Do RV Roof Coatings Work?

Forgive the click bait title, but this 2010 Open Range 5th wheel roof was heavily coated with a membrane sealant rather than actually fix the problem. Surprise, the roof cap seam molding failed and as the membrane was under the front cap, it directed rain and water into the front cap cavity, destroying the closet wall and cabinet. The customer requested to re-build it as best as possible without "going crazy." Join Chad, Micah and me as we re-build another rotten roof!!!
Thanks for watching!

[@CT9905.]

I own the 2014 version of this RV… I inspect my roof every July or August, sealed front and rear cap with Eternabond six inch tape. I thank you for the video.

[@AZExpert]

Good for you!

[@microslavery]

This video really puts things in perspective. A lot of choices need to be made to make a massive home that can be pulled around - everything comes at a cost!

[@AZExpert]

Always!

[@johnclements8549]

I had my Class A roof inspected at Oregon Motor Coach and they did find some areas to correct the sealant. So glad I watch your videos and decided to have my coach roof checked!

[@AZExpert]

Great to hear!

[@petersdraggon]

Thanks for the excellent videos. Great repair work.

[@robertthompson6958]

So interesting! I see the problem and I wonder what’s the solution. That’s why I enjoy your videos James. Always learn something.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks 👍

[@Scoopy4444]

I loved the way you fixed with carpet on that curve frame. Such a good idea , and logic.

[@earlribaudo4807]

Good video. The carpet looks really good against the front wall and even the shelves.

[@AZExpert]

thank you. I wanted to go white the standard RV white ceiling carpet but it's been difficult to find now.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Thanks for sharing another interesting repair!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

AZ Expert I’ll watch you anytime, great man!

[@AfterAnotherAdventure]

Excellent WORK AGAIN!!

[@AZExpert]

Wow, thanks! and Thanks for watching!

[@stevewalcott9546]

Another great repair! That thing was a mess!

[@AZExpert]

Yes it was!

[@mrmudstud5980]

The more I watch your repairs, the more I wonder "when" I will get a leak, but I do check my roof once to twice per year. This spring, I used 5 tubes of self leveling seal and cleaned and resealed my whole roof to update all my sealants. Also, replaced both gray and blank vent caps and redid my skylight. All looks good and white now.......

[@AZExpert]

Checking the roof is really the best insurance against leaks. You're doing great!!

[@robertgall1275]

I'm with you and feel the same when I watch RvRoof Install as well. Not if but sadly when...

[@robertpapps5383]

A real education, thanks for sharing!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@commonsense2469]

Great work!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@JeffinTD]

Super clean nice job! I’m sure that wasn’t cheap but it saved that unit.

[@philw7174]

Yikes. Thanks for the video James. Happy trails!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching Phil!

[@enjoyingretirement4846]

Another good job. Thanks again.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks again!

[@troynoall793]

I'm sure my roof is tucked under my front cap like in this video. I've had to get my front cap replaced once already. I'm glad they used silicone on mine repair to seal everything up.🙄🙄🙄. Great information. Now I know what to look for. Thanks.👍

[@AZExpert]

Glad it helped

[@hillbillyrv]

Another great video. I always love it when I can show a customer what the structure of their RV looks like. Most people have NO idea how these things are made. And the funniest thing was that one of the adds before this video was RV Amour Roof Coating System. ha ha you can't make this stuff up. Thanks Man

[@AZExpert]

Ha! I have a difficult time recommending that RV Amour Roof coating. I've just seen too many coatings peeling off. How about you?

[@hillbillyrv]

@@AZExpert I have seen everything from Dicor 20/20 to aluminum paint on rubber roofs, with disastrous results, but not a lot of experience with the newer roof coatings. Some shysters' came thru our area like 20 years ago doing a rubber roof overlay. It was horrible. The overlay just went around everything on the roof with a little sealer. It was hideous. It was about 3/8 inch thick. I wish I had Video of those.

[@AZExpert]

I'm pretty terrified of being talked into doing a roll on roof sealer and have it fail, and then be on the hook for constant repair or roof replacement.

