RV Roof Maintenance

[@johnstoyell6621]

Have you ever thought about having your roof redone so that you don't have to reseal it? I had a patch on my used RV when I bought it that I was concerned with. I looked into having another roof installed and found a place in Chattanooga called RV Roof Install. They use commercial grade roofing and heat weld the seems to you don't have to caulk. They also warranty their work for 20 years- the RV manufacturers don't even do that. They even offer military discounts. They have a website and also a KZbin channel.

[@markjung2766]

Haha, I really enjoyed the embedded Pledge commercial! Transported me back to my youth in the 70s. (Thank you for NOT embedding a commercial featuring Phil Swift from Flex Seal!)

[@jaytomson7052]

The roof maintenance on my RV has been a big concern of mine. Thanks!

[@davidhenry7585]

The good advice is to consult the manufacturer for product compatibility with your roof system. As a commercial roofer I see acres of tpo, pvc and epdm roofs. Epdm is rubber, usually black, but available in white. TPOhas become the most popular material for a single ply roof. Both TPO and PVC have their advantages and disadvantages. Neither TPO or PVC are very strong against hail. Check your manufacturer concerning what can void your warranty. (12 years is not very much, commercial roofing warranties are usually 15 or 20 years.) Great advice on cleaning! The reflectivity of the membrane is a huge factor in keeping what’s under the roof cooler! People in southern climes save as much as 15% on the utility bills for cooling costs! That’s big!

[@rodneyweatherford4406]

Y’all do an excellent job of explaining the projects you do to your RV, hard to believe you have only been doing this a few years.. High Five Chad n Tara 👍

[@eroomjennings]

R V Armor will solve all roof problems! We got it this year on our RV!! No more caulking just a wash every now and then. I just do not understand why manufactures put a ten cent roof on RV’s; It makes no sense, except they get the repair jobs!!

[@razmondpush2971]

Just another day in paradise, life doesn't get much better from there. Thanks again for the nice how to video. Just a note of my thoughts...do the true air ride first, before solar, you will realize that you should have done it long ago. No matter where you go, your rig will appreciate the ride as well as the all the occupants in the truck.

[@johnnylightning1491]

Note to Chad, don't be mean to Tara. She puts up with you so she must be an angel. Thanks for the lesson in roof maintenance. Keep the good stuff coming guys.

[@CedarHollowJRT]

I'm a real fan of Simple Green. Never have had a problem with it staining finishes. I use it to wash my cars since it rinses so well and doesn't spot. You might want to add it to water so you don't get so much foam. Thanks for the soft brush tip...

[@carlaskillings4312]

Thanks for the tip about using Pledge on seals, never heard of that one before. We have a problem up here in Canada with vehicle doors freezing shut in the winter and I’m going to treat the door seals of my truck with Pledge, thanks again, Wayne from Windsor Ontario Canada

[@howjohndoesit8219]

Mainly the small gutters are for the air conditioner water so it doesn’t run where your camping.

[@robertpowell2746]

Chad on my RV I use the Sun Joe electric pressure washer it's only 2230 PSI. Also I have the foam soap cannon that I use which works good and these are made for automotive and RV finishes. I also use the white nozzle which is the 40 degree for rinsing off the soap.

[@donhaas8547]

One would think that in 2020 we would have a better roof system for RV's. We shouldn't have to put gobs of sealant on every six months to keep the roof from leaking.

[@ChangingLanes]

I'm also supposed to have a flying car and personal jet pack by now! LOL

[@charlie9665]

Changing Lanes 🤔😂

[@coevers1962]

Seems like crazy seal or RV armor go where you are looking Don.

[@Foxathome811]

@@ChangingLanes Jetsons ruined me. Our spacefaring comics set an expectation that makes me laugh when a new product hits the shelves. I thought we already had self driving spaceplanes!

[@brianmurphy8361]

Watch RVROOFINSTALL, this guy is a little obnoxious, but he installs a commercial grade roof on RV’s and they are awesome!

[@TheDryCampers]

Yes! So important to do roof maintenance. There have been many times we have gotten on the roof of an RV and we've had to clean it before we begin installs. Love the Air Tite Preserver - that will be so handy for us! We've done a lot of Grand Design roofs and we also like to use the Proflex Sealant (clear only though!) and it also works really well.

[@Pete-Clark]

I'm so happy to find your channel. I love stacking gold and silver.

[@bobsuzannetravels9054]

Just finished watching the video of 2 days of problems regarding the hydraulic slide and water pump leak. Thank you for the in depth work regarding the hydraulic valve failure and how it affects the slide movement. I really found it informative and interesting

[@davidbooth5851]

Ray from " love your RV " taped over all his areas that are caulked with Eternal bond tape ,looked like a good idea to me , so I ordered 100 ft roll of it . When I got on the roof to take measurements as to how much to buy I noticed the factory had used Eternal bond on the slides ( 2019 Cougar 366RDS)

[@prestondeters5093]

Simple Green is actually a super safe cleaner. You can use it on car paint if you really wanted to.

[@thejagfamily08]

Great tips, we live in AZ so glad we don't have the bad sap like that. I've cleaned out roof twice and ours gets extremely dirty with sand and dirt.

[@bond008a9]

I just sealed my gutter seams a few days ago....Liquid Electrical Tape is amazing for sealing gutters

[@lawrenceconstantine7735]

It's not just Maine it's all of New England. The big white pines and scrub pines weep sap like crazy. I always remove all the sealant and put down all new and on the roof, I never use Dicor Sika-Flex it is not self-leveling but it is a much better product for the Roof and last 10times longer than Dicor and cost half the cost per-tube.

