How to Make an Emergency RV Roof Repair

A damaged RV roof can quickly cascade into a number of other more serious problems, particularly during rainy or snowy weather. Even a small crack can allow water to seep in, which can damage electrical connections and encourage the growth of toxic mold and other harmful contaminants inside the walls of the vehicle. Ultimately, this can cause health risks for the inhabitants of the RV, lead to costly repairs, and even interfere with much-anticipated trips or other plans.

RV roof repair should always be performed by qualified professionals. However, RV owners should have the ability to perform quick fixes in case of emergencies, since damage may occur in remote locations or outside of business hours. Below, we’ll discuss a few of the fast, temporary ways to stop leaks and further damage while you wait for professional repair.

Signs Your RV Roof Is Damaged

In some cases, damage to the roof of your RV will be obvious, with clear signs of cracked fiberglass, torn rubber, or punctured seals. It can also be more subtle or may occur in an area that is more difficult to detect. For this reason, you should familiarize yourself with any tell-tale signs that may indicate the roof is leaking or otherwise compromised.

One of the most common locations for RV roof damage (and one of the most difficult to detect) is in the seals and seams around the skylight. Damage here can occur as a result of ordinary, gradual wear and tear or due to direct stresses, such as dents and punctures. Similarly vulnerable areas include the flashing that joins different segments of the roof together and the seams around vents and other openings. If damage occurs in any of these areas, you may notice wet spots around or underneath them. You may also notice discolored streaks running from the compromised areas.

Tree branches, solar radiation, built-up dirt and leaves, and rust and corrosion can also contribute to a damaged roof. This type of damage can occur anywhere along the roof and can allow moisture to become trapped between the roof and ceiling. When this occurs, it can cause brown patches to appear due to water damage. Black spots may also develop on the vehicle’s ceiling as a result of mold growth.

Repairing Skylight Seals

If you notice any damage to your RV roof, then you’ll need to act quickly to prevent it from escalating. To ensure you are prepared in the event a leak occurs in your skylight, you should keep your vehicle stocked with a repair kit that includes a high-quality lap sealant. This is a waterproof caulk that can be used to quickly seal cracks or other damage to prevent moisture from entering the vehicle.

Locate the Leak

If you notice signs of a leak around the skylight, the first step is to determine the exact location of the damage. You can use the discolored areas on the interior as your guide, but the sealant will have to be applied from the exterior of the vehicle. To do so, you’ll have to locate the damage on the outside of your RV as well. This means you will need to climb onto the roof. For safety reasons, take care to only do so during dry conditions with minimal wind, and don’t do so when you’re alone.

From the outside, locate the damage with the help of another person on the inside. By pouring a small amount of water over areas suspected to be damaged, you and your helper can determine which parts of the skylight are allowing water to get in. Keep in mind that the exterior damage may be very subtle. While there is occasionally a large and obvious gap in the sealant, leaks can also occur through minor cracks or other small holes in the skylight area.

Make the Repair

Stat by thoroughly cleaning the area where the sealant will be applied. Use rubbing alcohol, and then wait for the damaged area to dry completely before beginning your RV roof repair. Next, apply a small amount of lap sealant. It will flow over the damaged area and into the cracks, expanding as it does and filling the gaps. The sealant will become waterproof within about 12 hours and fully cure in about 72 hours.

Fixing Larger Cracks

If the damage to your RV roof is more extensive than a minor crack in the sealant, then you may need to apply a patch to prevent dirt, cold air, and moisture from entering the vehicle. Your emergency repair kit should include a good quality RV roof tape, such as Eternabond, as well as patches made from a material that is compatible with your roof (typically rubber or fiberglass cloth).

For a small- or medium-sized crack, you may be able to patch it with roof tape alone. Once again, the area where the tape is to be applied must be thoroughly cleaned with rubbing alcohol. When it’s dry, remove the backing of the tape and very carefully place it over the crack. It’s important that the roof tape is applied as flatly as possible; you may need a roller to smooth it out as you apply it.

Larger damaged areas will require the use of the patches in your emergency repair kit. These can be sealed into place using the lap sealant. Remember, it’s critical to clean the area thoroughly before using any repair materials. If your vehicle has a fiberglass roof, it’s also a good idea to use 120-grit sandpaper to make the area coarse enough for the sealant to adhere to.

Calling the Professionals

The DIY repairs listed above can only serve as temporary fixes to protect your vehicle from the elements while you wait for a professional RV roof repair. To prevent gaps or cracks in your vehicle’s roof from worsening, you will need to consult a service center for a more permanent solution.

To ensure the job is done correctly and to a high standard, secure the services of a company that specializes in RV repairs, such as Albany RV in Oregon. The technicians working at repair centers like these can help prevent the damage from worsening and make sure your RV roof keeps you and your belongings protected for many adventures to come.