[@TerlinguaTalkeetna]

Yeah I have a fair number of customers ( I am a owner of a mobile rv service in Terlingua, Tx ) that get someone ELSE to paint roof coating on their leak damaged roofs after I explain that they need to rebuild the roof. Throwing good $$ away in the wish and belief that all it needs is a cheap fix! You can't make this stuff up is right!

[@bryanupton9872]

I know you delineate the difference between RV’s and buildings in this video, but roof coatings do have their place in commercial roofing that use similar single plies. They certainly have their application in the RV world but do need a discerning person to properly assess the needs of the RV.

[@mikeallensonntag]

You guys do solid work at this dealership.

[@darrylg7600]

Curious as to what a repair like this costs? Or the roof replacements that you do.

[@bigjeep2195]

All your funny faces. Another great video.

[@AZExpert]

Glad you like them!

[@jackmason7518]

Good Morning. Would it be safe to say you should put some DYE CORE tape on the top of the cape to help stop leaks from happening. Jack

[@dar7771]

That’s genius! Good job.

[@AZExpert]

Glad you think so!

[@louc6635]

I have the same situation with a roof I'm working on. How did you cover the holes left by the screws in that rubber roof? Or did you you just cut the rubber top shorter and leave the molding in the same place?

[@commonsense2469]

The glued TV mount is a classic!

[@AZExpert]

I have never seen anything like that in my life.

[@gregmacklem]

Have you done a video on how to take care of a rubber roof? I have sold my class C RV that had a fiberglass roof and have a travel trailer on order. It will have a rubber roof. I will inspect and re-apply lap sealant at least twice a year, but is there anything else I can do? Will the silicone roof coatings protect the rubber membrane from UV and make it last longer? I know you aren't a huge fan of Eternabond tape, but I taped up my RV 4 years ago as a preventative measure and it looked as good 4.5 years later as it did when I put it on. Click my profile and you can see a very short video I did a couple months ago showing the Eternabond after 4+ years. What do you think of using Eternabond as a preventative before a leak happens? Any advice you can give will be appreciated as I don't want leaks destroying my camper. Thanks.

[@gregbetts8057]

fantastic job . thanks

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@telliehack2590]

Love your vids And your amazing smile 😃

[@AZExpert]

Thank you!

[@MagaRickn]

Interesting video! We are contemplating the purchase of a 2005 Alfa. Diesel pusher, low miles, seems to be in very good shape. Have not been on the roof. They said they had resealed it this year. What ever that means. Not sure what the Alfa roofs are made of, but everything else seems pretty impressive.

[@AZExpert]

Best of luck!

[@scottsheffield2594]

I have just recently found and subscribed to your channel. Thanks for the great detailed videos. This video addresses the 2006 fifth wheel I recently purchased. Previous owner said there was a leak in front corner like you described. He coated the roof seals with flex seal and it stopped water from coming in that you can see. What I have noticed is a strong musty smell inside, that front wall in corner is spongy inside to press on, The outside corner on side has the delaminating that I have seen you fix in other videos. This video you explained that removing that front cap is the best way to repair the inside wall. I was trying to decide to open from inside or outside. Do you think two mean can handle the weight of that front cap or should I get 4? I'm going to put the roof flap on top of the front cap like you always say. I'm still learning you say dicom directs the water but you need to properly seal. Which seal should I used? I still have more videos or yours to watch before I open it. Im going to go ahead and fix the delaminated side at front when I remove the cap. Im wanting to get the we wood and insualtion removed to hopefully remove the musty smell.

[@torq21]

It would be best if you could get access to a small forklift with fork extensions. I was able to wrangle the front cap on our 5th wheel along with another guy in this way.

[@biggun98056]

Love your videos

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@c.a.mcneil7599]

Another error informative video thanks.... and now I have another way to mount my tv...

[@brucedub1527]

You are good! I have been watching your videos lately and have learned a lot. But also learned how much I don't know. I don't have an RV but it has been my retirement dream to buy a used RV when I retire. Now I am very Leary of all of them. Are you aware of anyone in Tucson who is trustworthy to inspect a roof before I waste my money on a bad situation? Thanks for educating us! keep up the good work!

