Can You Repair Your RV Roof From The Inside?
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Oh, the dreaded job of repairing your RV roof. No one loves to climb on the roof of their RV. Wouldn’t it be nice to repair the RV roof from inside your camper? This would be a dream come true for those who don’t like ladders. But is this even possible?
This seems to be a common desire among motorhome and travel trailer owners. This is a tricky problem because it seems so convenient to just work inside. If you think that repairing an RV roof inside is a great idea, you need to know some things. Follow us as we talk about proper RV roof repair.
How Can You Tell Your RV Roof Needs Repaired?
There are a few ways to tell if your RV roof needs repair. There are the obvious indicators, and there are the less obvious ones. The most obvious indicator is that you see water leaking into your RV.
If you can’t see the water, you may notice the ceiling or walls inside your camper are bubbling. This is a good indicator that water is leaking into your motorhome. Bubbling may be accompanied by water stains.
Another indicator is that you can see damage to the roof from the outside of the camper. Finally, if an object has fallen through your RV roof, this is a good time to consider repairs.
Is It Possible To Repair Your RV Roof From The Inside?
While it may be possible to repair your RV roof from the inside, it’s not the best or proper way to make repairs. Keep in mind that you are fixing your RV’s roof, not the ceiling.
If you only focus the repair on what you can see from the inside, you may be missing damage outside. While not ideal, a pinch can be repaired from inside your camper. Just make sure you follow up with a proper repair from the outside.
What’s the Proper Way to Repair Your RV Roof?
While making a temporary repair to your RV roof from the inside is OK, it’s not the proper way to repair it. To fully assess and repair RV roof issues, you really need to work from the outside. If you’re needing to repair your RV roof, here are some basic steps you need to take.
- Thoroughly clean the roof and remove any debris that may have settled on top of the RV.
- Locate the place or places where the roof is damaged. Clean these areas particularly well. This’ll ensure that sealants will stick correctly.
- Select the proper seal or patch product for the type of roof your RV has. There are different repair products for aluminum, fiberglass, and rubber RV roofs.
- Apply the product to repair RV roof damage according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If damage is extensive, consider a complete replacement or hire a professional to do the work.
How Much Does Professional Roof Repair Cost?
Having a professional repair your RV roof can be expensive. Professional repairs use the repair size to calculate material and labor costs. Small repairs on a rubber roof may only cost around $500.
The price of repairs by a professional is based on materials needed, time, the class of the RV, and other factors. Owners of large Class A motorhomes will find that repairing or replacing a damaged roof can cost thousands of dollars. While a customer with a pop-up camper will pay less.
This is an extreme comparison, but you have to keep in mind that the roof of each RV class is generally built differently. Motorhome roofs must meet building requirements from the RV Industry Association and the Department of Transportation that differ from towable trailers.
Are RV Roof Repairs Covered by Insurance?
Whether your insurance will cover the cost of repairing your RV roof depends on the cause of the damage. Insurance usually covers repairs if you have sustained damage to your RV’s roof from a falling object or an accident.
Carefully read your insurance policy to fully understand what is covered. Not all types of accidental damage are covered by all insurance carriers.
If the damage to your roof is due to poor maintenance or age, your insurance won’t likely cover repairs. Use the easy steps in our RVBlogger Inspection Checklist properly maintain your RV to avoid aging issues.
DIY Roof Repair FAQs
1. Is a DIY Roof Repair Better?
If you feel confident in your skills or the repair is small, you may be able to do a good job on your DIY roof repair for a more reasonable price. The real benefit of DIY repairs is the cost savings and having a better understanding of your RV’s systems.
2. Can You Use Flex Seal to Repair RV Roof?
The short answer is yes, you can use Flex Seal to repair RV roof damage. Keep in mind that this product isn’t a permanent repair. It’s a great product if you need a quick fix. Follow up a Flex Seal repair with a proper permanent repair.
3. Can You Repair a Section of Your RV Roof?
If only a portion of your RV roof needs repair, you can repair only a section. Depending on the extent of the damage, this may be the best option. For larger repairs, a partial repair is likely to be temporary. Eventually, you may need to replace the entire roof.
4. Is It Safe to Get on Your RV Roof?
Climbing on your RV roof can be safe, with some considerations. If you use a ladder, take your time, and avoid standing on damaged areas. Climbing on your RV roof becomes unsafe if you’re unaware of your surroundings. It can also be unsafe to be on a roof if it’s wet or has suffered extensive damage.
5. How Often Should an RV Roof Be Resealed?
When properly maintained, your RV roof can last for many years before needing to be resealed. Once you do reseal your RV roof, you’ll need to reseal it every couple of years. This is the best way to avoid more extensive damage.
6. How Long Does RV Sealant Last?
The length of time RV sealant lasts really depends on the quality of the sealant you select, how you store your RV and your maintenance habits. Most sealants are intended to last just a few years. Higher-quality sealants can last five years or more. However, even the most expensive sealant won’t last if you don’t properly maintain your RV.
How to Protect Your RV Roof from Leaks
The best way to limit damage to your RV roof is to maintain it properly. Keep the roof free of debris, and inspect your roof regularly. This will help you avoid costly repairs, RV roof inside leaks, and structural damage to your motorhome or travel trailer.
Over time, your RV roof will start to fail if it’s not properly maintained. Wind, weather, and UV rays affect your RV roof. It’s tempting to repair the RV roof inside your camper, especially if you’re on the road or the weather is bad. This emergency repair is OK to quickly stop a leak, but it isn’t a proper or permanent repair.
Related Reading:
Does Eterna Bond Really Work at Stopping RV Roof Leaks?
RV ROOF RESEAL COST
Should I Pressure Test My RV for Roof Leaks?
Can I Use Flex Seal on My RV Roof?
Can I Walk On My RV Roof?
About the author:
Jason Gass is a full-time freelance writer and part-time RVer whose goal is to share great stories around a campfire with good friends.
When he’s not working, he spends most of his time camping, searching for the best breweries, and road-tripping in his teardrop trailer with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.
Source: https://rvblogger.com/blog/repair-my-rv-roof-from-the-inside/
