Whether you own a million-dollar unit or you have an entry-level RV, my message to you will be the same: It needs to be maintained! One of the best ways to maintain your RV is by consistently inspecting the unit, including inspecting the RV roof.
What to look for when inspecting an RV roof
I am often asked, “What should I look for when inspecting my RV roof?” The video below shows just that!
Join me on the roof of this 2016 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS. I show you areas that need to be cleaned and touched up. I also share some tricks of my trade that I’ve learned by inspecting a lot of RV roofs!
Tools you’ll need to reseal your RV
Chemicals
- Denatured alcohol – (Some states and towns do not sell this anymore at local hardware stores)
- Acrysol – Available in a spray can – (see online store)
*Use paper towels or old rags when cleaning.
Tools
- Plastic scraper with handle
- Window glazing stick
- No-drip caulking gun Newborn 930-GTD Drip-Free
- Plastic razor blades
Sealant Body
- Dicor cap sealant white
- Dicor cap sealant clear
- Dicor cap sealant black
- Boss sealant clear
- Boss sealant black
- Geocel sealants clear
…or any RV sealants/RV silicone. Do NOT use Home Depot or Lowe’s silicone. There are hundreds of types of silicone. Make sure you use the right ones. When manufacturers say don’t use silicone, it’s because most people think of standard silicone or water-based silicone. You MUST use silicone and sealants made for RVs.
Sealant Roof
- Dicor 501LSW-1 Self-Leveling Lap Sealant-10.3 Oz. Tube, White
- Dicor 551LSW-1 Non-Sag Roof Lap Sealant – 10.3 oz. Tube, White
Hardware
- Pan White Head Screw # 8 X 1″ Quad Drive Self Tap Drill Screws
- Black Pan Head Square Recess Screw – Pack of 500
- Heavy Duty Vinyl Insert Trim, 1 inch Wide, 100 foot Roll, Black
- Heavy Duty Vinyl Insert Trim, 1 inch Wide, 100 foot Roll, White
- Heavy Duty Vinyl Insert Trim, 1 inch Wide, 100 foot Roll, Colonial
- Thetford RV gutter spouts polar white
- RV Rain Gutter Spout Long Version
- Aluminum White Flat End Cap for Trim Molding 1″ & Screws
Most manufacturers don’t seal everything, probably because it’s such a long process—especially when they advise you, as the owner, to check and seal as needed as part of maintenance.
Some manufacturers recommend every 30 days, others every 90 days. That number depends on use and weather conditions.
I really hope this information helps protect your investment.
More from Dustin
Dustin owns and operates California RV Specialists, an independent RV repair shop located in Lodi, CA. He thrives on sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm of RV repair and maintenance with his team, customers, and virtual friends.
Be sure to check out his YouTube channel where he shares what’s going on in the shop and the product offerings in the store. Dustin is also very active on Facebook. Join his group, RV Repairs and Tips – What’s in the shop
Dustin proudly operates the business alongside his wife, Ashley; but the true pair that run the show are their Boston Terriers, Arvie and Hitch.
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