[@AZExpert]

I do not have any knowledge of any techs in Tucson unfortunately. I ahve little doubt that any veteran RV tech or shop will be able to give a good inspection though. Thanks!

[@hairyyeti21]

looks very good

[@AZExpert]

thank you

[@vegasfordguy]

All of these RV manufacturers should have a class action lawsuit brought against them for engineering everything to fail. The entire RV industry is a huge scam to get you to constantly through money at it. Who on earth thought a super thin rubber roof was a good idea? Why not use an aluminum sheet like on some of the older RV's? I watch a lawyer who has lots of experience in the automotive field and he always urges people to NOT buy an RV unless you know exactly what you're getting into. I personally wouldn't even consider buying anything new. I have a 93 Fleetwood Terry and it's been taken care of, no roof leaks, thank goodness. I think it's a lot more solid then what's being produced today. I wasn't sure about your videos at first, however you've won me over and I enjoy your videos.

[@kigerkarlzeberedi1800]

I followed the recommended insulation procedure and after watching ur video and thinking about it even before the EPDM went on, I think u may be right about how to tuck the Roof over the Front cap instead of tucking it under. Wish i had done it your way", thinking about ripping it up and tucking it over the Front cap

[@AZExpert]

I'm not sure I would have you go through all that. I would just suggest routine inspection. Thanks!

[@kigerkarlzeberedi1800]

@@AZExpert Thanks man love ur videos, 92 gulf stream sun sport been a handful but maybe i got her cleaned up now. Metal frame roof" and styrofoam, little wood thank god.

[@davidparkes7226]

AZ Expert g

[@Inpreesme]

Thank you

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome

[@masapell]

Fascinating! Aside from the importance of roof checks and maintenance, do you have any thoughts on RV covers? Are they “snake oil?” Is waxing the sides and periodic roof maintenance the real way to go?

[@AZExpert]

I have never seen a RV cover last a full season without falling apart from wind, sun. I have also seen them rub markings in due to wind and they can be very time consuming to install, tear down, and store. I would not say they are snake oil, but I'd recommend covered storage as a better use of money. As with most things mechanic, constant vigilance and awareness is probably the best maintenance. Thanks!

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

I carry about 5 different types of sealers. I had a drip last year and I was up on the wet roof with an emergency patch. Since found out where it's from and it's on my list since things have slowed down a bit. That's nasty and the floor looks involved too.

[@AZExpert]

That's a great idea to carry around extra correct sealant. Acrylic sealant won't stick to wet roofs.....but many roof repair tapes will.....in an emergency! Thanks!

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

AZ Expert Dicor. Many types.

[@guyapeterson]

I've got to admit the filon- carpet solution looks really good. I'm surprised they don't come from the factory that way.

[@AZExpert]

I am equally surprised the manufacturers use cardboard here too.

[@joegremminger3575]

I am getting ready to redo my roof on my 28' holiday Rambler Savoy 5th wheel. My question is I have to re laminate the loan on the top and I'm wondering what the best glue to use is. Maybe your top 2. Any information would be very helpful. And I find your videos very informative and I thank you for sharing the information

[@AZExpert]

I guess my first question is are you sure it is luan? If it is rotten plywood it should be replaced. However, I have had good luck with the "great stuff" wall and floor adhesive. The guys at "RV roof installs channel" use a very similar product. It is like expanding foam but it is adhesive. You will need to remove the old membrane of course. It is also possible to use the rubber membrane adhesive as it is water based and will stick to plywood very well. Of course you will need to screw or staple it as the water will warp the luan. Thanks!!

[@joegremminger3575]

@@AZExpert so what I have is luan than about 4 to 6 inches of foam than another layer of luan . than the roof tpo. After cutting into the tpo I found that the luan is totally delaminting. In one of your videos I see you used staybond e183. That is very expensive and not sure I can do my 7 sheets of luan with one gallon . Wondering if there is another glue or if this is the best ? Thanks again for your help

[@AZExpert]

It is expensive glue. There is the green 3m water based contact adhesive which has failed me too many times for me to recommend, or you can try the great stuff foam adhesive, but you will have to make sure you roll it out and follow the instructions. Thanks!

