RV Roof Repair Guide - Fix Leaks, Reseal and Prevent Damage
Water damage is the #1 killer of RVs. A small roof leak undetected for a season rots the wood framing, grows mold in the walls and can total an otherwise good camper. Prevention costs $30 in sealant. Repair costs thousands.
Roof Types
EPDM Rubber
Most common on travel trailers. White or light gray rubber membrane glued to the roof substrate. Flexible, lightweight and repairable. Lifespan: 15-20 years with maintenance.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
Similar appearance to EPDM but heat-welded seams instead of glued. More durable, better UV resistance. Found on newer and higher-end trailers.
Fiberglass
Hard, smooth, glossy surface. Found on higher-end travel trailers and motorhomes. Extremely durable. Rarely leaks at the roof surface itself — leaks occur at penetrations and edges.
Aluminum
Older trailers and some truck campers. Metal panels with seams. Leaks at seam connections and around fasteners.
Finding Leaks
Exterior Inspection
Get on the roof (if it’s rated for foot traffic — check your manual) and inspect:
- Every seam where rubber meets a penetration
- AC unit base — the most common leak point
- Vent covers — bathroom fan, kitchen vent, plumbing vents
- Antenna and satellite mounts
- Front and rear roof edges
- Any previous repair areas
Press each sealant line with your thumb. Good sealant is flexible and bonded to both surfaces. Bad sealant cracks, lifts at the edges or crumbles.
Interior Signs
- Water stains on ceiling panels (yellow or brown rings)
- Soft spots in the ceiling when pressed
- Bubbling or warping in wall panels
- Musty smell
- Delamination on exterior sidewalls (wavy, uneven surface)
Repair Process
Small Crack Repair (30 minutes)
- Clean the area with denatured alcohol
- Remove any loose old sealant
- Apply Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant over the crack
- Extend the new sealant 1 inch past the old on all sides
- Let it cure 24 hours before exposing to rain
Larger Repair — Rubber Roof Patch
- Clean the damaged area with rubber roof cleaner
- Cut a patch from EPDM repair material — 2 inches larger than the damage on all sides
- Apply EPDM adhesive to both the roof and the patch back
- Let adhesive get tacky (5-10 minutes)
- Press the patch firmly, rolling with a J-roller to remove air bubbles
- Seal all patch edges with Dicor Lap Sealant
- Let cure 24 hours
Full Reseal
Every 3-5 years, remove all old sealant from every penetration and seam. Clean surfaces with denatured alcohol. Apply fresh Dicor to every joint. This takes 2-4 hours but prevents leaks for years.
Products You Need
- Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant — horizontal seams ($8-12/tube)
- Dicor Non-Sag Sealant — vertical and overhead applications ($8-12/tube)
- Denatured alcohol — surface prep and cleaning
- EPDM rubber patch material — for larger repairs
- EPDM adhesive — bonds patches to rubber roofs
- Rubber roof cleaner — Dicor or Camco brand
Never use: Silicone caulk, petroleum-based cleaners or pressure washers on rubber roofs.
Annual Maintenance Schedule
Spring
- Full roof inspection
- Reseal any cracked areas
- Clean the entire roof surface
- Check all vent covers for cracks
Fall
- Second inspection before storage
- Reseal anything that deteriorated over summer
- Clean and apply UV protectant (303 Aerospace Protectant for rubber roofs)
- Clear any debris from roof drains
After Every Major Storm
- Walk the roof looking for hail damage, fallen branch impacts or shifted sealant
- Check interior ceilings for new water stains
Texas-Specific Roof Care
Texas UV is brutal on roof materials. The sun bakes sealant, dries rubber and fades fiberglass faster than northern climates.
Apply 303 Aerospace Protectant to rubber roofs twice a year. It’s like sunscreen for your roof — blocks UV degradation and extends membrane life.
Covered storage or an RV cover significantly extends roof life in Texas. The roof takes the worst beating from direct sun exposure.
Related Articles
More Camper Guides
RV Slide-Out Maintenance - Seals, Lubrication and Troubleshooting
Maintain your RV slide-outs to prevent leaks, motor failure and seal damage. Covers seal cleaning, lubrication schedules, adjustment and common slide-out problems.
How to Insulate a Camper - Stay Cool in Summer, Warm in Winter
Insulate your RV or camper for year-round comfort. Covers window film, reflective insulation, skirting, vent covers and upgrades that make the biggest temperature difference.