Camper Roof RV Repair: DIY vs. Professional Repair Services

Posted on May 21, 2019 by Brian McCallister

If you’re an RVer, you are probably also a bit of a do-it-yourselfer. Thus, when things like roof repair come up, it might be second nature for you to do the work yourself. Those who are new to RV ownership or not as mechanically inclined may not feel the same way. Regardless, there are definite pros and cons to consider when it comes to choosing whether you will entrust your RV to the professionals or do your own roof repairs.

DIY Saves Money for Small Jobs

The RV community has taken to the internet, creating a wealth of resources and information for other RV owners who need assistance figuring out repairs and learning how to maintain their own RVs. Doing the work yourself can save a significant amount of money, as most dealers and shops charge as much as $100 per hour for labor. In the case of a large project like resealing your camper roof, that can lead to a bill of well over $1,500 depending on the size of your camper. Doing the work yourself could cost less than $500 for materials, depending again on the size of your RV as well as the materials that you need.

If, however, you don’t have 20 hours to dedicate to a camper roof repair or resealing project, it might be worth it to pay someone to do the work. In most cases, though, after a little reading, you will feel quite prepared to handle most roof repairs on your camper without professional assistance (or a huge repair bill). Look at the job you’re facing and how complex it is. Compare the cost of paying someone to do the work to figuring it out for yourself, and see what is in your best interest. If you do decide to consult the pros, feel free to shop around and compare rates to find the best deals.

Some Repairs Require a Professional Touch

There are certain situations and repairs that may require the assistance of professional roofing specialists or an RV dealership. For starters, if you aren’t versed in RV roofing or just aren’t all that handy, you might want to consider letting someone else do the work. Saving money is useless if the repairs are incorrectly done or if you don’t know what you are doing. Your camper’s roof is one of its most important parts, and you need to keep it in the best condition. Minor camper roof repair may seem simple enough, and it might be. However, you have to remember that there is a time and place for professional roof repairs or replacement.

Using Liquid Roofing over an RV Roof

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Brian McCallister

Why Use Liquid Roofing over an RV Roof?

You’ve had your RV for a lot of years and you bought it used, but it doesn’t matter, she’s your baby! You’ve put a lot of work into it and made a few special modifications of your own. You wouldn’t trade her for the world. At the beginning and end of each season, you climb up on the roof and perform a thorough inspection, because you understand that even the smallest defect in the roof’s surface, will eventually become a bigger problem that can affect the entire structure of your coach. You’ve made a number of repairs over the years and during the last inspection, you notice some pealing and separation around the edges of one of them. It’s time to apply liquid roofing over the RV roof, because your research has taught you that only a genuine EPDM liquid rubber roof coating can provide the kind of lasting result that you’re looking for.

Liquid Roof RV Repair

Which One to Choose

There are so many roof coating and sealing products to choose from, each promising to be the answer to all of your problems. One of them even claims to provide life-time protection. You’re too smart to fall for that, their warranty has more holes in it than a fishing net. It can be confusing if you don’t know what to look for. You know for sure that you want to use EPDM liquid roofing over your RV roof even though the current material is metal. EPDM liquid rubber roofing will adhere nicely to the metal and can stand up to the RV’s constant moving and swaying when you’re driving. Liquid rubber will help insulate too because it isn’t affected by extremes in temperature, so you’ll stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Getting started

You’ve always done your own work on the roof, but it’s time to admit that you’re not as young as you once were. There’s a local roofing crew that comes highly recommended; they’re licensed and insured and will warranty the install. They arrive early and begin by sweeping and blowing all of the loose debris off of the roof. Next, they thoroughly wash and rinse the surface, rough-sand the metal to ensure good adhesion of the rubber, replace the caulk around the antennae, vents and air conditioner, then rinse the whole thing and break for lunch while it dries. Now it’s time to apply the liquid roofing over the RV roof.

Managing Your Money

When you first talked to the roofer, he recommended a roof coating that requires two coats. How good can that product be if it can’t do the job well with one coat? Then there’s the wasted time of waiting for the first coat to dry and the expense of paying the crew to apply a second coat. You insisted that they use genuine EPDM rubber liquid roofing over the RV roof because it provides excellent coverage with just one coat.

Finishing Up

In a few hours the roofing crew finishes up and you climb the ladder to take a closer look. The roof of your RV looks better than new and you’re very happy because this new surface will last for many years and you can enjoy camping with peace-of-mind.

