If you own an RV, you know how serene it is to escape the mundane daily routine to go and live amidst nature. At the same time, it is excruciating to witness the drying edges and disintegrating caulking seams that eventually lead to roof leaks. The unfavorable weather conditions and unexpected damage is unavoidable as far as RVs are concerned. Therefore frequent inspections and maintenance are pertinent for damage control. Maintenance protocols include regular review of the caulk and redoing the caulk as required. Timely measures, including roof sealants, can save thousands of dollars that would otherwise be needed for repairs.
We have compiled a list of some of the top-rated RV roof sealants along with a complete buyer’s guide to equip the user with necessary information regarding roof sealants.
The Kohree RV Sealant Tape is a sealant tape with watertight finishing and offers a seal comparable to the professional-grade seals. The sealing tape comes 50 ft long and comes in two distinct widths, 2inch and 4inch. The sealant tape is easy to install and comes with clear instructions. Moreover, it adopted premium Butyl and thus offered flexible properties and great sticking potential. It is also highly robust and can withstand unfavorable circumstances.
The Beech Lane RV Roof and Leak Permanent Repair Tape is a perfect quick-fix solution to get rid of camper roof damages. Moreover, it is not a temporary solution but rather a durable and permanent solution that tackles camper leaks head-on. The sealing tape works on RV rubber roofs EPDM, PVC, Hypalon, most metals, and TPO.
The sealing tape has self-priming properties, which do not require curing. Each roll is made of 50-feet long and 4-inch wide sticky white tape compatible in most areas.
The Liquid Rubber RV roof coating is a protective sealant coating used in the same manner as paints. A roller brush, paintbrush, or spray is used to apply a heavy coat that forms a waterproof membrane. It is a water-based roof coating free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvents. It is compatible with metal roofs and other roof materials like EPDM and fiberglass. Moreover, it is highly versatile.
After the list of our top-rated choice for RV roof sealants, here is our comprehensive buyer’s guide, including all the nitty-gritty details regarding RV roof sealants to ensure the longevity and restoration of your campers.
RV roof sealants are highly beneficial substances that enhance the life span of the camper and serve several other benefits. Some of the benefits include:
Cracks tend to compromise the structural integrity of an RV. Once damage develops, it would lead to more cracks if not repaired timely. Thus, the sealant helps maintain the structure of an RV by repairing it and acts as damage control by preventing the incidence of future cracks from occurring.
The RV roof is subjected to harsh climatic conditions and unfavorable situations that lead to damage and often cracks. The repair of RV roofs with sealants reduces the wear and tear of the roofs of the camper in the longer run.
The roof of an RV, when subjected to damage in the form of cracks, can lead to leaks which can damage the interior and cause considerable damage to the RV in the long run. RVs subjected to leaks require a substantial sum of money for repairs. Thus, sealing the roof with a good quality sealant prevents such accidents.
Professional leak and crack repair services cost a fortune. By opting for RV roof sealants, users can end up saving a great deal on repair and maintenance costs.
By sealing all the cracks, the internal temperature of the camper is no longer affected by the different temperatures. Thus, the temperature is regulated in a better manner.
There are primarily two types of RV roof sealants; the liquid sealants or coating that come in cans and tubes and the sealing tapes.
Silicone, acrylic, and urethane-based liquid sealants are extensively used for sealing the cracks and damages to the RV roof. Their mode of operation and application are pretty similar to that of paints. The area has to be prepped and primed prior to sealant application. Depending on the requirements, the number of coats is decided. The liquid sealants require an extensive waiting period and several precautions for application and the subsequent drying process.
For those in quest of a hassle-free solution for sealing the cracks on the RV, the roof should opt for sealing tapes instead of liquid sealants. The tapes might not seem efficient, but they are just as effective as liquid sealants in forming an airtight and moisture-proof seal. The sealing tapes have a reliable life span and last for years. Most sealing tapes have adhesive sealants on their surface and have the inherent ability to keep up with the changing weather requirements.
One has to consider several factors before buying RV roof sealants. Some of the critical considerations included are mentioned as follows.
The RV roof sealants are primarily made of three types of material: urethane, acrylic, and silicone. Among these, silicone is the most expensive and has superior qualities. Acrylic and urethane also offer reasonable weather resistance, but nothing can compete with silicone in this regard.
The application process for the sealant is also given considerable thought before purchasing the RV roof sealant. It is advised to stay away from difficult-to-handle materials that are not suitable for use by novices.
Among the RV roof sealants, acrylic and urethane are challenging to handle as they require significant preparation and take some time to dry. Apart from that, they also need several coats to achieve full functionality.
On the other hand, silicone is not just quick-drying but also has a relatively simple mechanism of application. Moreover, it also requires a single coat, unlike other materials.
The roof material also determines the choice of RV roof sealant. Most commonly, the RV roof material is EPDM rubber roof, rubber TPO, aluminum, or fiberglass. It is essential to determine the roof material as the choice of sealant will be dictated by the roof material.
RV roofs are exposed to harsh climates and direct sunlight. RV roof sealants should offer UV resistance as they will disintegrate due to constant sun exposure otherwise.
RV roof sealants are available in various price ranges depending on the variations in quality and the properties of the adhesives. Some of the factors influencing the type of RV roof sealants include the type of sealant or coating, formulation, manufacturing brand, sealing properties, and many others.
Professional RV sealing services can cost up to several thousands of dollars. However, the same job can be done through a DIY approach at a mere fraction of the price. RV sealants are available in the price range of $15 to over $40. However, it is not uncommon to find products above and below the mentioned range. A basic RV sealant is available for under $15. However, there may be a compromise on the RV sealant’s quality or quantity. While the RV roof sealants above the $40 range seem to be a lucrative option, the price is not a testament to quality. Neither do pricier products have proven to perform better. The mid-range products are more suitable choices in all cases as one gets the best of both worlds.
A: A wide variety of RV roof sealants is available on Amazon, the one-stop shop for everything.
A: RV sealants and coating are different items and have different purposes altogether. RV Coatings are usually used on the entire surface area of the roof to benefit from its insulating and weather shield properties. These coatings can be used even without any considerable roof damage. On the other hand, RV sealants are used to fix the microdamage and repair the cracks in the RV roof crevices and joints.
A: Although the RV roof sealants stay in place for a duration of five years yet, it is recommended to do retouching every six to twelve months as a part of the maintenance protocol as it averts significant damage.
A: The RV sealants are not expensive, especially when compared to the professional RV roof sealing services that cost up to several thousand dollars.
A: Ideally, old remnants of sealants should be removed to achieve a tight seal. It can either be achieved by pressure washing or by using denatured alcohol. Once all the traces of sealants have been removed, use the new sealants to reseal the RV and obtain a tight grip.