Repairing Fiberglass and Rubber RV Roofs

Your RV is important to you, and so if you want to keep it around for as long as possible, maintaining the roof is possibly the most important step you can take. At Carolina Coach & Camper, we know how much your RV means to you, so we assembled this brief guide which discusses fixing your fiberglass or rubber roof. If you come across a bigger problem that's outside your ability to fix, don't be afraid to call or bring your RV into our location near Charlotte and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Our team of talented technicians will have your RV fixed in no time.

Why You Need to Repair

When the sun's out, it's easy to think about your RV because you want to go use it! However, it's during the offseason that much of the worst damage can be done. Identifying and fixing problems early is the key to keeping small issues from becoming catastrophes. Water leaking into your trailer will cause mold and mildew if left untreated. This is due to the warmer conditions and stagnant air that can occur in an RV that's not being properly ventilated. Not only can these fungi be dangerous for your health, they can also make staying in your RV miserable. Also, because water expands when it freezes, small leaks can expand in size, letting in more water and potentially even pests. All of which can be prevented with just a little regular maintenance.

Preparation

The most important step in fixing an RV is consulting your owner's manual. This book provides everything you need to know about what sorts of products, techniques, and services will work best for your RV. Next, choose a time when weather will allow you to make any necessary fixes. You'll need plenty of time to let your patch dry before rain comes. Once you've reviewed the relevant literature and picked a time to work, start by giving your RV a good scrub down. You'll want to use a mild detergent with water, and use brush that's sturdy enough to get any debris, tree pollen, or sap off your roof. This may take a while depending on how much has accumulated on the roof of your RV, but it's important to follow through and clean it thoroughly. Then, rinse off the soap with more water and squeegee away the excess water. Finally, dry the entire surface with a clean towel.

How to Fix Holes and Cracks

Because the types of products you use will vary from trailer to trailer, you should read the directions on the label of the specific product you are using. For small holes or cracks, a silicone or rubber sealant will work just fine. Apply a generous bead to the problem area and spread it thin on the edges with a putty knife. You'll want to spread it thin enough to provide at least an inch of sealant in every direction around the opening. If you have somewhat larger holes that you were able to catch early, you can still fix them yourself, but it will take more work. Fiberglass screen tape is a good tool for slightly larger problems. Start by putting down a thick layer of adhesive around the edges of the hole or opening. Then, put the tape over the area. Finally, apply more sealant on top of that, scraping it through the screen with a putty knife. Apply successive layers until the hole is completely covered over.

Professional Help for Big Jobs

For larger holes or more advanced leaks, it's best to bring your RV into technicians with specialized knowledge. The experts at Carolina Coach & Camper can fix your RV in no time. If you live near Charlotte, Winston-Salem, or Asheville, North Carolina, or Spartanburg, South Carolina, give us a call or stop by our dealership and service center. Our team of RVIA Certified Service Technicians works on any type of RV, and we can have your RV fixed and on the road before you know it.