Unless your RV is brand new, you can bet that the roof has started to degrade a bit. That’s natural – it’s exposed to harsh sunlight, freezing temperatures, rain, sleet, snow, salt and more. It also has to put up with the sheer forces created by driving. All of that takes a toll, and over time, your roof will degrade. The good news is that an RV roof coating can give your recreational vehicle a new lease on life, and an almost-new roof. How do you choose the right coating, though?

1. Check the Type of Roof

First things first – you need to check the type of roof your RV has. There’s a good chance that it will be made from EPDM rubber. If so, then you should use a rubber RV roof coating product. However, you might have a fiberglass roof (rare) or a roof made out of TPO (even rarer). Both of these can be repaired using EPDM roof coatings, but you will need to prime them first.

2. Check for Holes and Other Structural Damage

Most RV roof leaks stem from age-related deterioration. However, some of them stem from physical damage. Falling branches from trees that you park under are the prime source of this type of damage, but there are others. Any structural damage must be repaired before you apply any type of RV roof coating.

3. Check the Flexibility of the Cured Product

Before buying any type of RV roof coating, check to determine how flexible it will be once applied and cured. Remember that your RV’s roof must deal with stresses that are not found with other types of roofs, such as the sheering forces that come with going around curves. This means that roofs must be very flexible, and yet strong enough to resist wind and rain. Not all RV roof coating products are up to this task.

4. Verify How Long for Full Waterproofing

Unless you are lucky enough to own a business that services RVs, you’re going to be applying the roof coating product outside, and it will need to remain outside so that it can dry and cure. The problem here is that some products can take a very long time to become waterproof. What happens if a sudden thunderstorm comes up? It could ruin all your hard work. The right coating product will be waterproof from the moment it’s applied to the roof, ensuring robust protection.

5. Verify the Number of Coats Needed

The right RV roof coating product can be applied with just a single coat. Many products on the market require at least two, if not more coats. What’s more, there are many products that require you wait a number of hours between applying the coats. This just increases the time you have to spend working on the RV. Choose a product with single application capability.

6. Verify the Tools Needed to Apply the RV Roof Coating

Finally, make sure you know what tools will be needed to apply the coating. Some products can be applied using little more than a squeegee and a paint roller, while others may require specialty tools for proper installation. The fewer tools you need to purchase for this project, the better.

With the tips we’ve provided, you should be able to find an RV roof coating that fits your needs, that can be applied quickly and with a minimum of fuss, that offers instant waterproofing, and that still manages to deliver the flexibility and strength needed by RV roofs.

The most common type of roof used for RVs today is rubber – aluminum and fiberglass roofs do exist, but they’re rare and becoming rarer. There are quite a few reasons for this, including rubber’s affordability, durability and weather resistance. However, you will need to reseal your rubber roof over time. There are several different RV roof coatings on the market that can do the job, but they’re not all created equal. Knowing the differences between these products will help you make a more informed decision.

Acrylic

At the bottom of the list in terms of both price and performance, we find acrylic. It’s relatively affordable, and easy to apply. However, it does not hold up the same as the three options we discuss below. It is also susceptible to damage from ponding water. Even a small area where water stands will eventually suffer from cracking and peeling, allowing water to leak under the rest of the coating, and even into the RV. Acrylic should be avoided if at all possible because of these issues.

Silicone

Silicone offers much better protection than acrylic, and it is UV resistant, as well. It is not susceptible to ponding water, either. However, it is the most expensive option out there. It also collects dirt and debris, and can also suffer from mold and mildew growth. This can make cleaning it very difficult. Finally, you cannot use any other material to coat over silicone – it will only adhere to silicon RV roof coatings.

Urethane

Urethane is less expensive than silicone, but better performing than acrylic. It offers UV resistance and heat reflectivity to keep your RV cooler during the summer months, and the material is actually pretty durable, to boot. However, it does not last as long as some products, and the strong odor during installation can be an issue, particularly for those with breathing issues. It also requires two coats to seal completely, which adds time and complexity to your project.