Every trailer can benefit from genuine EPDM liquid roofing over the RV roof. Be aware though, that some original roof materials may require a special primer before an EPDM coating can be applied. Ask your dealer to recommend the combination of products that’s right for you.

Roof Leaks Repair Tips for RV Owners

Posted on January 16, 2018 by Brian McCallister

Owning an RV is the ticket to freedom – you can travel almost anywhere, as long as there’s pavement. You can explore national parks, head into urban areas, visit national monuments, and more. However, you need to take care of your RV while you’re doing it. One of the most common issues faced by RV owners is the beginning of roof leaks; repair tips can help you find the right solution to your challenge.

Look for Dark Spots

One of the most important tips for roof leaks repair is to check the interior of the RV for dark spots. Generally, these will show up on the ceiling, or near the top of a wall where it meets the ceiling. If you notice any dark discolorations, it means that you definitely have a roof leak. However, the location of the spot does not necessarily match up with the location of the leak, as water can run a significant distance once it enters the roofing underlayment.

Check the Roof Physically

While you should definitely inspect the ceiling and walls inside your RV, you should also physically inspect the roof itself. This is one of the most important roof leaks repair tips – if you cannot physically examine the roof, you may have a serious problem developing and be unaware of it. The roof of your RV is designed to withstand wind, sunlight, rain and the like, but that doesn’t mean it is all that strong. A single fallen branch can cause a hole large enough to create massive water leaks into the interior.

Check for Leaks around Seams, Seals and Flanges

The most common place for roof leaks to start is around a seam, a seal, or a flange. Any area where to layers of material meet and join is susceptible to developing a leak over time. The good news is that these types of leaks can be repaired relatively easily if you catch them quickly. Applying a coating of EPDM RV Liquid Roof will usually seal the leak and prevent it from growing worse.

Be Prepared to Reroof

One way to head of the need for roof leaks repair with your RV is to be prepared for the need to reroof it in the first place. RV roofs do not last forever. In fact, they have a relatively short lifespan, and that decreases even more if you do not protect it from the elements by parking it indoors or using an RV cover when it is not in use. All RVs will eventually need their roof replaced –by being prepared for this and purchasing the right roof coating material can ensure that you don’t have to suffer through water damage or costly repairs to the interior.

Liquid Roof can be applied quickly and easily, whether you need roof leaks repair, or you’re reroofing your RV completely. It cures in a short time, is immediately waterproof, and is one of the most cost-effective options on the market for RV owners.

What Is Liquid EPDM and Why Is It Ideal for RV Roof Repairs?

Posted on November 23, 2017 by Brian McCallister

RV owners understand that they have unique maintenance and repair requirements. Owning and maintaining an RV is a lot like caring for a residential home, except that you have the added pressures created by travel. Thankfully, there are products on the market that can make your responsibilities that much simpler. One of those is liquid EPDM, and it is an ideal solution for RV roof repairs. What is liquid EPDM and why should you care?

What’s EPDM All About?

First, let’s discuss what EPDM is and what it is not. It’s an acronym that stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer. Essentially, it is a form of liquid rubber that can be applied to virtually any surface to protect it from further damage, or to repair the existing finish.

Why Is Liquid EPDM Used for RV Roof Repairs?

The most commonly used material for constructing RV roofs is rubber. While both aluminum and fiberglass are used, rubber is more cost effective, lighter, and often better suited to the task. A sheet of rubber is applied over the wood substrate that forms the subroof on your RV, and it’s protected from damaging sunlight, freezing cold, rain, sleet, snow and more.

However, rubber isn’t the perfect solution because it is subject to aging and degradation. Sunlight exposure will dry it out, causing it to become brittle and crack. Heat and cold make it expand and contract, widening those cracks. Eventually, you have cracks large enough to allow water to seep into your roof, where it can cause damage.

Liquid EPDM provides you with a fast way to counter that degradation and damage. A single coating of this liquid rubber formula will seal cracks and prevent water damage, while restoring your RV’s roof to a like-new condition.

The Benefits of Liquid EPDM

While there are plenty of liquid rubber formulations out there, liquid EPDM is unique in that it offers some very specific benefits. One of those is that the material is completely waterproof from the second you apply it. There’s no curing time required to get to that point (although there is a brief curing time required for the material to set completely). That ensures your RV is protected should a rainstorm come up while you’re applying the roof coating, or while it is curing.

Another benefit here is that liquid EPDM can repair roof damage with a single coating. That means you don’t have to spend multiple days rolling liquid rubber over your RV’s roof. One coat, and you’re done.

