local hardware store, or even at your local big box department store, and should only cost a few dollars each.

Prepare the Surface

Finally, you need to prepare the surface. You cannot simply slap a coat of EPDM on top of your RV’s roof and expect it to last very long. You need to thoroughly scour the areas where you’ll be applying liquid roof repair products – 3M Scotch Brite pads work very well for this purpose. After cleaning, allow the area to completely dry before you apply the repair product.

There you have them – some of the most critical steps to take during the RV roof repair process. Most of these step take place prior to applying the product, which is because the actual application is relatively simple, so long as you have chosen the right option from the available selection.

8 Tips for Using Liquid Roof Repair Coatings Effectively on Your RV

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Brian McCallister

Have you discovered a water leak in your RV’s roof? If so, Liquid Roof repair coatings can help you repair the issue and protect your investment. RV roofs are subject to a lot of stress, as well as sheering forces, and wear and tear. All RV roofs will eventually develop leaks, so even if you have not experienced one yet, there is still the potential. This makes knowing how to use repair coatings effectively important. Below, we’ll discuss some of the most important tips.

Check the Weather

You should apply Liquid Roof repair coatings when the weather is warm and sunny. Ideally, no rain will be in the forecast for a couple of days. However, if it does sprinkle on you, don’t worry. The material is waterproof immediately.

Use the Right Cleaning Tools

You need to make sure to completely clean the roof of your RV before applying Liquid Roof. You’ll need a few 3M Scotch Brite pads to remove dirt, dust, debris, mildew and other things that might prevent proper adhesion.

Apply Just One Coat

Liquid Roof repair coatings should be applied in just one layer. This can be up to 35 mil thick. There is usually no need for more than one coat.

Let It Cure

Like all other liquid rubber repair products, Liquid Roof will need time to cure. It is dry to the touch in just a few of hours. However, it may take up to 30 hours to dry to the point that it can be walked on. Full curing can take up to seven days.

Check the Condition of the Existing Roof First

Liquid Roof is strong, durable, waterproof and flexible. However, understand that many of its characteristics will vary depending on the condition of the roof onto which it is applied. So, if the existing roof of your RV is in bad condition, then Liquid Roof may not last as long or create as good a seal as would otherwise be the case.

Surface Condition Matters

Note that smooth surfaces are not ideal for adhesion with Liquid Roof repair coatings. The best surface is rough, and/or porous. For instance, wood and cement offer excellent adhesion. However, smooth plastic may need to be primed to ensure that the surface will offer good adhesion.

Check the Amount Needed

A single gallon of Liquid Roof can cover up to 200 square feet. So, you will need relatively little in order to cover the entire roof of your RV. With that being said, buying too much is often unwise, as there is a definite lifespan to material left in the original bucket. Always make sure to carefully calculate the amount needed to cover the entire roof, and then buy as close to that amount as possible.

No Need to Prime

While TPO and other very smooth surfaces will need primer in order for Liquid Roof repair coatings to adhere properly, this is not the case with most surfaces. There is no need to prime rubber roofs, or any other surface with enough surface roughness for adhesion. However, note that if you have used a different type of coating over your original EPDM roof, a coating of primer may be necessary. The same thing applies to surfaces that have degraded significantly due to weathering and aging.

Liquid Roof repair coatings offer a fast, effective way to recoat your RV’s roof, repair leaks, and revitalize older EPDM roofs. By following the tips above, you will have an easier time with application and avoid some potential pitfalls.

Use Liquid EPDM for Fast and Easy RV Roof Repairs

Posted on July 16, 2018 by Brian McCallister

You want to have a great time when you are out on the road camping and traveling in your RV. The last thing you want to do is worry about a leak in your roof. It can quickly put a damper on your spirits and your trip, and it can cause some serious problems with the RV. After all, you do not want to have any mold and mildew in the RV, and you do not want to deal with the expense of water damage. Fortunately, when you use liquid EPDM called Liquid Roof, it is easy to take care of leaks.

For an Emergency

Of course, you might not always have this handy when you are on the road. Therefore, you will want to have some type of emergency measure that you can use just in case you have a leak and you do not have the liquid EPDM, or the weather doesn’t permit it being applied. For example, some roof repair tape should always be available in your RV. You can use this temporary fix until you can get to a location where you can apply the Liquid Roof, which would typically be at home.

