There is nothing worse than discovering that your RV roof has sprung a leak when you are as far from home as possible, or in the middle of nowhere! Even the most careful of RV owners will eventually find that their RV is not indestructible, and a little repair will obviously be needed here and there on older models. Whether you have already had some rainwater seeping inside, or just want to make sure that this does not happen in the future, it could be a good idea to select an RV roof sealant to protect your vehicle from future damage and damp.
A roof sealant is a tape, or a substance applied with a caulking gun, that works to repair your RV – sealing up any cracks and holes that might have appeared on the roof, or around air vents, roof lights, or air conditioning units. The best RV roof sealants are formulated to also prevent future damage to your vehicle from impact or the elements.
Do You Need RV Roof Sealant?
One of the problems with most of the roof sealants on the market is that they are not particularly environmentally friendly. This is unfortunate for those of us who want our RV trips to be as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. If you are taking steps to save fuel on your RV adventures, and taking other measures to go greener, then you may be disheartened by the shortage of eco-friendly roof sealants on the market.
While the RV roof sealants you can find are not necessarily the greenest of products, it is worthwhile remembering that when you choose a long-lasting and durable product, you should only have to use it once. So that is one reason why finding the best RV roof sealant is important.
Another thing to remember is that repairing an old RV is far more eco-friendly than having to scrap that vehicle and contributing to the world’s waste problems. It is a good idea for the environment, as well as for your wallet, to keep your RV going for as long as is practicable. That might sometimes involve using the odd product whose sustainability credentials leave something to be desired.
However, before applying sealant to that roof, you might want to consider an RV roof coating (insert link to roof coating article) instead. There are some long-lasting and eco-friendly products on the market to coat your whole roof that might actually better fit the bill. There might also be other benefits to adopting this alternative approach.
What To Consider When Choosing RV Roof Sealant
If you have decided that RV roof sealant is for you, there are several different things to consider when you are trying to work out the best one for your needs. You should think about, for example:
Tape or Caulking Sealant?
The first question to ask yourself when searching for the best RV roof sealant for you is whether you would prefer to use a tape, or a type of sealant that is applied with a caulking gun. Which of these two options is the best will in part depend on the nature of the repair that is to be made and where exactly it is, and in part on your own personal preference. Some find it easier to apply tape, while others feel more dexterous with the other option.
The Area to be Covered/ Repaired
Another thing to think about when choosing an RV roof sealant is how large an area has to be covered or repaired. If you are looking at a larger area of damage, or want to cover the roof, then an RV roof coating could be a better option.
Where You Will Be Traveling
Finally, it is important to consider where you will be going. The range of different destinations that you might find yourself in can pose a range of different risks to your new seals. For example, if you are traveling somewhere particularly sunny, particularly windy, or particularly wet, then you should bear that in mind when selecting a sealant. Certain formulations/options will be better than others when it comes to different environmental conditions.
RV Roof Sealant Options
There is a wide range of options on the market, but here are three options generally considered to be the cream of the crop when it comes to RV roof sealant options:
Dicor 501LSW-1 Lap Sealant
This is definitely one of the best self-leveling roof sealants out there. It is extremely versatile as it works on all sorts of different materials including EPDM, TPO, mortar, aluminium, fiberglass, vinyl, and more…
Since it is self-leveling it creates properly watertight seals. It is also UV stabilized so won’t fail if left too long in bright sunlight. You get a good seal every time and since it comes in many colours, you can match it to your RV so it won’t even look like it’s been repaired.
The only downsides are that it won’t work vertically, and, unfortunately, can cause skin, nose and eye irritation and isn’t exactly great for the planet. Still, used in moderation, it is best for getting the job done, and could prolong the life of your RV.
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Geocel GC28100
This is another long-lasting option that could do the job well. It works well on a wide range of materials – though is pipped at the post by our top choice because it is not ideal for EDPM, TPO and potable water installations, and the colorless version can stand out a bit when cured (though it does also come in several different colors). Good things about this option, however, are that it is super easy and quick to use, and is UV and mildew resistant.
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EternaBond RSW-4-50 Sealant Tape
If you would rather use tape then we suggest that this is your best option. It is not only super strong but also super flexible and stretchy – it can stretch up to 700%. This will work even in very wet conditions – the built-in primer means that it can even be used inside ponds, and will bond perfectly to a wide range of different surfaces.
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Choose one of these three roof sealants, and you surely won’t go too far wrong.
Jill Miller is the founder of Your RV Lifestyle. Trading corporate America for the open road, Jill, along with her partner Jose, began their RV journey, making an unconventional start by wintering in New Jersey. A natural adventurer, she was motivated by a desire to explore the USA and beyond, embracing the varied landscapes, communities, and cultures across the country.
For Jill, the allure of RV living was not about material accumulation, but rather the pursuit of an adventurous, fulfilling lifestyle. A lover of golf, bicycling, hiking, and line dancing, she has carried her passions across the country, engaging with them in diverse settings. Jill’s commitment to the RV lifestyle came after years of careful research, numerous consultations with RV owners, and personal trials, including living in a rental RV.