Checking your RV roof seals

In today’s Tech Tip, we are going to discuss how to check and maintain your RV’s roof seals. 

The rain showers have passed, the roof is dry and guess what’s taking place upon your roof? 

The sealants are beginning to dry, crack and shrink. You see, most sealants are made with acrylic, and that acrylic is water based and because it’s water based, it shrinks. That being said, twice a year we want to get on the roof of the RV if you’re physically able to check the seals. 

Generally you will start from the front of the RV on either the curb or street side, positioned on your hands and knees, to inspect each and every one of those seals. You need to be aware that it doesn’t take a very big hole for water to intrude and cause a VERY big problem. 

Now, you can go with the same acrylic based sealant which is typically Dicor Alpha Systems, or Dicor, but you may be considering going with a different type of sealant. I recommend a product called AfCat, which is a polyuria, meaning it doesn’t shrink like an acrylic. 

That being said, regardless of which product you choose to use, you will want to thoroughly clean the roof’s surface, ensuring beforehand that you aren’t using a petroleum based product. Good old soap and water, a simple green or something similar, will be fine. Make sure you let the seals and surface air dry thoroughly before heading to your next step. 

Next, we are going to apply the self leveling Dicor or the Afcat, which is different in that it applies similarly to a silicone, meaning it doesn’t self level the way the Dicor will so you will need to smooth it out during the application. The Dicor or the Afcat may also be layered over one application of your previous sealant. 

Now, if you have several applications layered already you will have a larger job, as the old layers will have to be removed before applying a new coat of sealant. But for those of you who haven’t replaced your seals yet, this is a good time to get up there and repair any possible holes in your roof before they cause much larger problems down the road. 

And there’s your Tech Tip!

If you would like to be able to fix the majority of the problems on your RV, or let’s say you want to open a business and become a certified technician or inspector? Head over to our website at www.nrvta.com, select the programs tab and get started today!