[@joegremminger3575]

@@AZExpert thanks I will go with the good stuff . I only want to do this once . And your videos are extremely helpful !

[@patrickhackett3878]

Does any manufacturer use fiberglass for the roof?

[@spikechampkart55]

If the ceiling got wet and coming down, what direction do you go to put up new ceiling in a bedroom?

[@AZExpert]

If it is just the fabric then I use a spray adhesive like Sta-Put and glue both sides and press it back up. If the plywood is rotten, then is a whole different matter which could get very large.

[@artyberkhoff8878]

Are any modern trailers made well? I have an Amigo motorhome made of fiberglass 1 peice roof galvanized steel siding and marine plywood floors.

[@AZExpert]

lance and artic fox are the more well made brands.

[@gregkiehl64]

Hi looking for a swing out tv mount for a flat screen tv seen in a rental we had but had no name on it thanks

[@AZExpert]

www.campingworld.com/electronics/audio-video/tv%27s-dvd-players/tv-dvd-accessories-hardware

[@tstaples9]

Always enjoy the learning and insight in your videos. I agree with the comments on the front cap sealing, nothing will prevent the leak if it isn't installed properly including those roll on roof seal products, or even eternabond. Looking at the front cap there was no roll on sealant at all on that so that tells me they didn't overlap the boundary and seal that correctly when they installed it. Regardless as you said if there was evidence of a significant leak and damage already, sealing it at that point is silly you're just sealing in the rotting wood for a future date.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@littleweasel1957ify]

Nice!!!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@ericstyer2890]

Sweet reveal. So familiar, that spot has to be the #1 point of failure on 5’ers. Takes me back to 2017 when I brought my 05 Gearbox335 home. Mine was worse but front cap was not as a complex curve as you got there. My front sides were delaminated. Looked like shiznit. I was as much focused on structural integrity as I was water tightness so beefed up its bones. Pretty much ripped the first 5’ out from top to bottom. Rebuilt shelves, rebuilt floor, etc etc. I knew I got a fixer upper but didn’t know the extent of damage. There’s a balance between material strength, weight, cost, and rigidity but seeing how they use cardboard or chipboard and knowing that’s all that’s between you and a damn bear or a tree branch ought to open some peoples eyes. Oh well, is what it is, makes me want one with the fancy plastic nose cap, at least that would take a couple more punches to get into than conventional.

[@ericstyer2890]

Also someone mentioned RVRoofInstalls. Yea who wouldn’t want a commercial grade roof on their RV? I could never afford to have them install it so I did my 35’ roof myself and tried to mimic his process. Got the hand welder and all that Jazz. Used a JohnsMansfield 45mil TPO and made the curbs, even rented the 100lber roller. He says their curbs are a secret 16 piece patent. The difference in what he does and what I did is he has the place and tools and experience to make it look professional. It’s hard to do by yourself but hell you install Filon roofs, I think that looks a hell of a lot harder especially the edges. Keep it real dude. Your stuff is gonna blow up.

[@AZExpert]

Thank you so much!! I do respect RV Roof Install's process and his frustration with build quality too. His setup and catwalks really do make the job much easier and better. There's no doubt they use a quality material, I just wonder about the appearance and necessity of the curbs especially on the roof A/C's

[@josephkopeczy2678]

did they replace the roten 1 inch wide board or they work around it it been nice to it was replace

[@AZExpert]

Repairing can be a balance between cost and serviceable unfortunately.

[@josephkopeczy2678]

@@AZExpert how much the rubber top cost in a roll about 25 foot long

[@fordracer1415]

I do check my roof but I think I better start looking more closely at the cap seams. Thanks

[@AZExpert]

you're welcome

[@sczarnecki5887]

What brand of sealant do you recommend?

[@AZExpert]

That is a very good question. For the membrane roof, usually self-leveling arcylic known as dicor. For the sidewall mostly 100% silicone. For Winnebago and Tiffin roofs nuflex 311.

[@markt7291]

Nice. I get so disappointed when I keep seeing how shoddy these things are made. Even the upper level ones. It’s made me really watch mine and do all preventive measures.

