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Just like your home, an RV needs proper care, maintenance, and protection in order to maintain its efficiency while you are on the road. The first line of defense against the elements is your RVs roof. In order to keep the elements out – you need to ensure that your roof has a potent sealant to prevent leaks and damage from water.
In an effort to help you extend the life of your RV we are going to share some secrets. It is important to keep in mind that although a sealant is essential, it is important not to coat your RV roof excessively.
When you use a high-quality sealant, you can protect your RV and avoid excessive product use.
We have put together a list of some of the top sealants for RV roofs that will keep out water and prevent damage. Out of 8 RV roof sealants, I picked only four that are worth spending your money on.
What Roof Sealants Did We Test?
Keep reading to find out more about our top picks and advice on how to select the right sealant for your RV type. We’ve tested the following products, and the ones in bold made it to the top 4 that got the job done right.
- Pro Guard Liquid Roof
- Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant
- Rust-Oleum LeakSeal Rubber Coating
- EternaBond Tape Micro Sealant
- Geocel ProFlexRV Flexible Sealant
- Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating
- Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating
- Dicor Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating
With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.
Which Kind of RV Sealant Do I Need?
There are three main types of roof coating and sealant used on RVs. The right type of sealant must be applied to your RV roof in order for it to be effective. The type you choose will depend on the material of your RV and your climate. Let’s take a closer look at the different sealant types available for RVs.
Urethane Coating
If you take your RV into the wilderness, you will need proper protection. Urethane coating helps keep surfaces safe from small impacts such as branches and pebbles. It also helps to protect the surface from UV damage.
Like most sealants, urethane coating for RVs will help prevent pooling water while also reflecting light to help manage temperatures inside. It is highly durable, but also an expensive sealant option.
Urethane coating takes two applications to be fully effective.
Silicone Coating
Silicone coating is a great all-around option for RV users who spend a lot of time on the road. It only needs one coat to be effective and though it’s costly, the benefits are worth it. The formula of silicone RV sealant is very durable.
It naturally repels water pooling and is highly effective in preventing damage from the elements. The reflectivity keeps the RV interior cool when exposed to direct sunlight as well. The generous elasticity lasts for an extended period which keeps it from getting brittle or breaking. The one drawback of silicone is that it tends to attract dust and dirt.
You will need to wash your RV roof on a regular basis to prevent staining.
Acrylic Coating
For RV owners on a limited budget, the acrylic coating is going to be your best option.
It provides a generally good level of UV protection, reflectivity, and protection from leaks. It is not as durable as other options which means you will need to reapply it more often. It also doesn’t repel water pooling which means that leaks will develop over time.
This type is most suitable for budget RV users and those who live in a typically dry climate.
How Often To Reseal and Recoat an RV Roof?
Taking care of your RV is similar to taking care of your home. Your roof gets the most exposure to the elements and even with a high-end sealant, you must be vigilant. Make a point of examining your RV roof at least once each month. You can also make a habit of checking it each time you wash your rig.
Note: Monthly examinations will allow you to catch any problems on the roof or degradation of the seal before damage can occur.
It is a good idea to reseal your roof once or twice each year. A proper seal with quality products will last a year easily. If you live in a harsh climate or if the damage goes unnoticed, you may need to replace your sealant twice a year.
This time frame may vary depending on your RV and the age of the roof, however, it’s a good place to start.
Every 8 years your entire RV roof should be replaced to prevent mold, interior damage, and other problems that come with general wear and tear.
How To Prep RV For Roof Sealant Application?
Prior to applying the sealant to your RV roof, you need to prepare the surface. This will ensure that your application is even and that the sealant has no barriers preventing it from protecting your roof.
Every container of sealant will have preparation instructions, however, here is a step-by-step guide that works for all brands.
- Start by scrubbing down the surface of your RV paying special attention to the roof. You should get rid of grime, debris, mold, and anything else marring the surface. It is critically important that no oil or animal fat remains on the surface. Oil disrupts the bonding process of most sealants which will result in an incomplete seal.
- You can use a power washer or pressure washer if you have one on hand.
- In the event that your roof has hard-to-move spots, use a sturdy soft-bristled brush and some Borax to dissolve it. This is also the perfect time to check for damage and make any repairs prior to sealing the roof.
- After you have cleaned your roof thoroughly, go over it again with an antimicrobial solution. You can make your own by mixing 2 cups of bleach per 3 gallons of water.
- Add a small amount of Simple Green to further increase the mold killing power.
- Allow the roof to dry completely before moving forward with your sealant application.
How Much RV Sealant Do I Need?
The amount of RV sealant you will need depends on the size of your rig.
For a camper or other RV style that is between 13 and 17 feet long, you will need three gallons of product for an effective seal.
For RVs between 18 feet and 27 feet long, you will need 4-5 gallons of product.
