There can be times when your RV needs maintenance, and one of the worst possible cases that you and your RV can face is a broken roof. If you are here to estimate the cost of resealing an RV roof, then you are at the right place.
In general, figures for resealing an RV roof vary depending on the RV size and the material you are using. Ideally, it would cost you around $620 to $6000 to fix a 36′ roof of an RV all by yourself. However, the cost goes up to $6,000-$12,000 when you get the repair done by a professional.
Resealing the roof of an RV is no joke; it takes time and effort. And if you don’t use the right material for your RV, you might not get satisfactory results. So are you into resealing your RV’s roof? Well, we are here to help, and here we will be guiding you with everything you need to know about resealing your RV’s roof. Let’s get started!
What Is RV Roof Sealing?
An RV roof sealing is a process that involves the inspection of cracks, holes, and tears. These flaws on the roof are patched with sealant. While resealing, it is important to ensure that the roof’s structure is sound.
You must ensure the roof is free from cracks and dents, as they can cause water damage, leaks, and more. Sealing your RV’s roof can also be seen as a great investment as it helps reduce future repair and maintenance costs. Hence, preventing more expensive and catastrophic problems.
How Much Does It Cost To Reseal An RV Roof?
While resealing the roof of an RV, the cost mainly depends on the material of your roof. Here we have listed the cost of some of the most common materials that are used when it comes to resealing the roof of an RV.
| Cost of Fiberglass Roof Reseal | 18 Cents per Square Foot |
| Cost of Aluminum Roof Reseal | 21 Cents Per Square Foot |
| Cost of Rubber Roof Reseal | 45 Cents per Square Foot |
Why Should You Reseal An RV Roof?
An RV’s roof should be resealed from time to time. Resealing ensures that your RV’s roof lasts longer as the roof stays exposed to different climatic conditions. Here are a few reasons why you should reseal an RV roof.
Prevent Water Damage
One of the main reasons to reseal your RV roof is to prevent water damage. Over time, the sealant around your roof vents, skylights, and other openings can degrade due to UV exposure and other factors. This can create gaps and cracks that allow water to seep in.
And as anyone who has ever dealt with water damage knows, it’s not something to take lightly. Water can cause all sorts of problems, from mold and mildew to rot and structural damage. By resealing your roof regularly, you can help prevent these issues before they start.
Save Money on Energy Bills
Another reason to reseal your RV roof is to save money on energy bills. Just like in your home, drafts and leaks can let heat escape in the winter and cool air escape in the summer. This forces your RV’s HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to higher energy bills.
Protection of Structure
The obvious reason for you to reseal the RV’s roof is to protect the vehicle’s structure. Make sure that you check the condition of your roof from time to time. Resealing your roof timely will help you prevent and even get rid of cracks, dents, and unwanted holes that might be present in your roof.
Your RV’s roof is always vulnerable to damage; ensure that you get your roof resealed timely. Also, resealing the roof ensures that your vehicle’s structure is in shape and protected from external factors.
Regulate Temperature
A much more important reason to reseal your RV’s roof is to regulate the temperature in the vehicle. You will feel the temperature difference whenever you decide to coat or reseal your RV’s roof. If having a regulated temperature in your RV is your priority, resealing your RV’s roof is the best possible solution.
It doesn’t matter if it’s the summer or the winter; your RV will have a moderate temperature if you have resealing your roof. If your RV’s roof is not sealed, your camper might not be energy efficient. It may consume more air conditioner during the summer.
Extend the Life of Your Roof
Resealing your RV roof can extend its overall life. By preventing water damage and other issues, you’ll be able to keep your roof in good condition for years to come. And that means you won’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon.
How Often Should You Reseal Your RV Roof?
Ideally, you should reseal your RV roof every 12 months. However, if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions (hot summers or cold winters), you may need to do it more frequently. You should also inspect your roof regularly for any signs of damage and reseal as needed.
Leaks are the number one enemy of an RV roof. They can cause extensive water damage, mold, and rot. That’s why it’s important to catch them early and reseal any areas that may be prone to leaking.
Factors Affecting The Condition Of RV Roof
It depends on the climatic conditions that your RV goes through. However, generally, you need to reseal your roof once a year at a minimum. In addition, some RVs are sealed once every three years as the owners didn’t face any damage, such as leaks in their camper.
Depending on the circumstances, people sometimes have to reseal their vehicles more than once. For instance, a tree falls on the roof of your RV. Although the resealing was not on schedule, it was mandatory.
Another factor that can cause damage, in the long run, is water. Damage done by water harms your vehicle and will reduce your trailer’s resale value. So it is vital to take care of the damage done by water in the initial stages before the repair goes off-budget. You can trace down leaks and repair them easily.
Pro Tip: A general rule of thumb that you can apply is to check everything attached to the roof, as anything stuck to the roof can have leaks and should be resealed.
Prevention
Here are a few tips to help you keep your RV roof in tip-top shape:
- Inspect your roof regularly and look for any cracks, holes, or other damage.
- Clean your roof regularly with a soft brush and mild soap to remove any dirt or debris.
- When applying sealant, make sure to use a generous amount and work it into all cracks and crevices.