[@AZExpert]

I am equally surprised by many of the construction methods. I try to stress roof inspections because leaking roofs cause so much damage.

[@cullenmiller8170]

I went and looked at more coaches yesterday at an RV dealer in Washington and I would have to say every single unit had water damage or was probably still leaking. I guess you can buy one in Arizona that is sun baked or you get a sponge growing mushrooms in Washington. 😂

[@AZExpert]

I'd rather have one kept in a desert climate

[@Thesaltymedic36]

So it looks like they did a roll on type coating. My friend had a leak around the AC and went to Jacksonville Florida and had it fixed and they did a spray on roof. It looks good and seems to work very well. Pricey but works. I’ve also seen a company from Georgia that does a heat bonded roof and puts everything on curbs like a commercial flat roof. Also pricey. Yeah roll on covering seems like a cheap way to “fix” it, kinda like Eternabond 😂 do you have any experience with a spray on roof? Any thoughts?

[@AZExpert]

RV Roof Installs in Georgia really do seem to do a great job, I think it's overkill on some level, but those roofs should easily outlast the RV! Sprayed on roofs are overall a great durable roof also, my concerns always come down to replacing broken vents or adding items(they have to do it or the warranty is void). By the time you add up the cost and time on long lasting coatings, there is little difference in price for a new roof with all new components and a chance to repair the deck. Thanks!

[@Thesaltymedic36]

AZ Expert that makes sense on both roofs but for the cost of an RV, for some it’s worth it. I think they both will outlast an RV. Would be nice if manufacturers made them that way. Seems the death of an RV is usually a water leak, gets tarped and parked then dies a slow death 😂. Guess it depends on how much money you got, FT or weekend RV person. Thanks for the input 👍🏼

[@lacrossed55]

Slightly confused. How could this have been prevented?

[@AZExpert]

The prevention would have been to seal and secure the molding/trim which holds the fiberglass front cap to the roof deck. Those screws failed and opened up a channel into the front wall because the roof membrane acted as a gutter directing the water under the cap and into the wall. I didn't do a good job showing it. Thanks!

[@rvdogfl]

A lot can happen in a year. I inspect my roof at least 1 once a month.

[@AZExpert]

Yes I agree. Every month is a much better idea. Thanks!

[@tombeilman5579]

Isn’t that FRP instead of filon

[@metoo1189]

I'm in the market for an rv/pull behind tt and after seeing your videos im wondering if camping is worth the time/effort/investment ... Is there a good roof on an rv ? Maybe a Aluminum roof .... What is the best option to avoid a rubber roof ....

[@AZExpert]

Despite my videos, rubber roofs are not bad roofs. Every RV roof needs to be inspected annually, even lifetime warranty sprayed on roofs. RVs get dragged around to places with branches and high winds, damage alone causes more issues than anything else. Left unattended to bake in the weather for years all roofs will fail.

[@tekker8308]

I have enjoyed the sarcasm, but I still am not sure what you mean for us to do by saying "actually fix the problem". Am I supposed to rip up the top cap and see if the rubber is under the front cap? If not, how would I "fix the problem", so it doesn't become a problem?

[@AZExpert]

In general it is just detective work following the leak. I have made a number of videos showing the process and the normal problems(loose molding). What happens is putting more sealant or "roof coating" or tape is always easier and faster than finding the problem so that is why I am usually frustrated by the misuse of those products.

[@richardbrucemusic]

Sorry, but I didn't get much from this one either. What roof coating? Where? How? What did you do (different) to fix it? Your YT videos are batting 0 for 2 in my play book!

[@AZExpert]

sorry, there is a moment when I pull the roof coating back like a flap so it looks like 2 membranes. The coating didn't stick to the membrane and it didn't prevent the water leak. The repair was to drape the membrane over the front molding trim and secure the loose molding in the first place and not just paint a "coating" over the top and hope for the best. I'm not sure how you missed it. Thanks for watching and taking time to let me know how bad I am.

[@JM-nh8yp]

@@AZExpertI thought the same thing, the title of the video doesnt fit the content.. I saw thar part of the video where you talked about the membrane very briefly. Im not going to say your videos are terrible or anything like the other person. But people search by title and its frustrating to watch through a videp waiting for certain information based on the title and find that most of the video isnt about what the title suggests.

