How Often Should You Seal Your RV Roof? + How to Seal It

Weather– most specifically water– damage is the arch-nemesis of RVing.

Few things are as damaging as a water leak or unchecked moisture, which can cause everything from mold to corrosion. 

The result can often be costly repairs and lots of downtime. 

One of the most important ways you can protect yourself from the elements is by inspecting and sealing your roof on a regular basis.

By sealing your RV’s roof, you’re able to reduce the chance of getting water damage and the aforementioned costs. 

Below, we’ll dive into how often you should seal your RV’s roof, how to do it, as well as several of the most frequently asked questions, including:

• What maintenance does an RV roof need?
• Are RV roof coatings worth it?
• How long does RV roof sealant last?

Let’s get started. 

How Often Should You Seal Your RV Roof?

If you do a Google search, you’ll likely find lots of general advice to seal your roof every few years.

The truth is that how often you need to seal your roof is all dependent upon how well the existing sealant has held up.

Some newer rigs likely don’t need any kind of sealant, or they won’t for some time, but it is always important to inspect it so you know. You should never just assume it was sealed appropriately without looking at it.

If you’ve sealed your roof already, the answer to how often you need to reseal it is simply: does it need to be resealed? 

• Are there signs of water damage?
• Is your current sealing showing signs of failing (signs of sealant failure can be cracking, separation, pinholes, and peeling).

The key is simply to inspect your roof regularly and be a hawk about identifying water leaks and finding the cause. Check out our article on inspecting your RV for more information about that process!

Water damage is no joke, so treat any signs of leakage as a red alert. Find out the cause of the leak ASAP before more time passes and it becomes harder to verify where the leak came from and why. Most RVers find that sealant should be touched up or replaced yearly, depending on your rig’s exposure to the elements and the quality of the existing sealant.

How to Seal Your RV Roof

How to go about sealing your roof depends upon what you use to seal it.

Many RV owners swear by EternaBond tape as a quick and effective sealant that’s easier to apply than traditional caulking (and looks better too). Many RVers choose Eternabond as an easy solution to patch roof damage and stop leaks quickly. It should be noted that EternaBond can replace traditional caulking in some areas, it can not replace all of it.

The most popular sealant option is Dicor sealant, a more traditional sealant trusted by RVers the country over. There are two main types of Dicor lap sealant, which include self-leveling and non-leveling. These different types have different applications, and it is essential to understand the properties of each prior to selecting the sealant for your job. Self-leveling sealant is perfect for areas around rooftop vents and applications like this. The sealant can be applied to the area, and as the product cures, it levels out and fills in any gaps. Non-leveling sealant can be used like traditional caulk around windows, storage compartment doors, and along the top side rails of your RV.

Before buying any product to seal your roof, however, ensure that it’s compatible with your brand of RV.

Some RVs aren’t compatible with certain sealants due to their chemical composition and the roofing materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What maintenance does an RV roof need?

An RV roof primarily needs to be resealed on a regular basis to prevent leaks. 

You should also inspect it regularly for leaks, as water damage can be quite costly. The longer you let water sit the more damage it will cause, so check your RV a few times a year. 

Are RV roof coatings worth it?

RV coatings are useful for ensuring that you’re proactively protecting your entire roof.

Often used interchangeably with the term “sealant”, roof coating is designed to protect your entire roof while a sealant is designed for spot treatment in areas where leaks have formed.

How long does RV roof sealant last?

RV roof sealant typically lasts about 2-4 years with average use. 

However, if you’re RVing full-time, to be safe you should inspect your roof 1-2 times per year and reapply sealant whenever needed.

Protect Your Roof from the Elements

No matter how you decide to do it, it’s vital that you inspect your roof regularly for leaks and seal it if and when you notice any kind of moisture.

Locate the source of the leak, identify where you need to seal, and apply your choice of sealant.

Then continue to be vigilant in checking your roof for damage regularly, at least twice a year if not more often (and always after rain).

If you stay on top of it, you’ll be able to keep your RV in perfect working order long-term and never have to worry about unexpected water damage ruining your plans (or budget).