The weather is starting to get nice and you’re beginning to get the itch. It’s time to get the RV ready for another season of camping. You always perform a thorough inspection before and after each season, and today, you noticed that the roof is looking a little rough. It’s been years since you’ve done anything to the roof, so maybe it’s time to do some RV roof waterproofing. What’s the first step?
Are You Planning on Doing the RV Roof Waterproofing Yourself?
The first thing that you’re going to want to consider is whether you’re comfortable going up onto the roof and doing the work yourself. There’s no shame in hiring a competent roofing professional to do the job for you. Most of them are insured and will guarantee their work, and because the area of an RV roof is relatively small, the cost of hiring someone shouldn’t be too high. Many of them will allow you to supply the materials, so you can shop around and take advantage of sales promotions, further reducing your costs. If you do decide to do the job yourself, please be careful! Falling from the roof of an RV can cause serious injury or even death. RV roof waterproofing is not a complicated process and can usually be done on a weekend, weather permitting.
Which Waterproofing Sealant to Choose
When choosing an RV roof waterproofing material, there are a number of factors to consider, such as the material that your roof is made of and how you use your RV. Most RV roofs are made from either metal, fiberglass or EPDM synthetic rubber, so be sure to choose a waterproofing material that will work on your unit. Liquid rubber sealants work effectively on most RV roof surfaces, which makes them a popular choice for do-it-yourselfers. You may not think that the way in which you use your RV is a factor when choosing an RV roof waterproofing material. If your unit is parked at a camp ground year round, a liquid rubber sealant will give you the protection that you need. An RV that is constantly moving around will require a liquid roof material because it will better tolerate movement.
Wash, Rinse, Repeat
An RV roof waterproofing material will adhere well only if the underlying surface has been thoroughly cleaned, so it’s time to get out the bucket and brush. Before washing the roof, sweep or blow off all of the debris and loose material. You can wash the surface with warm soapy water; ordinary soaps should work fine. Scrub the roof well with a brush, removing all dirt and mildew. Next, rinse it thoroughly; you can use a pressure washer or garden hose. If you can’t seem to get the results that you want with regular soaps, there are cleaners specifically designed to clean RV roofs. Some detergents can leave a film behind which will keep the rubber sealant from adhering properly, so the point about rinsing thoroughly can’t be over-stated.
Applying the Sealant
It’s probably taken hours to sweep and clean the roof’s surface and now you’re ready to apply the sealant. Some people don’t do the work themselves because they think that it will be too difficult. The reality is, if you can paint a wall, you can seal your RV roof. Start by applying the sealant around the vents with a brush, and then do the rest of the roof with a medium nap roller. Let it dry and you’re ready for a summer of fun. Happy camping!
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