[@BS.-.-]

This is the poor quality from the factory you can expect from a mid grade camper? If so how bad are the entry level ones?

[@AZExpert]

Awful

[@salgarcia3032]

I see the carpet, but what’s pilon, under it. That’s not clear.

[@AZExpert]

filon is merely the sheet fiberglass that most RV sidewalls are made out of. It won't rot.

[@sambuvca22]

At least there’s metal frame work in the nose. I will shop for a better built camper trailer for my next one. Something with aluminum frame work. What would you buy in the 30 foot range with all the experience you have? Please don’t tell me they are all built like shit. Lol

[@AZExpert]

I will say that...in general they are all built the same. There really are only 5 manufacturers that have consolidated most of the brands. A laminated unit should have aluminum frame while metal trailers will have wooden frames and of course be heavier. All laminated sidewalls will delaminate at some point. The best advice I can give, for free, is never buy new (get a 4-5 year old unit), have an independent inspector go through it, and Heartland and Winnebago make good towable units. Thanks!

[@jamesfrancis9725]

I wish this guy was my neighbor.

[@AZExpert]

lol

[@mbormann6046]

RV's have only been built for 100 years so it is unrealistic to expect them to not leak.

[@AZExpert]

Water finds a way

[@TheOutdoorAdventureTeam]

Amazing just how cheaply theses things are made.

[@robertbutler8004]

You have to wonder if this RV was worth the cost of repairs!!!

[@AZExpert]

That is a delicate balance for sure, with the rotten roof and front wall it had no value, re-built it should be $10-15k. Thanks!

[@davidkendall6801]

The question at the beginning of video asks if roof coatings work. I heard nothing in this video about roof coatings.

[@AZExpert]

This roof was coated and the coating did not prevent the water leak, that's all. Thanks!

[@michaelcanto6175]

These Rigs are so Flaky, We have a 2006 3712 Raptor and it's a love or labor all the time.

[@AZExpert]

I agree completely!

[@eagerlawncare3700]

It seems like they make them wrong on purpose then find silly ways to keep the water out I would never buy one on purpose but because we had to sell our house left us with little choice

[@AZExpert]

That's awful :(

[@clarencewiles963]

So you’re looking for cardboard rotting. Only good for a onetime leak.

[@wk2761]

We've owned 2 RV's and probably will never buy another one. The build them way to cheap!

[@AZExpert]

Seems that way

[@pault1964]

How do RV manufacturers get away with building such crap

[@AZExpert]

In my opinion its what the customer's ask for. Most new RVers shop on price. Return buyers trade in every few years and those that have a bad experience don't buy another one, so there is little market demand for high quality . Thanks!

[@stevebell4906]

If they built it...You will come!...and you just keep on buying them!

[@CH-mp8eu]

Very informative video with a horrible title that makes it impossible to find

[@pault1964]

You shouldn’t have shown the others and taken all the credit yourself

[@AZExpert]

LOL, I'm a terrible liar and I really like these guys!

[@BurtBowers]

The quality of any rv trailer or motor homes roofing is horrible... Thousands paid for junk I would never buy one even if I was a rich man...

[@AZExpert]

Not the best

[@flexjay87]

You can buy a house in some parts of the country, for far less than a Fifth Wheel or a class A, and yet they are built like third world construction, Pathetic :(

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@stea2494]

My plan is to travel in the US once the pandemic is over. I am looking at rv’s to find what I like and don’t like but man there is so much to not like, these guys (builders) are junkers, so badly built

[@AZExpert]

This failure was due to neglect mostly...but yes most are not made well. I would recommend looking into renting one if your coming to the US for a vacation adn let someone else deal with the maintainence. ;)

[@stea2494]

@@AZExpert yeah, but I want to become a snowbird lol. What do you think of the LUXE fifth wheel construction? I might buy a used one if the price is right.. gulp!! (US $ vs CDN dollar)

[@francishagen8508]

Garbage.... 😂😂😂

[@AZExpert]

Indeed!

[@daleolson3506]

Looks like expensive garbage