DIY RV Roof Maintenance
- Just CAMP Wait
- May 3
- 4 min read
Keeping up with the maintenance on your RV roof is one of the most important tasks you can undertake. Water leaks are devastating to an RV. Yet, it’s one of the most neglected parts of RV ownership. Whether your RV is a weekend getaway machine or your full-time home, in this article we’ll cover how to inspect, maintain, and DIY repair your RV roof.
Before we get started, be sure to check your owner’s manual for specific requirements. If your RV is still under warranty, you must maintain it in accordance with their recommendations for them to cover any issues. Keep meticulous records of your inspections and repairs with before and after pictures if you can and any receipts for materials used. This includes a picture of your roof even when your inspection shows no issues. You’ll want these handy if during an insurance claim or a warranty claim you are challenged with whether the roof was properly maintained. That happens more often than you may want to believe.
RV Roof Types: Know What You’re Working With
Before grabbing tools, determine your roof type. The repair process and chemicals may vary and you need to make sure you’re using compatible products.
Roof Type | Common RV Classes | Surface Traits | Needs Special Care? |
EPDM Rubber | Class A/C motorhomes, 5th wheels | Flexible, dull surface | Yes – UV treatment |
TPO Rubber | Many newer trailers | White, glossy or chalky | Yes – avoid oil-based cleaners |
Fiberglass | High-end coaches or older RVs | Smooth or pebbled | Less flexible, can crack |
Aluminum | Vintage trailers (e.g. Airstream) | Seam-riveted, noisy in rain | Yes – seal rivets annually |
How to Inspect Your RV Roof
External Inspection:
Check all the following areas:
Roof perimeter trim and seals for cracks, gaps, and sealant degradation
Vents, skylights, antenna bases for damage, loose hardware, cracks, gaps, and sealant degradation
AC shroud and mounts for damage or loose hardware
Any caulking or lap sealant joints for cracks, gaps, and sealant degradation
Roof surface for tears, punctures, bubbling, or soft spots
Interior Check:
Feel for soft spots and check for water stains or moldy smells. Be sure to check around areas that are often hidden from view in corners or behind cabinets.
Use a moisture meter to check any suspect areas for excessive moisture indicating a leak.
Common Roof Issues & How to Fix Them
Problem | Symptoms | Causes | How to Fix |
Cracked Caulking | Splitting around fixtures | UV damage, age | Remove & reseal with lap sealant |
Water Leaks | Stains, soft roof areas | Failed seams or fixtures | Inspect and reseal OR use Eternabond |
Roof Bubbling | Raised membrane | Poor adhesion or trapped moisture | Repair leaks, apply new adhesive, or replace if severe |
Loose Fasteners | Water around screw heads | Sealant failure, rust | Replace screws & reseal |
UV Degradation | Cracking, chalking | Prolonged sun exposure | Clean & apply UV protectant regularly |
Basic RV Roof Maintenance Tasks
1. Cleaning
Use Rubber Roof Cleaner or a non-petroleum mild soap.
Scrub with a soft-bristle brush to avoid membrane abrasion.
Rinse thoroughly.
2. UV Protection
Apply UV protectant like 303 Aerospace Protectant on exposed plastic and Thetford Roof Shield on the rubber after every wash.
3. Resealing Seams
Every 6–12 months:
Use self-leveling lap sealant on horizontal surfaces and non-sag lap sealant on vertical surfaces.
Use a plastic scraper to remove as much of the old sealant as practical (gentle use of a heat gun can help)
Thoroughly clean the area with isopropyl alcohol
Follow the sealant’s manufacturer instructions to thoroughly apply the sealant on the seam or protrusion. (Some bubbling may occur as the new sealant sets by the following day. Allow the sealant to cure for a week or two and then recheck for bubbling)
For problem prone areas, Eternabond Tape is a longer-term fix and especially handy in an emergency.
Using Eternabond Tape
Eternabond is a permanent, pressure-sensitive sealing tape. It’s waterproof, UV-resistant, and lasts 20+ years.
Application:
Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol or Eternabond primer.
Cut the tape to size with overlap (2” beyond damage or the seam).
Apply and press with a roller to bond the tape to the surface.
Use a heat gun if applying in temperatures under 50°F.
You can optionally apply lap sealant to the edges of the tape for additional protection
*Use cases: Around vents, roof edges, long seams, under solar panels.
RV Roof Maintenance Schedule
Task | Frequency |
Roof Inspection | Quarterly |
Deep Cleaning | Quarterly |
UV Protectant | After Every Deep Cleaning |
Full Reseal or Tape | As Needed |
Interior Ceiling Check | Quarterly |
Recommended Products & Tools Chart
(Click Links to See Recommended Items on Amazon)
Product | Use |
Sealing Horizontal Surfaces | |
Sealing Vertical Surfaces | |
Permanent sealing for seams/punctures | |
Deep cleaning rubber roofs | |
UV protection on plastics | |
Sealing Horizontal Surfaces | |
Sealing Vertical Surfaces | |
All-in-one UV + conditioner | |
Deep cleaning the roof | |
Loosening lap sealant for removal | |
Roof access | |
Removing sealant | |
Detect hidden leaks |
Pro Tips from Full-Time RVers
Carry a roof repair kit: Include Eternabond, sealant, a small brush, gloves, and alcohol wipes.
Avoid low-hanging branches: These are a common cause of roof tears.
Inspect after storms: High winds, falling limbs, or hail can silently damage your roof.
Store with a cover or under shelter: Especially during winter or long-term storage.
Click the in-text links to see the products on Amazon
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