Check the Leaks: Seal Small Leaks and Apply a Patch to Larger Holes

Before you simply apply the liquid EPDM, you need to inspect the area of the leak and make sure it is not so large that you will need a professional to take care of it. Clean the area around the leak, and then use sealants for small leaks, and a fiberglass patch for those leaks that are somewhat larger. Again, you will only want to apply these patches to areas that have been thoroughly cleaned. This will allow the patch to stay in place.

Add a Coat of EPDM

While the patch can help to prevent the rain from getting down into the RV, you should also make sure that you then add a coat of liquid EPDM to the roof. This will help to ensure that you do not have any more leaks. This is a durable material that will go on quite easily. In fact, it applies just like paint and provides a nice coating of durable, protective material that will keep the roof and the RV safe.

In addition, if you have several patches on your roof from the repairs that you made, you will find that this coating is going to cover up those unsightly patches quite nicely. It gives the roof a uniform, white appearance that’s going to look great.

One of the other nice things about this is the fact that the white is going to help reflect the sunlight rather than absorb it, which means that it will be much easier for you to control the temperatures within the RV. This is very useful for those who tend to travel and stay in hot areas during their travels.

Take Good Care of Your RV Roof

Always take the time to inspect your RV roof, and the inside of your RV, at least a couple of times each year. This will let you see if there is any damage to the roof that could end up causing problems for you down the road. It is always best to be proactive when it comes to taking care of the roof. The sooner you find and fix the problems, the easier they will be to handle. If you wait too long, the repairs– and what it will cost to fix them – will be much larger.

Use Liquid Roof Repair to Keep Your RV in Great Shape

Posted on June 21, 2018 by Brian McCallister

Whether you are buying a brand-new RV or a used RV, you are going to end up spending a substantial amount of money. If you already have one of these fun and useful vehicles, then you know that it cost you a pretty penny when you bought it. Naturally, you want to do whatever you can to make sure that it stays in great shape now and for years to come. Using Liquid Roof for repairs and preventative maintenance can be a great way to do that. Let’s look at ways that it can work for your RV.

It Is Simple to Use

Liquid Roof repair application is an easy process for the most part. You do not have to hire anyone to do it, which means you will save on the cost of repairs and preventative measures for your RV. Of course, if you do not have the time or inclination to apply the liquid EPDM to your roof on your own, you could always hire someone else who can do it for you.

When you are going to be using liquid roof repair for your RV, you will first want to make sure that you take care of any large cracks that are on the roof, which could be the source of leaks. In addition, you will want to make sure that you check around the interior portion of the RV to see if there has been any damage from water leaks that will need to be repaired.

Then, you can add the coating to the roof. You will want to clean the area on the roof and remove any debris, so the sealer of the Liquid Roof repair will bond to the roof. You will need a clean roof whether you are adding the coating to the entire roof or just to areas where there might be a leak. In fact, most will find that even if you only have one leak that you need to fix with the Liquid Roof repair coating, it is a good idea to coat the entire roof at the same time. This will provide you with some added protection now and in the future.

You will also find that the coatings do not take too long to cure, and they will provide you with their waterproofing capabilities from the moment they go onto the roof.

Resists Damage

Another one of the reasons that you will want to be using Liquid Roof repair to help keep your RV’s roof performing well is because it provides a damage resistant coating. The coating can hold up to major temperature extremes. Whether the roof is hundreds of degrees in the heat of the desert sun, or you find yourself in an area where it is 40 below zero in the dead of winter, it will still work well. It stays flexible and will do well regardless of the weather.

This type of coating is designed to last for a long time without needing a recoat. In fact, there are some roofs that use EPDM and have the same coating for decades. You could apply just a single coat and it could protect your RV for its entire life. Of course, you will want to check on the roof annually to make sure there are no issues that have gone unnoticed.

If you want to make sure that your RV’s roof stays in great shape for a long time to come, you need to make sure you have Liquid Roof coatings on it. It has a wealth of advantages and virtually no drawbacks.

Best Reasons to Use Liquid Roof for RV Repair

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Brian McCallister

Liquid Roof is an RV repair and preventative maintenance option that many RV owners are using with great effect. The product has a lot of advantages that can help to make your RV look better, and even more importantly, it can help to extend the life of your roof. Anyone who owns an RV knows that it is important to keep the vehicle in great shape if they want it to last, and that certainly includes the roof. Let’s look at some of the best reasons to use Liquid Roof for your RV.

