Even if you take good care of your RV, you might find that it is easy to overlook its roof. With as large of a vehicle as an RV is, you’re typically not going to see its roof unless you climb up on top of it, which makes it easy to ignore during cleanings and general maintenance. However, the roof deserves plenty of TLC just like the rest of the vehicle. A failure to keep the roof clean and maintained could result in a variety of expensive issues, such as significant water damage or rust (depending on the type of material used for the roofing).
So, if you want to get as many years of service out of your RV as possible—and you should—here are some steps you can take to properly care for the roof of your RV, so you don’t have to spend too much time and money at a body shop in Peoria, AZ.
Cleaning
A significant percentage of RVs you’ll find on the market today use rubber roofing, which is great in that it won’t be exposed to potential rusting, but you still need to know how to properly clean and maintain it. Keep in mind that there are different types of rubber roofs, so each RV may have its own set of instructions for how to handle it.
Rubber RV roofs should be cleaned, on average, three or four times a year, and perhaps more often depending on where you park your RV. You should never use any types of cleaners that contain citrus ingredients, harsh abrasives or petroleum solvents, as these cleaners can permanently damage rubber surfaces. Instead, use a medium bristle brush and a non-abrasive cleaner. For example, you could use a mixture of warm water and dish soap. There are also rubber-specific cleaners you can purchase. Always rinse the sides, front and back of the RV before rinsing the roof so you can prevent streaking or damage to the finish of the vehicle. Otherwise, cleaner running down a dry surface will almost certainly leave behind some streaks.
Inspect sealants
Each time you clean the roof you should inspect all the sealants at the openings and seams. If there are even any tiny openings in these sealants, water will start to enter through your roof. Make sure you reseal any areas of the roof around seams and openings where you believe a leak might be coming in. Your RV manual or dealer may be able to assist you in finding a sealant compatible with the material of your roof.
Make sure you exercise safety and caution whenever getting up on the roof of your RV. Falls can result in serious injuries. If your RV does not have a ladder built on to it to access the roof, it probably hasn’t been designed to be walked on, in which case you may need to use plywood or particleboard for better weight distribution.
For more information, visit Ultimate Collision & RV or contact our body shop in Peoria, AZ today.