Identifying and Addressing Roof Damage in Recreational Vehicles

The dream of owning a recreational vehicle (RV) is one that ever-greater numbers of Australians achieve every year, and it's easy to see why. The freedom to travel anywhere the vehicle can safely reach and the ability to be self-sufficient and operate under your own power are compelling attributes. That's not to mention the modern comforts and appointments many modern RVs have that make them feel like a home away from home. What better way to experience all the delights of the great Australian wilderness than in your fully-equipped vehicle that lets you shower after a hard day exploring and sleep in a comfortable bed? None that the team at RV Parts Express can think of. 

Like any vehicle, RVs need regular inspections and maintenance to remain in perfect working order. Exposed to the worst conditions that can be thrown at them, yet so easily forgotten, one area of an RV that is often neglected is the roof. This article addresses that subject, looking at RV roofs in detail and offering advice and guidance on assessing and repairing them effectively.

Different RV roofs and materials

Before you can locate issues and instigate any repairs on your RV’s roof, knowing what materials you are dealing with and how they need to be treated is crucial. Most RVs have one of the following types of roof:

• Synthetic rubber

Known for their remarkable durability and ability to withstand the harshest conditions, EPDM roofs are also highly resistant to the damaging effects of UV rays, which all Australians are well aware of. Rubber roofs are a superb choice for RVs based in Australia as a result, but can still experience issues such as:

• Tears
• Punctures 
• Separated seams

• Fibreglass

Fibreglass RV roofs are another excellent choice, as they are extremely lightweight, durable, and long-lasting. The main issue with fibreglass roofs is that they can develop cracks, especially in a climate where the temperature range is extreme and the material flexes constantly. This can wear off the protective coating and lead to issues.

• Aluminium

More commonly found on older model RVs, aluminium roofs are not susceptible to rust or corrosion, although they can eventually develop leaks, especially around the seams and rivets. Aluminium is significantly lighter than some other metals, and its non-reactivity to water makes it an excellent choice, although it may compromise some strength vs more heavy-duty metals.

Common issues 

Water Leaks

Whether due to damaged seals, cracks in the material, or seams that have loosened over time, water is the mortal enemy of an RV, and leaks must be dealt with quickly and efficiently. 

• Rubber roofs—Repair kits not dissimilar to those for bicycle tyres are available, and it is possible to put patches over small holes or tears. Depending on the severity of the damage and the structural integrity of the area surrounding the hole, this may be nothing more than a temporary fix, and you will need to seek professional assistance as soon as possible. 

• Other roofs—It may be necessary to seal any seams that have worked loose and replace materials that have suffered damage and are allowing water to penetrate.

Debris

The amount of debris accumulating on an RV's roof can be startling and problematic. From leaves, twigs, dirt, and even mould, this buildup can cause water to collect in certain areas instead of running off, inevitably leading to leaks and damage. Check your roof regularly and remove any debris, especially from gutter areas and runoffs. It may be necessary to use a brush and cleaning products to remove stubborn dirt, so choose a mild product that will not damage the material and a soft-bristled brush to be safe. 

Dents and cracks

Whether from low-hanging tree branches or impacts caused by strong winds and other things outside your control, dents and cracks are a significant issue for any RV roof if left untreated. Rubber ones will not dent, of course, but can still experience splits. Specialist tools and equipment can be used to treat these dents, similar to how body panels are restored on cars. 

This will not work on all roof materials and should only be attempted if you are fully confident and experienced in using the equipment. It is much safer to seek professional assistance and let experts handle the situation rather than ‘having a go’ and potentially making it much worse. Protective covers that take the brunt of any impact can be purchased to prevent further dents and cracks, but these may need to be removed when inspecting the roof for water damage. 

Preventative measures for RV roofs

Many of the issues mentioned here can be mitigated using simple techniques and materials to reduce damage and increase the longevity of your RV’s roof, including:

Protective coating

Acting as a barrier between your roof and the destructive elements that besiege it, several options are available if you want to apply a protective outer coating to your roof, namely:

• Silicon
• Polyurethane
• Acrylic

Applying the coating over damaged surfaces is counter-productive, so you must thoroughly assess your roof before applying anything. Each option mentioned has specific attributes and advantages depending on your circumstances, so speak to a professional and get their advice as to the best product for your vehicle. 

Regular cleaning

Avoiding harsh chemicals and overly abrasive tools, give your RV’s roof a thorough cleaning as often as necessary. We recommend doing this no less than once every six months but much more frequently if your vehicle is parked beneath trees or in excessively dusty areas. 

Protected storage

One way to prevent harmful tree debris from falling onto your roof is to store the RV in a covered spot. This also keeps the damaging UV rays of the sun at bay and is crucial to extending the lifespan of your roof. If this is not an option at your location, consider using protective tarps or a vehicle-specific cover to keep the elements at bay. Keep the area around the RV as clean as possible and check under the cover regularly to ensure no moisture is building up.

Conclusion

We hope this article has made it clear how important it is to pay attention to your RV’s roof and never neglect it during regular inspections. In the grand scheme of things that can go wrong, nothing will ruin your holiday faster than a leaking roof, so stay alert and be sure to address any issues you uncover quickly and effectively with professional assistance as required.

If it’s too late and the damage is already done, you may need to replace your roof entirely. While this is disappointing, putting a new roof on your RV will give it a new lease of life and leave you confident in its structural integrity for many years. Provided you inspect it regularly and keep it clean, of course…

Contact us

If you have time to spare, why not browse the incredible range of RV parts, equipment, and accessories available on our website at RV Parts Express? We’re sure you will be impressed by our hand-picked range, as none of the items we stock are those we wouldn’t use ourselves as avid outdoor enthusiasts. Please feel free to get in touch today with any comments or questions; our dedicated, knowledgeable team will be happy to help however possible.