10 Issues That Could Plague Your RV’s Roof
What are some common issues your RV’s roof may experience?
If you have been an RV owner for a while, you probably know that one of the most common repairs on an RV is RV roof problems. Recreational vehicles are not a cheap purchase, and as an RV owner, you need to understand possible RV roof problems so that you can keep your RV for a long time. Here are 10 RV roof problems you need to watch out for so you can stay on the road.
1) Tree Branches
The most common issue that leads to repair work or RV roof problems is tree branches. You may not be thinking about RV roof problems, because most car owners have solid metal roofs. However, RV roofs are not as solid, and depending on the type of roof your RV has, a tree branch can puncture the roof of your RV.
Roof penetration, even by small tree branches, can lead to water damage. If the damage is severe enough, you may have to replace the entire roof. If you have a rubber roof, you need to practice regular maintenance to ensure you don’t end up with RV roof problems. Even aluminum roofing can be dinged, dented, or scraped by tree branches, and leaks may occur.
2) Cleaning With The Wrong Cleaning Products
Most RV owners love cleaning their RVs as soon as they return from the mountains, the beach, or their favorite RV park. However, you need to be aware of what cleaning products you are using to clean the inside as well as the outside of your RV.
Check your cleaning products to make sure there aren’t petroleum products in your cleaners. Petroleum products can damage the roofing material, especially if you have a rubber roof or a vinyl roof. Using petroleum products to clean can cause water leaks and water damage.
3) Tire Blowouts
When you think of tire blowouts, you may not think about roof damage. However, RVs frequently experience tire blowouts, and while you are trying to keep the RV safe until you can get it stopped, and you’re thinking how to contact someone for mobile RV repairs, you probably aren’t thinking about roof repairs. As soon as you are able after your tire repair, have your roof checked for damage.
4) Poorly Sealed Roofs or Valleys
If you purchased a used RV, you need to have the roof checked, whether it is a rubber roof, a fiberglass roof or an aluminum roof, especially if you plan to keep your RV long term. If your RV is more than a few years old when you bought it, have the roof and valleys (where the planes of the roof join together) inspected. Often, water can leak into the RV through the roof or the valleys and cause expensive damage.
5) Air Conditioners
RVs with air conditioners are the height of travel in the summer. However, having an air conditioner on an RV means you need to pay attention to the condensation coming from the air conditioner. All air conditioners have condensation, but if your RV was made correctly and the AC unit was installed correctly, you will just need to check for signs of water.
Over time, condensation from an air conditioner near the roof can cause roof leaks. If you’re worried about your air conditioner, have a qualified RV mechanic do an RV a/c repair.
6) Broken or Damaged Roof Shingles
If you bought a used RV, you need to climb up to the roof and look at the roof. Do you notice different patches on your roof? Those are called shingles. Often people have to repair and seal their RV roofs.
At the beginning and end of the RV season, it’s important to check your roof shingles for damage that could cause water leaks into your RV. Not sure if your roof shingles are damaged, but you don’t want to climb up the ladder to check? You can look for mobile RV inspections locations when you’re home or traveling.
7) Caulk
Have you checked your caulking lately? If you have a skylight or vents on your roof, make sure they have been caulked. If you have worn or broken caulk, it can cause water to leak into your RV from your roof. While you’re at it, it wouldn’t hurt to check the caulk around your windows and doors as well.
8) Roof Sealants
Roof sealants meant to waterproof your roof can break down, especially by skylights and vents. You need to have your roof checked yearly to see if you need to reseal your roof. Tiny cracks in your sealant can expand over time and lead to huge roof issues.
9) Exposed Screws
Depending on the make and model of your RV, it is possible you have screws on your roof holding down roofing materials. Most good RV manufacturers use screws to install the roof, then cover them with protective sealant to keep water out. Make sure all of your roof screws are sealed to prevent water leaking around the screws.
10) Improper Maintenance
You may have a great mechanic for your car, but you need to understand that your great car mechanic can’t do mobile RV repairs on the spot. Mechanics need special training to service RVs, and if they don’t have it, your roof could be suffering from lack of maintenance. Make sure your RV mechanic is qualified to do all the maintenance and repairs on your RV before to take it to the shop.
Contact AA Mobile RV Repair for RV Roof Repair
You have invested a lot of money into your RV, and you want it to last for years. If you need RV gas repair, RV diesel repair, RV oil changes for gas and diesel engines, RV hot water repair or RV generator repair, why not call AA Mobile RV Repair? We conduct mobile service calls for RV owners in Largo, Tampa, Pinellas, New Port Richey, Crystal River and all the areas in between in Pinellas County. Contact us today to schedule service.