Extended RV sizes over 27 feet long will call for an additional gallon per every extra four feet of length.
Check out an extended product quantity guide here for more information. Always follow the application instructions on the brand of sealant you choose.
Some may only call for one coat while others may require two for full coverage.
How To Apply RV Roof Sealant
Although it may sound complicated, applying the sealant to your RV roof is easier than you think.
We have put together an easy-to-follow guide for Dicor Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating that will have your RV road-ready over the weekend.
This particular sealant can be used on extremely durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane (EPDM) or Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) RV surfaces.
If your RV roof is made of a different material, such as fiberglass, you will need to select a matching product.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Ladder
- Protective gear
- Dicor EPDM Rubber Roofing Coating System Cleaner/Activator
- Dicor EPDM Rubber Roofing Coating System Acrylic Coating
- Pressure tipped water hose, garden hose with a nozzle or agricultural sprayer
- Power washing brush
- A leaf blower or clean broom
- Paint liner, roller, tray, and paintbrush
Step 1
Following our preparation instructions above, clean the roof and surface of your RV. Check for any damage and make repairs if required. Ensure that the surface is completely clean and fully dry.
Step 2
Take the Dicor EPDM Rubber Roofing Coating System Cleaner/Activator and use your garden sprayer to apply the activator to the entire surface of the roof. Make sure that you coat the surface liberally. Let it soak into the RV roof for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it off with plain water. You should use the medium bristle brush you have on hand to agitate the surface. Allow the roof to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 3
With your roller brush, apply a liberal coat of the Dicor sealant over the entire roof surface. Use a smaller hand brush to get around the edges of vents or other objects on the rood. Allow the first coat to dry completely. You can wait until the next day if you are pressed for time. Once the first coat has dried, apply a second, liberal layer over the entire surface. Allow the roof to dry fully for at least 12 hours and you are done!
Step 4
This step is optional, but if you want to secure your roof seems more effectively, apply a self-leveling lap sealant by Dicor. It is perfect for edges and divots that need a bit of extra protection.
4 Best Roof Sealants for Your RV Camper
So, now that you are ready to slap a coat of sealant on your RV, all you need to do is choose your product. We have put together a short list of some of the best roof sealants for your motorhome that are available today based on consumer ratings, reports and personal experience.
#1
Pro Guard Liquid Roof
What is better than a new roof other than one that you can pour on. While this is not a new roof in a can, it is the next best thing.
The Pro Guard Liquid Roof comes with a five-year warranty and a single gallon can cover as much as 40 square feet. From ~60 Fall that way to ~300 F, this RV roofing sealant can handle it all. No temperature is too extreme for this EPDM RV roof protector.
Road debris, sticks, branches, and even the occasional bought of hail are no match for this highly efficient RV roof sealant.
#2
Dicor Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating
Editor's Choice
In terms of RV roof sealants, Dicor is one of the best brands around. The Dicor Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating is perfect for RVs who need superior UV protection and a durable layer of protection against the elements for large surface areas and full cover applications.
It has the ability to increase the longevity of your RV roof, especially if your RV has an EPDM roof or rubber surface. Pair it with the Dicor rubber activator to make it even stronger.
Two coats of this quick-drying sealant are all you need for a year of protection.
Rust-Oleum LeakSeal Rubber Coating
Rust-Oleum has been producing sealants and surface protectors for generations. They are one of the most used brands for home surface applications. They take that same technology and put it to use for RV rooftops.
The LeakSeal Flexible Rubber Coating offers comprehensive coverage that stops moisture and water in its tracks. The can may be smaller than your average sealant, but it packs a powerful punch.
It is best used on smaller RV’s and it is also ideal for use around air vents, solar panels, air conditioners, and other delicate areas.
Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating
Budget Option
If you are looking for a sealant for your camper’s rubber roof, Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating is a great choice.
It seals tears and cracks easily while also protecting the surface from additional damage.
Its formula is UV-resistant and can stand up to some of the hottest climates without cracking. It only takes a few coats, and it is easy to apply on your own.
It is an affordable option compared to others on the list, but it will need to be reapplied annually.
RV Roof Maintenance Tips
Once you have completed your sealant application, it is important to properly maintain your roof to increase its longevity. We have a few tips that will help you extend the life of your roof and your RV sealant.
The first is making sure to clean and service your roof every other month at a minimum. Cleaning your RV roof keeps it free from debris and also gives you a chance to look for minor problems before they get too big. Cleaning the surface regularly also removes harmful buildup that can damage the bonds of the RV roof sealant.
Also, make a point of adding a fresh coat of sealant to your roof each year to extend its lifespan.
Cover your RV with a specialized UV blocking tarp when not in use. This will reduce environmental damage and also protect the surface from the elements.
Do you have any RV roofing tips?
If so, we would love to hear from you in the comments below.