Next on the list is the fact that liquid EPDM can be applied by hand. All you really need is a roller and a paint pan. It goes on fast, and easy. There’s no need to worry about adding another coat in most instances, and because you can do it yourself by hand, you get a faster, more affordable solution to combatting RV roof damage.

When it comes to repairing your RV’s roof, liquid EPDM is the solution you need – check out RV Liquid Roof to learn more.

Important Tips You Must Know for RV Roof Repair

Posted on October 31, 2017 by Brian McCallister

While your RV certainly represents a significant investment, it will not last as long as you want without a modicum of preventative care and maintenance. You’re no doubt dedicated to maintaining the engine and tires. Chances are good that you regularly wash it to remove mold and mildew, too. However, how much thought do you give to RV roof repair?

The Need for RV Roof Repair

It can be difficult to understand the need for RV roof repair, particularly if your recreational vehicle is only a few years old. Shouldn’t the roof last longer than that? Sadly, there is really not a one size fits all answer here. That’s because an RV roof differs greatly from that of a residential home, and you also have unique environmental factors to take into consideration.

First, you may need RV roof repair if you drive the vehicle frequently. This puts a great deal of stress on the roof (which is usually made of rubber stretched over a wooden subframe). That stress is due to many factors, including the G-force created by taking turns, expansion and contraction due to heat and cold, and more.

Second, you may need RV roof repair because you live in an area with significant annual temperature fluctuations, and your RV is stored outdoors. Again, heat and cold will make the rubber of the roof expand and contract. This leads to stress fractures over time, which will eventually widen into cracks that allow water into the roof.

Once there, that moisture will soak into the wood, creating rot. Eventually, it can cause significant leaks into the interior of the RV, and cause you to have to replace the entire roof. RV roof repair is a better option. How do you do it, though?

Liquid RV Roof Repair

While RV roof repair is a necessity, it does not have to be a huge challenge. Using a product like RV Liquid Roof, you can easily repair the damage done to the roof of your RV quickly and prevent potentially catastrophic issues down the road.

Liquid RV roof repair is made from a unique elastomeric formulation – it goes on liquid, but then cures into something that resembles rubber in terms of elasticity. However, unlike rubber, it does not age as quickly when exposed to the elements. This provides you with a long-lived solution that will keep the interior of your RV warm and dry for years to come.

What’s more, this formulation is highly UV resistant, which means that it can withstand the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to the sun, while still holding up to the damaging expansion/contraction cycle caused by annual temperature variations.

With the right RV roof repair formula, you can gain peace of mind, and protect your investment. Ensuring that your RV lasts for decades to come has never been simpler – don’t waste time with products that don’t work. RV Liquid Roof is easy to apply, resists UV light, and cures quickly.

Why Should I Use RV Liquid Roof?

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Brian McCallister

You may or may not be aware of this, but the use of RV liquid roof is becoming more popular as time goes on. More and more individuals are turning to this material in order to ensure the best roofing solution is utilized on their own property. It is extremely common for it to be used on motor home and RV roofs, but also is beginning to see use on homes and businesses, as well.

The reason for this is that RV liquid roof has benefits that other materials simply do not have. If you don’t trust us, read on, and we’ll go over the main positives of this versatile tool for your roof needs.

Durability and Resilience

It’s pretty incredible just what this liquid can handle, when you think about it. Extreme temperatures are no problem as the liquid is able to do its job all the way from -40 degrees to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, you’re not going to have your roof in these sorts of temperatures, but it’s good to know that the temperatures that you will experience are no match for the strength that RV liquid roof brings to you.

Simple to Use

This liquid roof material is the easiest roof option you are going to find. It can be added to almost any roof that exists out there in the world. It does work best with roofs that have low slopes or that are flat, but it can also work well on other roofs. Because it’s a liquid, it easily conforms to the roof and goes on in a simple manner. If you know how to paint a wall, this is not much different, at all. All in all, applying this to a roof will take only a few hours plus drying time. In addition to that, it usually only needs a single coat.

Better than Rubber Sheet

You may be wondering whether you should choose liquid roof or choose to use rubber sheet roofing. That’s understandable, but you’re better off sticking with RV liquid roof. For one thing, it’s longer lasting. Liquid roof can actually end up lasting for three times as long as rubber or other types of roofing. In addition to that, it’s resistant to punctures. It’s also completely waterproof. Putting RV liquid roof on to your own roof is like painting on versatile protection that will keep it safe and dry for a long time.

