RV roofs don’t last forever. This motorhome’s EPDM roof from the 1990’s had to be replaced. Photo: C.Dougherty
Having a good roof over your head is essential when traveling.
RV roofs don’t last forever. This motorhome’s EPDM roof from the 1990’s had to be replaced. Photo: C.Dougherty
This ignored roof on a seasonal trailer was dissolved through by acidic tree residue left on it for years. Photo: C.Dougherty
However, RVs are dynamic structures that withstand stresses many other structures never have. The sealants are flexible, and the materials lightweight so that the RV can be easily towed from location to location.
RV roof seal maintenance begins on day one- this is on a brand-new RV at the manufacturer’s facility before the unit has shipped. Photo: C.Dougherty
The roofing materials on most RVs require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure they stay watertight. Sealants can fail, and branches can tear open holes in the roof. The materials age over time, and even the toughest rolled membrane will eventually give up to the environment.
However, some solutions will extend the life of your roof or even cover the RV with a 50-year or even lifetime-rated roof. But is it worth the cost of materials and labor to install them?
Well, it depends.
Most RV roof membranes carry a 10- or more-year warranty on the material, and with care and maintenance, they can do their job. However, all the sealants on the RV need constant vigilance to ensure they don’t open up.
Some roof coatings, like many DIY versions, will add a couple of years to the membrane but do nothing to address the real issue of seam sealants. These add a layer of protection, improve appearance, and reduce black streaks on EPDM roofs. Seam maintenance can be enhanced with these coatings by adding Eternabond tape to the seams. When installed correctly, Eternabond works excellently. It can be hard to remove if required, but there are ways to work around it to replace a piece of hardware or other repair.
Products like Crazy Seal and RV Armor are applied by hand and take multiple days to prep and install. Photo: C.Dougherty
One roof coating I have worked with that is a DIY roof “replacement” is Crazy Seal. Crazy Seal is a silicone-based multi-part coating infused with polyester threads for added strength. We installed this product when I was at Trailer Life, and while the installation was a bit of work, the result has been great over the years. The product has withstood season after season outdoors, branch hits, etc., with no damage. While Crazy Seal doesn’t have a “lifetime” warranty like some other applied roofs, it has a 50-year product warranty. In RV Land, that might as well be a lifetime! A kit that can cover a 40-foot fifth wheel costs under $2,200 and includes all the products you’ll need for up to 400 square feet.
For the ultimate protection, there are options for a lifetime-guaranteed leak-free roof. Of course, I mean short of physical damage, component failure, etc. These include RV Armor, Flex Armor, and spray-on bedliner-type materials. Applying these roofs usually takes days and depends on the individual RV. RV Armor’s website claims they start at $4,200.00 for a roof, which is about $175.00 per linear foot. So, the same 40-foot fifth wheel would be about $7,000.00. These are seamless, thick, and guaranteed leak-free. I have seen many of these roofs, and they perform as well as expected.
Pros of lifetime coating system (DIY or Installed)
- Permanent, guaranteed leak-free roof
- Reduced roof maintenance—note that I did not say eliminated! There are lots of items on the roof that require cleaning and checking for sun/UV damage, impact damage, etc. These include air conditioners, vents, antennas, and the like. The roof itself should be cleaned regularly like the rest of the coach to reduce streaking and fallout from running down the sides of the coach.
- Possible increased resale value – The right private buyer may pay a premium for a premium RV with a lifetime roof. But book values are book values, so don’t count on it.
- It can be less expensive than paying for a complete membrane roof replacement.
This is a completed Crazy Seal roof. Photo: C.Dougherty
Cons of lifetime coating systems
- The upfront cost of installation – however, this can be offset by reduced maintenance costs amortized over years of ownership.
- The owner can repair Crazy Seal with material provided by the company. However, sprayed roofs must be repaired by the installers. These coatings are so tough that damage is unlikely, but if something happens after a repair, it’ll be as new.
- Weight—Adding one of these roofs over an existing membrane or other roof substrate can add considerable weight, which must be accounted for in your cargo-carrying capacity. Do your homework on this one if your RV is loaded to the hilt. Of course, the difference is more negligible if your existing roof is being removed. Many installers will do deck repair if there are soft spots that need attention before applying their product.
From my standpoint, the decision comes down to peace of mind, affordability, weight concerns, and how long you intend to keep your RV.
If I needed to replace the roof on my RV, I would strongly consider the applied roof systems. I also recommend them.
