How To Protect The Roof Of Your RV With Maintenance And Timely Repairs
One of the most common forms of RV problems you should anticipate is a leaky roof. The roof of your RV is subjected to UV rays and rain that can puddle on the roof since the roof is flat. A puncture or rip in the roof can result in water damage to the inside of your RV in the form of rot, electrical problems, rust, and mold. Here are some tips for protecting your roof from damage and how to repair problems when they're found.
How To Protect The Roof Of Your RV
Understand the nature of the type of roof you have. If your roof is newer, it probably has a rubber roof. An older RV might have a fiberglass or metal roof. No matter what kind of roof you have, it needs regular maintenance. The roof should be cleaned on the schedule recommended by the manufacturer, which could be a few times a year. In addition, the seams and protrusions should be checked for leaks when the roof is cleaned. If you're unable to climb up on the roof, then take your RV to the shop rather than skip this important form of maintenance.
Another important part of roof maintenance is to have repairs done quickly. Check your roof if you scrape a tree branch so a puncture can be repaired before rain leaks inside your RV. If you do spot wet areas inside your RV, schedule repairs as soon as you can.
How An RV Roof Is Repaired
The type of repairs your RV needs will depend on the type of roof you have. However, repairs will be much easier to do when a leak is caught early than if you have to repair rusted areas and water damage too. RV roofs can be patched when they have holes or rips. Then, a sealer is added that covers holes and gaps. When you have a leaky area sealed, the RV repair shop may go ahead and seal all the other vulnerable areas so your roof will be in good shape for a few years. All seams in the roof and areas where water might get in are sealed off so water can't leak through the roof material.
As a form of preventative maintenance, you may need to take your RV to the shop for roof sealing every few years. This reduces the risk of leaking that could ruin the value of your RV. Plus, when you store your RV, park it under cover if possible, and if you can't, then cover it with an RV tarp to protect the roof.