Versatility

People have begun using this product in new ways due to its versatility factor. Individuals have noted using it on metal, fiberglass, PVC, and concrete. That said, while it can be used on many different locations, it won’t work perfectly on all of them. It is best in areas where there is not a large amount of foot traffic. If you’re unsure whether it will work for your needs, it’s always a great idea to speak with an expert.

RV liquid roofing has many benefits over rubber or other types of roof coatings. It can be used on RVs, motorhomes, businesses, and even homes. You will find that it’s durable, versatile, and easy to apply. The real question you might want to ask is, why would you not use this material? That question we can’t answer.

Repair Tips for RV Roof Leaks

Posted on July 13, 2017 by Brian McCallister

You love getting out with your RV each year, and you might even base a good chunk of your vacation around traveling in the RV. If you suddenly find out that you have issues with your roof, it can be very disheartening. You worry that you might not be able to get out on the road. You might even worry that the life of your RV is coming to an end. However, just because your RV roof leaks, it does not mean it is time to let it give up the ghost quite yet. Instead, you need to take the steps to repair your RV the right way.

DIY Repair Is Cost Effective

You might worry that it is going to cost a fortune, but that’s not the case. You do not necessarily need to hire professionals to take care of the RV roof leaks. It is possible to do it on your own, so long as you have the time and choose the right materials and tools. Even those who have little to no experience should be able to use Liquid Roof material for RV roof leaks. When you do it on your own, it will not break the bank. Best of all, when you act quickly, it means that you will not have further, expensive repairs to worry about later.

Find the Source of the Leak and Make the Repairs

You need to locate the source of the leak. This is often possible by checking for stains and water spots. However, you need to be aware that this doesn’t mean there will be a corresponding hole on top of the RV in that location. The crack or hole might be in another area, and it might travel through part of the roof before leaking inside. Check inside your RV, and on the roof. If you find holes and cracks, repair them. Replace old flashing, or vents that might be causing the leak. All of these tend to be quite simple. You can do it on your own.

Seal the Roof

A great way to deal with RV roof leaks is by sealing the roof. You can use Liquid Roof, which will cover the roof in EPDM. This coating will provide the vehicle with a protective shell, a barrier against the elements. This will ensure you do not have any more leaks. The coating can last for decades with no problem. In addition, it is very easy to apply. You can do it on your own as long as you have a roller, a brush, and some time. First, clean off the roof properly to get it ready, make the basic repairs, and then apply the coating, just as you would paint. It is as simple as that.

Even if you do not have any leaks right now, you might still want to add the coating to your roof. This will help to make sure you do not have any leaks in the future.

Do You Need a Roof Repair Kit?

Posted on June 16, 2017 by Brian McCallister

If you happen to own an RV, you know just how important it is to make sure the roof is always in great condition. Few things are as alarming and frustrating as realizing you have a leak in your vehicle. If you do not take care of it right away, it will worsen, and cause a substantial amount of damage. This could be very costly to fix, so it makes sense to take care of the repairs before they get out of hand. A roof repair kit is a fantastic DIY option that could work out quite well for you.

When you have a kit, you will have just about everything you need to take care of your repairs. You can find a range of roof repair kits available today depending on exactly what you are trying to fix. Therefore, you need to make sure you are choosing the right option.

What Types of Kits Can You Find?

In some of the roof repair kits available on the market, you will have patches needed to take care of holes and cracks in the roof. Others might have materials to help repair the aluminum and flashing. Some will also have Liquid Roof in them. These latter roof repairs kits tend to be the ideal choice for those who have an RV and who are suffering from leaks, or who want to add a layer of protection to the RV now, so they do not have to deal with leaks in the future.

One of the nice things about getting these kits is that they tend to be a more economical choice than buying all of the materials separately. It is also nice to get the items you need all at once. You can get started on your repairs quickly to keep your vehicle in great condition.

What Else Do You Need?

While the roof repair kits can include quite a few things that you can use for your roof, you might still need to have some additional tools to take care of things. For example, you might find that one of the kits comes with rollers, but it doesn’t come with brushes. Always look at exactly what the kit contains and make notes of what else you will need to complete your particular repair job.

You will then want to do a price comparison to see whether it is actually cheaper to get the kit and the other items separately, or to look for a kit that contains everything. Most of the time, you will have some of the other materials you need already on hand, such as the brushes and rollers mentioned earlier.

