Before any RV roof is repaired, it needs to undergo a detailed inspection. This inspection should be thorough and include checking all of the edges, evaluating the surface of the roof itself, identifying any leaks or major issues, and measuring the area for materials. You should have regular inspections performed on your roof at least once a year, but this repair inspection will be much more thorough.
This is a step that may hinder the DIY process because you don’t know what to look for. The trained technician can detect cracks in sealant, bubbling in the rubber that will lead to future damage, and even identify problem areas that may require further repair. It’s important to treat the actual issue, and not just slap a bandaid on the symptom you see first.
Understanding Your RV Roof and Preparing for a Repair
RVs come in all shapes and sizes and the roofs are different for each application. Motorhomes that are drivable tend to have more permanent roofs, although older models may have membrane style rubber roofs. Many travel trailer and 5th wheel campers can have the roof recoated with a rubber product that brings the roof back to like-new status. Different types of roofs require different preventive maintenance and repairs.
Types of RV Roofs:EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) Rubber
TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) Rubber
Fiberglass
Aluminum
Common Issues and Signs of Damage:
Leaks and water damage
Cracks and punctures
Seam separation
UV damage and wear Preparing for Repair
Leaks and water damage can be caused by any number of circumstances. High winds can break off old portions of sealant and leave seams exposed. The regular movement and flexing of the unit can cause roof vents and Air conditioners to create small cracks. Punctures can be created in the rood by debris, animals, etc. And even prolonged exposure to the elements can create issues on an RV roof.
Creating a Safe Work Environment
Safety Precautions:
-Use of safety gear
-Importance of a stable work surface
Inspection and Assessment:
-Thorough inspection of the entire roof
-Identifying the extent and type of damage
-Decision-making: Repair vs. Replace
As RV roof repair experts, we rely on past experience to determine the extent of damage and which steps to take to repair it. Even a simple inspection can be a safety hazard: climbing a ladder, moving around the roof, bending over and being blown by the wind. A DIYer may become distracted by the job at hand at fail to recognize a safety issue. RV roofs can be slippery and sometimes unstable. It is so important to avoid potential danger by hiring a professional to check out your RV roof.
Once you’ve selected a repair company and their inspector comes out, he should first evaluate the roof from the ground. This step will allow him to identify any issues with the edges of the roof or places where the side walls and roof may be compromised. Once the inspector is on the roof, he must observe every little detail about the roof. How much grime is built up on the roof? Is the texture of the roof correct? Is it brittle, or cracked? Where is water pooled up? Hoe does the sealant look? Has the been repaired previously, and what is the quality of that repair? All of these factors will determine the correct way to proceed in repairing the roof.
The cost of DIYing a Roof Repair
Essential Materials:Sealants and adhesives (RV roofs can require dozens of tubes of sealant and up to 10 gallons of rubber)
Patching materials (rubber, fiberglass, etc.)
Roofing tape and repair kits
Required Tools:
Utility knife
Putty knife
Caulking gun
Heat gun (for TPO roofs)
Cleaning supplies (etching agents, pressure washers, stub brushes and more)
Paint rollers and trays
Mixing drill
Repairing, resealing or re-coating an RV roof requires much more than just buying a single tube of materials and applying it the the roof. This job will require many different tools and a specific combination of products to get the best result. Materials alone can range from just a couple hundred dollars into the thousands of dollars.
The repair process is serious and detailed to get excellent results for a long lasting roof. A high caliber RV technician will follow these steps at bare minimum.
RV Roof Repair
The Process
Step-by-Step Repair Process
Step 1: Cleaning the Roof:Removing dirt, debris, and old sealant
A clean surface is imperative for any effective repair, otherwise materials will not adhere correctly and damage can be overlooked.
Step 2: Removing Damaged Areas:Cutting out damaged sections
Proper disposal of old material
Step 3: Applying the Patch, coating, membrane or sealantMeasuring and cutting material
maneuvering materials onto the roof
etching surfaces to ensure optimal adherence
Applying adhesive and positioning the patch
Ensuring an even application and smooth surface for a secure and watertight seal
Step 4: Sealing the Edges:Using appropriate sealant for the roof type- this can be confusing for the untrained and inexperienced
utilizing specifically acquired techniques for smooth and even application
Step 5: Curing and Testing:
Allowing adequate time for curing between products and coats
Inspecting the repair for leaks and weaknesses in case touch ups are needed
Most RV repair companies are trustworthy because they have some sort of license, bond, or insurance that keeps them highly accountable. The big difference between the options will be their price, experience and integrity.
Large dealership shops will have an hourly rate for all work. The technicians typically make more money if the job takes longer, and the shop will bill you for the amount time it actually takes the technician. If a tech wants to make more money, he can work slower and run your bill up.
Individuals that advertise by their personal name, or who just do a few repairs as a side job may not have the experience necessary to complete a proper repair. It takes dozens of roof repairs to learn all the possible issues and the procedures to make a great repair last.
Shoreline typically charges 15% less than the large shops on any type of roof repair- for several reasons. First, we work quickly to complete the job and move on to our next repair.
We are a small business, and with mobile repairs on our schedule, we need to be diligent about finishing appointments and arriving on time to the next service call. We quote out our roof repair jobs based on the time it will take us if we work quickly-that means less hours on your bill!
In addition to less labor charges, we also specialize in roof and AC repairs, which means we have a vast knowledge of the best practices and proper techniques to do the job right. We can provide top notch service with less effort which means more savings for our customers and longer lasting results on their RVs.