EPDM

Finally, we have EPDM liquid rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer). This is a synthetic rubber material that offers much better wear resistance than natural rubber. It is also highly UV resistant, and goes on with just a single coat. Unlike other options we’ve discussed in our list of RV roof coatings, EPDM products (like RV Liquid Roof) are waterproof on application, and while they do require time to fully cure, will protect your roof from the second they are applied with no wait time for them to become waterproof.

How to Tell If You Need to Reapply a Roof Coating

Now that we’ve discussed some of the available RV roof coatings and seen that EPDM is the better option, we need to talk about how to determine if you need to reapply that coating in the first place.

There are some obvious signs that you can watch for, such as holes punched through the roof by falling branches. If you notice water leaking within your RV, or discolorations on the ceiling or walls that indicate a water leak, you definitely need to take immediate action. Other signs that your RV’s roof is aging and in need of a bit of care include seams that are pulling apart, caulking around flashing and vents pulling away and the like.

Ultimately, the best option is to take a proactive stance toward roof maintenance. Inspect your roof periodically – once or twice per year – for signs of wear and tear, or damage. Keep an eye out inside for signs of water leaks, too. Then, make sure you use high quality roof coatings to reseal and recondition that roof.

An RV is a large investment. You naturally want to get as many years of use out of your RV as possible, and that means that you want to take proper care of it. This goes far beyond just getting your oil changed regularly and making sure that you have quality tires on the vehicle for trips. You also need to make sure that you are taking proper care of the roof. In fact, if the roof were to start leaking, it could cause massive damage to the RV that would likely cost many thousands of dollars to repair properly.

Fortunately, there is an easy way to repair the roof and to keep it in great shape, when you utilize Liquid Roof repair coatings for the vehicle. The following are some of the most important facts that you need to understand if you have been considering these coatings for your RV.

What Are the Benefits?

First, you want to make sure that you understand all of the advantages that this type of coating can provide for your vehicle. This will provide your RV with an added barrier that acts as protection from the rain and water that gets onto your roof. It is a quality rubber coating that ensures your vehicle will not have leaks. The coating is highly durable and long-lasting. In fact, it has been shown to last for decades without any problems, meaning the coating could even last longer than the rest of the RV.

This is an environmentally safe product, and it can provide resistance to UV rays that might normally damage the roof. In addition, because it is white, it will help to reflect the sun and keep the interior of the RV cooler.

If you already have leaks in the RV, this can help to get rid of them. Even if you do not have any leaks, you will want to use the Liquid Roof repair coatings as a preventative measure. From the moment that you put the coating on the roof, it is waterproof. This is true even before it fully cures.

You Can Apply It on Your Own

One of the other important things to note about these coatings is that you will not need to have a professional apply it for you. Instead, you can do it all on your own if you choose, and it is very simple to do. Just clean off the top of the roof thoroughly, removing all of the debris and dirt, and then you can use a roller and a squeegee to apply the coating. It goes on just like paint, and you only need to add a single coat for the protection. If you have vents and a skylight, you will want to use a smaller brush to get around those areas.

It is possible to apply the Liquid Roof repair coatings in any temperature. However, it is important to remember that it is only going to cure when the temperatures are at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit or above. It will typically fully cure within just a couple of days. Check the weather before you apply the coating and choose a time when there are a couple days of nice weather and sunshine for the fastest curing times. Naturally, late spring and the summer tend to be the best times to do this.

Now that you know more about these Liquid Roof repair coatings, it is time that you got started with coatings for your own RV. The sooner you take this step the sooner your vehicle will have the protection that it needs.

When you have an RV, you know that you want to keep it in great shape, and that means having a roof coating that can withstand the elements, especially water. Having a leak in the RV is no fun, and it can cause some massive problems, such as rotting walls and floors, and the proliferation of mold. Therefore, you want to use a high-quality product, such as Liquid Roof, which can help to provide you with the protection that you truly need.

It Provides You With Preventative Protection for the RV Roof

Why does this product provide you with protection? It is an EPDM liquid that will adhere to nearly any type of surface, for starters. This is going to create a barrier for your roof that will keep it safe from water that might otherwise find it’s way into your RV. It can provide fast repairs for small leaks, and it will go right over patches, covering them up, and providing you with the barrier you need from the water. Unlike some of the other lesser coating options, Liquid Roof can even stand up to ponding water with no problems.