When you have a kit, you can take care of the roof repair on your own, or you can have someone do it for you. Just make sure you do not make the mistake that some people are guilty of and ignore the leak. It will only cause you more heartache and financial pain in the future.

Should You Consider Liquid RV Roof Repair on Your Own?

Posted on May 16, 2017 by Brian McCallister

You want to keep your RV running and in great shape for a long time. It takes more than just tune-ups and tire changes to do this. You also need to think about the RV roof. Over time, the roof can start to leak, and this has the potential to cause some serious problems. No one likes the idea of dealing with a leak in their RV. If you notice a leak, or you are merely concerned that you might have a leak in the future, one of the best means to take care of the problem is Liquid Roof.

While it goes on the roof as a liquid, the RV roof repair coating then dries and cures, providing a shield that can protect against leaks and damage from the sun’s UV rays.

It Is Easy to Apply

With the liquid RV roof repair, you can take care of the application all on your own; it really is quite simple. Once you have cleaned off the roof of the RV and made any patches or other repairs you might need, simply mix up the Liquid Roof according to the instructions and then apply it with a roller and a brush for the hard to reach areas. It will dry in a couple of hours and cure in a couple of days. That is all there is to it.

Other Basic RV Roof Care

In addition to using the coating, you also have to think about some basic maintenance to make sure your RV lasts a long time. If you live in an area where it snows, you have to make sure you are shoveling off the RV roof, just like the roof of your home. You should also regularly check for debris and damage on the roof, just to make sure there are no problems. Simple maintenance is all you really need to take care of the roof. If you find major problems, you will want to bring it to a professional.

Hiring a Professional

As you can see, it is quite possible to take care of your liquid RV roof repair on your own, with the right type of coating products. It just takes a few simple tools and some time. However, you might not want to do it on your own, or you might not feel comfortable getting up on top of your roof. That’s okay, and it is still possible to hire the professionals.

You can buy the tools and materials for the liquid RV roof repair and then have a professional take care of the application. Since the application is so easy, it should not cost too much at all. If you have other problems with the roof, it is generally a good idea to have the professionals take care of it.

When you take great care of your RV, it has the potential to last a long time. Do not ignore any problems that you might find.

The Most Important Tool You Need in Your RV Roof Repair Kit

Posted on April 17, 2017 by Brian McCallister

Owning an RV can be a lot of fun. It gives you an unrivaled sense of freedom because you can take to the open road, bring everything you need with you and stop to visit wherever you want.

Of course, as seasoned RV owners know all too well, this also means that there will be certain hurdles along the way. Namely, you may find that your RV needs some repairs while you’re far from where you started.

While there are many tricks of the trade that should be in your RV roof repair kit, one that absolutely deserves some space is EPDM.

What Is EPDM?

EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer. It’s an extremely durable form of synthetic rubber that can be used on RV roofs, home roofs and commercial roofs. As you’re about to see, it’s become extremely popular for a number of reasons, not the least of which is because it makes a very useful addition to your roof repair kit.

EPDM Is Easy to Apply

This is one of the main reasons we advocate adding this material to your roof repair kit. While you should still bring other supplies for certain types of repair, EPDM is extremely easy to apply.

For example, if you discover a leak, all you need to do is find its source and then apply EPDM over the top. This can be done one of two ways. For minor holes, just spray it with an EPDM sealer and let it sit. The problem will be solved and you’ll probably never have to address it again.

If you have a larger leak, you can roll out a strip of EPDM membrane over it and you’ll get the same results.

You’ll Get a Durable, Strong Seal

As we touched on earlier, another reason to add EPDM to your roof repair kit – and perhaps the most important – is because it gets the job done the first time. This isn’t the type of bandage you’ll have to replace the next day after you’ve been on the road or it’s rained.

This is actually a great reason to simply use EPDM on your RV’s roof before repairs ever become necessary. Cover the top with this durable membrane and you’ll never need to worry about leaks, period.

Repairs Won’t Break Your Budget

Obviously, it helps to catch a leak in your RV’s roof as soon as possible. You also have to be careful about finding its location and anywhere else the water may have reached. Otherwise, damage can spread even after the repair job is finished.

That being said, EPDM is going to be an extremely affordable addition to your RV roof repair kit. The sealant and sprays won’t run you any more than $20. For membranes, it will be more around $100, but you’ll be able to cover huge areas.

Don’t go on your next RV trip without making sure you’re properly prepared with supplies for fixing any problems you might encounter. Hopefully, it’s now become clear that EPDM would make an amazing addition to your kit.

Category Archives: RV Repair