How to Fix an RV Roof

Given the size of RVs, many owners are forced to leave their vehicles exposed to the elements all year. That, plus the odd falling tree limb or rock at a campground, puts a lot of wear and tear on the roof, so basic roof repair is one of those skills any RV owner needs to pick up. Thankfully, plenty of products on the market make patching up leaks and small holes an easy matter.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Ladder (probable)
Broom
Auto detergent
Bucket
Mop
Roof-patching tape
Scissors
EPDM patch squares

Step 1

Set a ladder against the side of the RV (if it does not have one built in) to get up on the roof.

Step 2

Remove leaves and loose dirt from the rooftop with a broom. Then make a soapy cleaning mix of auto detergent and water in a bucket and mop the rooftop. Finish the cleaning by rinsing the top off with a hose, but try not to flood areas where you know there are holes or leaks. It might be better to rinse those areas gingerly with the mop.

Step 3

Permit the roof to dry before proceeding with any patch.

Step 4

Patch damaged or worn seams, such as might be found along the roof's joints or around openings for skylights or air conditioners, with an a roof-sealing tape such as Eternabond. This tape is extremely sticky and comes with a clear plastic film covering the adhesive side. To ensure a steady application, hold the tape up at a steep angle and peel the covering film off 3 or 4 inches of a time and then apply that strip of tape. Keep going until you have covered the entire seam, including undamaged areas. At the end of the seam, cut the tape off with scissors.

Step 5

Patch holes in the roof using an EPDM patch. These are typically sold in 6-inch-wide squares, so they can handle ordinary roof damage most of the time. Peel off the film covering the adhesive, place the patch and then press it down for a good bond. Holes too large to be patched in this way should be dealt with by a professional.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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