Very Easy to Apply on Your Own

One of the best features of this roof coating is the fact that it is so easy to apply to your roof. It is a DIY product that goes on every easily and will only require one coat. In addition, you do not need to use a primer or top coat with the Liquid Roof RV product. Just one coat, which goes on just like paint, is all you really need. It will then provide you with all of the benefits that are discussed below.

Once you clean off the roof and remove the debris, you will be ready for the application. With a roller and a paint brush, you will be able to apply the roof coating in just a short amount of time. Even when you have a large RV, it will not take you long to get the coverage that you need on the entire roof.

Of course, if you do not want to apply it on your own, or if you are not capable of doing it, you can always hire someone to take care of the application for you. Since it will only require a single coat, it should not take long, and that means you will not have to spend too much.

Waterproof Right Away

Once you apply the Liquid Roof RV coating, it will provide immediate waterproofing protection. Even though the product will take a couple of days to cure fully, the waterproofing capabilities will go to work for you right away. This can provide you with some great peace of mind, knowing that you will not have to worry about further leaks.

Long Lasting Durability

This is a high-quality product, and it will last for many years with no issues at all. In fact, it can last for decades. Of course, you will still want to get up onto your roof a couple times a year to see if there has been any damage, such as from falling debris like branches, for example. Simple cleaning of the roof will help this coating last, so it can provide protection for your roof for many years.

Keeps the RV Cooler

Because this is a white coating, it means that you will have an easier time of keeping the inside of your RV nice and cool in the summer. The white coating will actually reflect the light and the heat away from the roof.

Ponding Is No Problem

Even if you have an area of your roof that has a ponding problem, it is not going to be a match for the Liquid Roof RV coating. It will still protect your RV from leaks. This is great news for those who may have older RVs.

A Great Looking Finish

When you add this finish to the roof, it also gives it a uniform appearance. You don’t have to worry about the top of your RV looking patchy and haphazard. While it might be a small benefit, it is often important for those who take aesthetics into consideration.

It is easy to see why so many RV owners are using this product. You should consider getting some for your RV, as well.

6 Steps to DIY Roof Leaks Repair for RV Owners

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Brian McCallister

Taking good care of your RV roof is key for having lots of fun when you are camping or on the road. You want your RV to be a cozy shelter from the elements, and that means you need a leak-free roof. You can DIY your roof leaks repair, and it’s not as hard as you may think. In fact, there are six things you can do on your own that are affordable, and that will work to patch up most roof leaks. Repair these right away to avoid bigger leaks that could be pricier to fix.

1. Have an emergency go-to

If you are out on a camping trip and your roof starts to leak around a skylight or vent, you’ll want a quick fix till you get back home. Have something like aluminum duct tape or roof repair tape on hand so that you can quickly seal the leak. This gets you home without having rain or other elements fall on your head, but it shouldn’t be thought of as a permanent fix.

2. Clean and inspect the leak properly.

The next thing you should do in a DIY roof leaks repair is to clean the area and inspect the leak very carefully. You need to know if this is something you can fix on your own, or if it’s a more serious matter. Once you’ve done this, be sure to dry the area thoroughly. All sealants and coatings need the surface to be totally dry to adhere properly.

3. Seal small leaks.

A basic sealant product can be applied to small leaks, especially those around vents or skylights where the roofing material has just pulled away a little. Be sure to clean away any old sealant or caulk that has crumbled away from the area. Apply the sealant very liberally to the area and then even it out with a brush.

4. Use a fiberglass repair patch.

If the leak is caused by a hole in the middle of the roof, from a falling limb, hail, or other damage, you need to use a patch or fiberglass repair tape to cover the hole. This is the first step to protecting your roof. After you apply this fix, you’ll want to move on to step six to fully protect your roof from future damage.

5. Caulk around the edges if the leak is at the perimeter

In many cases, the leak will be due to a rubber RV roof pulling away from the perimeter of the RV. Caulk around the edges to take care of this problem.

6. Protect your roof from future leaks.

Finally, use a protective coating like liquid EPDM to protect your RV roof from leak repair needs in the future. This is an easy final step that makes your roof nearly impenetrable for years to come, and also helps cover up unsightly repair jobs. With these six steps, you can keep your RV roof in great shape.