RV Roof Sealing
Do not use silicone caulk!
Silicone sealant is great indoors for caulking cabinets, but it does not work on RV exterior surfaces for two reasons. First one: RV Roofs made of rubber either EPDM or EPO will not allow adhesion of silicone. Secondly, if you do use silicone in areas of aluminum trim and fiberglass joins, it will work and seal these surfaces successfully, but when you want to renew the caulk, you cannot apply new silicone without totally removing the old silicone caulk. Silicone caulk does not adhere to cured silicone.
The following two images show a 2018 Heartland RV with silicone used to seal the rubber roof edge moulding. Notice how the reaction with the rubber compound has already cracked and fragmented the silicone only after two years! At least the old caulk was easy to remove.
Always use caulk compatible with rubber RV roofing materials.
Incorrectly installed in the factory! On the right side of the black aluminum trim, the silicone caulk is fully degraded and flaking off the RV’s rubber EPDM roofing membrane. The left side of the trim, where the aluminum is sealed with the fiberglass, the silicone is still fully intact.
4 Comments on “RV Roof Sealing”
emma
It’s every RVer’s worst nightmare: a tiny roof leak that goes undetected for months, surreptitiously causing mold and rot until it reaches your RV’s interior.
Alan ONeill
Yes Emma it is for sure, but regular checks for cracks and pinholes in your roof, at least once every year, will prevent leaks. You can do a quick check by removing the trim inside the roof vents and skylight. The skylight over the shower in particular. These are usually held by screws in the ceiling and you can quickly see of there are water stains on the areas under the covers.
CT Camper
My experience with silicone is also not worthy as it is very slippery, and can’t be painted. Now, I always prefer RV roof magic for my RV sealing.
https://www.rvroofmagic.com/
Alan ONeill
I have not used RV Roof Magic, but I can see your point. If you use any kind of roof coating, and it begins to degrade, it would be better to consider replacing the entire roof membrane. In my opinion, roof recoating is a cost effective way to extend the life of a deteriorating roof, while avoiding the more expensive membrane replacement. Ultimately, if you can afford it, a new membrane is the best of all. Thank you for your suggestion CT Camper.