Signs you need RV roof and seal repair
- Water stains or discoloration on the ceiling or walls
- Soft, spongy spots on the roof or floor
- Cracked, peeling or missing sealant around vents and edges
- Musty smell inside after rain
- Bubbles or delamination on the outside walls
- Drips around a roof vent, skylight or air conditioner
- Tears, punctures or loose areas in the roof membrane
- Chalky or peeling roof coating
RV roofs are high, slick and not always rated to walk on, and falls from them cause serious injuries. Leave roof work to the tech, who can decide whether the roof will support them and bring proper ladders and fall precautions.
Common causes
Aged lap sealantThe self-leveling sealant around roof fixtures shrinks and cracks over time from sun and movement. It is one of the most common leak points.
Failed seams and edge trimWhere the roof meets the sidewalls, the trim and the sealant under it can loosen or split, letting water run down inside the wall.
Damaged vents and skylightsPlastic vent lids and skylights get brittle and crack, especially after hail or branch strikes.
Membrane punctures and tearsRubber and TPO roofs can be punctured by branches, dropped tools or walking on them carelessly. Small damage can usually be patched.
Air conditioner gasketThe gasket between a roof air conditioner and the roof compresses over time, and a loose unit can leak into the ceiling.
Front and rear cap sealsFiberglass caps flex while traveling, and the seams where they meet the body are a frequent source of leaks.
What gets done where it's parked, and what needs a shop
Usually done on site
- Roof inspection, including seams, fixtures and edges
- Removing failed sealant and applying new lap sealant around fixtures
- Resealing edge trim, caps and side seams
- Patching small punctures and tears in rubber or TPO roofs
- Replacing cracked vent lids, vent assemblies and skylights
- Resealing or replacing the roof air conditioner gasket
- Checking ceilings and walls for moisture and soft spots
May need a shop or lift
- Full roof membrane replacement
- Rotted roof decking or framing that has to be opened up and rebuilt
- Wall delamination repair
- Jobs that need a dry, covered space for sealants or adhesives to cure in bad weather
Every mechanic's setup is different. The one who accepts your request will tell you if your job needs a shop.
Before the mechanic arrives
- Park with clear access around the RV and nothing overhead, such as branches or wires
- Take photos of the roof if you can do so safely from a ladder, plus any inside stains
- Know your roof type if possible (rubber, TPO, fiberglass or aluminum)
- Move items away from the ceiling area under any known leak
- Plan around the weather, since most sealants need a dry surface
Photos of warning lights, leaks or damage help the mechanic bring the right parts. You can add up to five with your request.
Questions to ask when you get a quote
- What type of roof do I have, and which sealant is compatible with it?
- Will you remove the old sealant or apply over it?
- Did you find any soft spots or signs of water damage under the roof?
- Can you check the side seams, caps and windows while you are here?
- How often should I have the roof inspected going forward?
- Is the roof safe to walk on, or do I need a different approach for maintenance?
Trackara never handles payment for the work. You agree the price with the mechanic before they start, and you pay them directly. How to read a repair quote.
Vehicles this applies to
RV roof and seal repair: questions and answers
Usually, yes, as long as the site allows the work and there is room to set up ladders. Resealing is done on the roof itself, so it does not need a shop. Ask your campground or storage facility if they have rules about repairs on site.
Many owners have it checked at least once a year and before and after long storage or a season of travel. Sealant condition changes with sun, heat and cold, so regular checks catch cracks before water gets in.
Keep water off the area if you can, such as with a tarp secured from the ground, and catch drips inside. Do not climb onto a wet roof. Send a request with photos so a tech can plan the repair.
No. Rubber, TPO, fiberglass and aluminum roofs need compatible sealants, and some products will not stick to others or can damage the membrane. A tech will match the sealant to your roof and to what is already there.
A tech can look for signs of it on a used RV, such as soft spots, stains and delamination. See pre-purchase inspection for what that visit usually covers.