Your RV roof is your first and most important line of defense against water damage. A small crack in the sealant around a vent or antenna can allow water to seep in for months before you notice it — by which time you may be dealing with delamination, rot, and mold. Here's how to stay ahead of it.

Know Your Roof Type

Different roof materials require different maintenance approaches.

EPDM rubber (most common): A black or white rubber membrane. Clean with a rubber roof cleaner — never petroleum-based products, which degrade the rubber. Reseal penetrations with self-leveling lap sealant annually.

TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin): Similar to EPDM but white and slightly more durable. Same maintenance approach.

Fiberglass: Found on higher-end coaches. More durable than rubber but still requires annual sealant inspection. Clean with a mild soap and water.

Aluminum: Older RVs. Inspect seams and rivets for corrosion and separation.

Annual Roof Inspection

Inspect your roof at least once per year — twice if you camp frequently or park under trees. The best time is spring, before camping season begins.

What to look for:

• Cracks, tears, or punctures in the membrane
• Sealant that is cracked, shrinking, or pulling away from edges
• Soft spots that indicate water has gotten under the membrane
• Debris accumulation in low spots
• Condition of all vent covers, AC shrouds, and antenna mounts

Walk the roof carefully — step only on structural members (ribs) if you can feel them, or use a sheet of plywood to distribute your weight.

Cleaning the Roof

Clean your roof at least twice per year. Dirt, tree sap, and organic matter degrade roofing materials and sealants.

For rubber roofs: use a dedicated rubber roof cleaner. Apply with a soft brush or mop, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly. Avoid pressure washers — they can force water under seams and damage the membrane.

After cleaning, apply a rubber roof conditioner or protectant to restore flexibility and UV resistance.

Resealing Penetrations

Every penetration in your roof — vents, AC units, antennas, solar panels, skylights — is a potential leak point. The sealant around these penetrations degrades over time from UV exposure and thermal cycling.

Inspect all sealant annually. It should be soft, flexible, and fully adhered. Any sealant that is cracked, hard, or pulling away needs to be replaced.

The right sealant matters. Use a self-leveling lap sealant for horizontal surfaces and a non-sag sealant for vertical surfaces. Make sure the product is compatible with your roof material — some sealants damage rubber roofs.

Preparation is critical. Clean the area thoroughly and let it dry completely before applying new sealant. Applying sealant over dirt or moisture causes premature failure.

Addressing Soft Spots

A soft spot on the roof indicates water has gotten under the membrane and saturated the substrate. Don't ignore it — the damage will spread.

Small soft spots may be repairable by cutting out the damaged area, replacing the substrate, and patching the membrane. Large soft spots or widespread damage may require a full roof replacement.

Mobile Roof Inspection and Repair in North Texas

Done Right RV Repair provides mobile roof inspection, resealing, and repair throughout North Texas. Our RVTI Master Certified technician can assess your roof condition and perform repairs at your location.

Call us or request service online.