You will also find that this is a highly durable type of coating that will last for years without any worry. It is flexible enough that it is not going to be damaged in extreme temperatures. In fact, it works perfectly whether the roof is 100 degrees F or -40 F. It will keep on working and looking great.

Application Is Simple

Another one of the reasons this is such a solid choice for your RV is the fact that it is so easy to apply. Liquid Roof is a true DIY product. Clean off the roof thoroughly, and then just follow the instructions from the manufacturer. You can apply it just like paint with a roller and a brush for some of the edge work.

Apply the product in any temperature without a problem. Just remember that the temperature needs to be at least 55 degrees F for it to cure. It will usually only take a couple of days to cure properly.

Instant Waterproofing

When you apply the Liquid Roof, one of the other big advantages is that it will provide waterproofing protection instantly. Even if it were to rain the same day, it is still going to be waterproof. It just means that it is going to take longer to cure. Ideally, you will want to wait until you have a couple of sunny days in a row before you apply the coating to the roof.

Your RV Will Be Cooler

One of the benefits that many people never even consider when it comes to Liquid Roof is the fact that it goes on white. This means that it will be reflecting quite a bit of the sunlight, thus keeping the temperatures in the RV lower than they would be if you were to have a darker colored roof. This is going to be quite helpful if you are traveling through or to hot areas on your vacation.

Even when you have Liquid Roof on your RV, you will want to make it a point to get up onto the roof and inspect it a couple of times each year. You want to make sure that falling branches and other debris has not caused any damage to the roof. It is easy to see why this is such a popular product for RV owners. Get your Liquid Roof coating onto your RV today and have years of peace of mind.

Whether you’re a DIY warrior with an RV, or a contractor who is trying out RV roof coatings for the first time, you’re in luck; cool roof coatings for RVs are easy to apply and don’t take many special skills or tools. In fact, the basic technique is a lot like applying a coat of paint to a wall. Roof coatings for RVs can not only help to keep the RV cool, but can also help protect the roof from damage and make the roof last longer.

In order to get these benefits from a cool roof coating for your RV, there are a few tips to keep in mind for the installation. First, be sure that you can safely transport materials to the roof. Liquid roof coating buckets usually weigh over 60 pounds, so be sure you can lift them up to the roof before committing to the job. You may need to separate the product into smaller containers to make it easier.

Inspect Before You Start

Our first tip is to inspect the roof before you apply cool roof coatings. You’ll want to look for existing tears or blisters, or open seams. Be careful to look around the skylight or vents for tears or any exposed foam. Serious issues must be addressed and repaired before applying this protective coating.

Check the Weather Before You Start

Most cool roof coatings for RVs need at least two days of dry, sunny weather to set properly. Be sure you check for a weekend where the weather won’t be getting too cold at night, and where no rain is imminent. You’ll want to give every single coat of protective covering a full two days to dry, so if you intend to do multiple coats, you need to watch the weather even closer.

Be Sure to Apply Thickly and Quickly

It’s best to apply liquid roof covering quickly so that it does not begin to dry before you have a chance to smooth it out. But as you are applying it, be sure that you are doing an evenly thick coat. One heavy coat can be all that you need to protect your roof. A dry coat that is 10mm thick is a job well done. If you can’t achieve this, two thin layers is just fine. Work directly from the pail, dipping your paint roller into the pail, and then spreading onto the roof. Or you can pour the product onto the roof and spread from there if the weather is cool enough. Don’t do this if the weather is hot, because the pool of product will dry too quickly.

Stand Back and Admire Your Work

Cool roof coatings for your RV are the perfect way to ensure that your home on wheels will be in great shape for decades. And once you get this coating applied, you don’t have to worry about a lot of maintenance. Take your time to do this step right, and you can enjoy years of peace when it comes to your RV roof.

