How’s Your RV Roof Doing?

There are several ways to sell a recreational vehicle. You can consign an RV, you can sell it on your own, or you can call SellMyRVToday.com. But until you sell it, you must take good care of it. For instance, how is the roof on your RV?

It may seem strange to ask about the roof on your RV, but unfortunately too many people don’t. Because RV roofs are basically flat, water or melting snow does not run off them very easily. And as that water sits on you RV roof, it can do some damage. You really should inspect your roof every 6 months to check the sealants at the seams and all of the items that protrude through the roof.

There are 4 common materials used for RV Roofs: filon, aluminum sheeting, molded fiberglass and rubber. Molded fiberglass and aluminum sheeting are usually the most durable. Still, any material can be punctured by a tree branch or cracked by impact or pressure. Make sure you look for these kinds of issues. In fact, filon is a thin sheet of fiberglass that can crack easily. Rubber roofs are inexpensive and easy to install, making them a very popular choice for RV roofs.

Even though rubber roofs have a few positives, the downside is that they require the most maintenance and care of all the materials. When you inspect your roof, check to make sure the rubber hasn’t come loose from the rooftop, or pulled up from the edge. One concern is if the rubber is not adhered correctly to the roof surface, it will lift while going highway speed. This means it will ultimately rip, and might even pull loose at a seam. Because a rubber roof so often has problems, it must be checked at least every 6 months to verify it is secured at all seams, on the roof deck, and that the material is in good condition with no cuts or scrapes.

The way you tell if the rubber roof material is in good condition is by looking at the texture. The roofs are made with a thin, white layer on top that protects the rubber from the sun. When the white looks like crackling leather, then the seal needs to be redone right away. Also, if you see black spots on the roof, there are 2 possible problems. It could be mold, or it could be a place where the protective finish has worn off. If the spot will wipe away with your wet finger, it is probably mold. If wiping on it makes it bigger, the roof needs a seal coating right away.

Usually the reason the protective coating has worn off is because someone is cleaning the roof by scrubbing on it with either a brush that is too stiff or a power washer. Only a soft bristle brush with gentle water from a hose should be used while cleaning your roof. Contact a dealer to purchase the correct material to protect your RV roof. There are a few different choices that range in prices. Remember, a cheap brand will oxidize and that may cause white chalky residue to run over your windshield during a rainstorm. A better brand won’t oxidize at all.

At SellMyRVToday.com, we understand your RV is a huge investment and you want to take care of it. We also understand that RVers are like family and we want to help take care of our family. That is why we include information about taking care of your RV on our website. We also hope that if the time comes when you are thinking about selling your used motorhome on your own, or you want to consign your RV, you will give us a call instead. Our business is to purchase RVs. If you give us a call and let us know what you have to sell, we will make you a fair offer. Then we will come to you, pay you and drive away in what used to be your RV. It’s that easy. We’ll help you take care of your RV while you are using it, and you call us when you are ready to sell.