- Use a quality sealant designed specifically for RV roofs.
- Allow the sealant to dry completely before walking on or storing anything on your roof.
Ensure you have sealed the front, roof sides, and rear cap attachment seams. Try resealing your roof every once in a while and inspect it regularly, as resealing the roof is much cheaper than dealing with massive damage.
Can I Reseal My RV Roof Myself?
Yes, you can do it yourself. However, the job isn’t easy and will require a lot of accuracy, precision, and patience. The job can take as long as two days, but the results will be worth it if done perfectly.
You will save a lot of labor costs by doing the job yourself, and the price difference will be vivid as you will be cutting down your resealing cost to ⅓ of what the professional labor will charge. However, it all comes down to you and your physical strength.
How To Reseal A Camper Roof?
Resealing your camper’s roof mainly depends on the type of material that your roof is made of. Each material has its technique that is to be applied while resealing.
However, there are a few general steps that you should follow before resealing your vehicle’s roof.
- Clean your roof. Remove any excess dirt that might be present on your roof
- Get yourself the right sealant. All sealants can’t be used for your roof. If you are unsure, consult a dealer before you start the resealing process.
Fiberglass Roof
If you have a fiberglass roof, the odds might be in your favor. There is not much work to do if you have a roof made from fiberglass. For torn areas on the roof, simply use fiberglass repair tape.
When it comes to tapes, you may also use an Eternabond seam tape. The best part about the tape is that it comes with four-inch rolls, which you can effortlessly apply on your RV’s roof. The tape might look similar to duct tape, but it’s actually much better when it comes in handy and when you are using it to repair your RV.
However, it is worth mentioning that fiberglass roofs work best with silicone sealant as the silicone material is way more compatible compared to other materials for sealant. But the sealant is used when the damage on the roofs is more than just a torn.
Here is a short guide on how to repair a fiberglass roof.
- Start by spreading the sealer across the area so it can be sealed.
- Next, lay fiber tape over the sealer. Then cover the tape with the sealer, which should get the job done.
Aluminum Roof
For an aluminum roof, you can use Eternabond sealant. This is a tape-like seal that seals cracks for good. If you have some hidden cracks, you can use a rubberized seal to fix them.
However, you should be extremely cautious while using a rubberized sealant. Wear gloves or clothes that you won’t mind spillage on. This is because the damage caused by spilling won’t wash off.
Rubber Roof
Rubber roofs are the most durable and less likely to get damaged. However, rubber is mostly damaged by petroleum products. To reseal your rubber roof, start by coating your roof with an EPDM coat.
This coating will protect your roof from further damage. After coating, mix the EPDM with a sealant to ensure that all the cracks on the roof are well sealed. You can also use Dyco Flow Seal Caulk, as it not only seals the cracks but also prevents water leakages.
Check Out How To Do RV Roof Cleaning and Resealing DIY?:
What Is The Best Camper Roof Sealant?
When it comes to roof sealant, there aren’t many options available. However, there are three best sealants you can use urethane, silicone, and acrylic. And the qualities that make these sealants the best are discussed below.
Urethane
One of the best options for camper sealing is to go for urethane coating. It is durable and is preferred by most motorhome and RV owners. This coating is also ideal for protection against small debris and scratches. However, the cost of coating urethane is much higher than other coating materials, and you might require more than one coat to get the job done.
Acrylic
Next on the list is acrylic coating. This is common amongst campers and perhaps the cheapest medium one can go for. The coating is ideal for filling gaps and helps prevent further damage. However, on the downside, an acrylic coating isn’t as durable as urethane and does require a lot of effort.
Silicone
The most expensive one of the three has to be silicone. Silicone sealings are durable, which makes them expensive. This sealing is ideal for preventing weather degradation. Also, the coating is efficient when protecting against rain, as silicone’s elastic nature enables it to last long. However, on the downside, silicone coating can get dirty easily.
Related Questions
How To Fix Leaking Camper Roof?
Start by using sealants to seal any openings, gaps, or dents that are present on the roof of your RV. It is recommended to use a coat that has a sealant mixed in it. Make sure that the mixture you have can prevent water. If you have an ideal mixture, then you can coat the whole roof and prevent leaks.
What Is The Difference Between Recoating and Resealing?
Though recoating and resealing are used synonymously. Recoating usually involves a liquid that covers the entire roof. On the other hand, resealing involves a sealant that comes from tape, caulk, or liquid and is applied to a specific area. The materials used in recoating and resealing are different from one another.
How To Remove RV Roof Sealant?
You can remove an RV roof sealant with three methods. The three methods are briefly discussed below:
– Scraping it traditionally. Use a metal crowbar and a heat gun to remove the roof sealant.
– Use a power tool like an Oscillating tool with a scraper or a power drill.
– You may use special solvents like silicone remover solvent to remove the roof sealant.
The Bottom Line
All in all, when resealing your RV’s roof, ensure you get the job done correctly. Consult a dealer before resealing to get your hands on the right material. However, it is crucial to get help from a professional if you think the job is too much for you to handle. It is also important to keep the timing in mind. If you delay your RV’s maintenance for too long, you might end up paying more due to the extensive unwanted damage that your RV would have dealt with.