One thing that RV owners are often surprised to learn is just how delicate an RV roof can be. Whether you have a rubber, metal, or polymer roof, there are many ways that this surface can be damaged. From falling tree limbs to temperature fluctuations, it doesn’t take much to get a leak. Many RV owners turn to RV roof coating like liquid EPDM to protect their roofs from leaks in the first place. But if you already have a leak, a protective RV roof coating is still a good idea. Here’s a few tips for applying a protective coating when the leak has already formed.

Find the Leak and the Cause

The first thing to do before you try to apply the RV roof coating is to find the leak, and identify what caused it. If it’s something like “a tree limb poked a hole through the rubber roof”, then you know you’ll need to patch the hole first. But it could be something subtler. For example, you may have a leak where the caulk sealant around the skylight or a vent has worn away. In this case, you’ll need to fix that seal before you can put down the roof coating.

Don’t Try to Fix Bubbles

When you are inspecting your RV roof for leaks, you’ll likely see a few bubbles here and there in the RV roof material. Believe it or not, these are pretty normal, and shouldn’t be thought of as defects. As long as there are no holes in your roof, the bubbles won’t affect how well the RV roof coating is applied. Trying to cut out a bubble or fix it will likely just make more problems. Most of the time, these go away on their own.

Know When a Leak is Too Big to Handle

Most RV owners are pretty handy with the DIY fixes. You have to be when you’re on the road with a big piece of machinery all by yourself. But there are some times when an RV roof leak is too big for a simple patch or re-caulking. If the hole is a major one that is causing a very big leak, you may need to take more drastic measures. The roof may need to be replaced, or repaired by professionals. You can put down the RV roof coating for protection on the newly repaired roof later.

Choose the Right RV Roof Coating

The final tip is to make sure you choose a roof coating that is made for RVs. It’s important that this product be liquid EPDM, which is specifically made to withstand the environmental concerns that plague RVs.

Repairing an RV leak in the roof isn’t all that hard. You can do it on your own if the leak is minor, and once you apply that RV roof coating, you won’t have to worry about it again for another decade! Just get your repair done before the leak becomes a major problem.

Keeping your RV in great shape is something that takes a little bit of knowledge and regular maintenance – but it doesn’t have to be hard work if you are smart about it. One of the ways that you can extend the life of your RV is to use liquid roof repair coatings, which goes on in just a weekend and protects your RV roof for a decade or longer. If you’ve had issues with leaks or holes in your RV roof in the past, you probably know how annoying they are to patch up. Applying a coat of liquid roof repair is a much better option. Here are four great reasons to choose a protective coating before your RV roof becomes damaged.

1. Liquid Roof Repair Coatings Withstand All Environmental Concerns

The biggest reason that RV roofs are damaged is the environment. The sun, the wind, the rain, and changes in the temperature, cause the roof to become brittle and worn out over time. Liquid roof repair coatings are weather resistant, waterproof, block UV rays, and are flexible enough to withstand the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes. That means that all the main environmental concerns are a thing of the past.

2. Liquid Roof Repair Coatings Are Easy to Apply

Any DIY fan can apply these protective coatings with a paint roller and a spare weekend. You just roll on the liquid like a paint, being careful to get an even coat all over your entire RV roof. This product can be applied to metal, rubber, or polymer roofs, and takes around two days to cure. Be sure to choose two days of dry, sunny weather to get the curing done as quickly as possible.

3. Liquid Roof Repair Coatings Let You Set It and Forget It

Once you have this protective coating on your RV roof, you can almost eliminate roof repair entirely from your to-do list. The most you need to do is to check the roof for damage a couple times per year. Otherwise, you just need to keep it clean of debris. The coating is secure enough that you don’t need to worry about repairs and issues for ten years – sometimes longer!

4. Liquid Roof Repair Coatings Are Affordable

Finally, when you bought your RV, you invested a lot of money into having a luxury home away from home for camping. Roof repairs can be expensive if you go to the dealership, but liquid roof repair coatings are very affordable. Getting excellent protection for a decade for a low price is pretty incredible, and it’s a great way to protect your investment.

These four reasons are only part of why these protective coverings are so important. They are also flame resistant, and help make your RV more energy efficient so you can cool and heat your cozy camper much easier. Even if your RV roof is in perfect condition, it’s a great idea to consider adding a protective layer now before any problems arise.