[@lot-a-timers4507]

Awesome video...I was just beginning my research on what I needed to do on my roof...new rig and I’ve been on the road for about 3 months and it’s been under covered storage for about 5 months. I have cleaned it before, but have not added sealant and now know that I’m falling behind and I will do it as soon as we hit warm weather (leaving Idaho in the cold and going to Brownsville / Galveston area the first of the year. THANKS for making roof maintenance so easily understandable!!

[@JamesL5150]

Great video but I would consider using Eternabond tape on all of your seals and not have to worry about them as much, as well as not having to mess with the messy lap sealant. There are actually a couple videos on YT of people doing this.

[@joselitolopez4508]

Making mistakes or forgetting steps is more of a learning experience for us viewers. So make as many mistakes as possible without any real damage to your equipment. Thanks for all your helpful videos!

[@scottdowney4318]

Loctite PL white window and door polyurethane caulk is what would use. I use that on my boat. Plus you can use FG drywall tape to reinforce it. It has a sticky surface, all you got to do it lay it down, then caulk over that and make it smooth and flat with a putty knife. You can also build up multiple layers. And that caulk wont crack and can be primed. A good primer is Bulle eye 123 flat white.

[@TheTallMan67]

Looks good. I bet most RV owners don't bother with this often enough.

[@christinedorbert4615]

This video is great but every time you get close to the edge I get butterflies in my stomach! Lol I guess I'm afraid of heights. 🤦‍♀️ Be careful up there!!

[@jeffwilliams707]

I just coated mine with the same pure silicone I put on my home flat roof - pressure wash it first, and it is PERMANENT - 20 years or better. and, its great heat reflection.

[@settinger14]

Hey Chad - thank you! Another great video! (And nice work slipping in that drone shot!) Really appreciate all of your how-to videos - honestly, when I saw the subject of this week’s video, I thought ‘meh, maybe I’ll watch it some day’, but now that I see what’s involved and how important roof maintenance is, I’m glad I did. Again, THANK YOU!!

[@unknowntraveler8087]

Great video, I wash my roof twice a year. With blue coral and a soft car washing brush.

[@randellgann3234]

Why did you use mineral spirits on the roof? It is a petroleum based solvent. Earlier in video, you said not to use anything petroleum based. Just curious.

[@AdventureWithRaRa]

I have read that alpha roofs that grand design uses recommends no conditioner or additional UV protection. You should check that before applying. Great video to show it is not that hard (for us newbies).

[@plcmundim]

Good work Chad, I'm too old to do hard work, but it's good to see others doing it (laughs). Please more of Tara and Daisy in the next videos and more Lucille ridings! Hugs from Brazil!

[@Microage2009]

If I’m not mistaken, I think the gutters are really designed for ac/heat pump discharge only.

[@digitalawareness4282]

I always have a small bowl of dish soap when I’m caulking....dip a finger in and then you can smooth/shape/control the caulking without it sticking or making a mess....better than those huge gobs of caulk.

[@chadgordy2413]

It’s actually called pine Pitch not sap. I love your guys channel and you have helped us so much, just wanted to let you know that quick

[@matthewcampbell8071]

3m marine 5200 sealant works really well as a sealant too

[@WARRANTW3]

As always I love your videos. No offense Chad, they’re better when Tara is more than just a cameo or voice over.

[@ramonlicha3881]

Great video Chad! Great job and thanks for sharing all this information with us! Stay safe and healthy!

[@dontetzlaff3914]

hello Chad, I haven't seen anyone talking about sealing around the windows and doors and exterior trim. So my question is, how often do you do this? What product / method do you use to remove the old caulking? What sealant / caulking is used to re-apply. Great videos and very much appreciated. Thank you.

[@timinsandiego6979]

lol.. loved the commercial clip. AND... nothing like a clean roof! Happy travels!

[@mbrown1519]

Hello from ( kayak) Mark I'm back at Lone Rock, Utah this appears to be a better time of year to be here. I've been here four days so far no wind.

[@ChangingLanes]

Hey, Mark! 👋🏼

[@MikeC19100]

Another Great Tips video Chad. I didn't realize that the roof should be checked that often, but now that you've detailed why and what to look for I will definitely be doing it much more than I have been up to this point. Simple Green is a great product for a lot of things and it looks like it's also great for RV roofs. You may have said this in the video, but in case you didn't, I recall you mentioned this in a previous maintenance video that it's good to check the rules and staff for your Campground to make sure it's OK to do that kind of maintenance on site. We were at a KOA in Ohio earlier this year and they specifically mentioned that we were not allowed to wash the RV on site, but routine rinsing of the water bay and dump station was acceptable.

[@ChangingLanes]

Yes! I should have mentioned that... We had to pay $10 fee to the park...

[@gotmymojoworking2010]

I love the foot print in the seal around 18:12 at base of skylight

[@rvhome5599]

Use Butter to remove the Sap, yes Butter it works well, it’s not a joke so try it on a spot and you see how it comes off

[@secondwind75]

Great video, Chad. Simple stuff that can make a huge difference. Fantastic gutters you got there! Lol. Almost useless, huh? But great tips otherwise. Missed seeing ya Tara. Hope you’re doing well. It’s probably a good thing nobody has your number because you’d be gettin a jillion calls right now - when Chad used Siri to call you, I know my phone sure did try and find ya! Had to cover the mic until the vid was over. Good thing I don’t know a “Tara” I guess. 😉 Thanks for another great vid. Troy

[@terryhaynes1596]

Super informative. I didn’t think about lubricating the seal on the vent fan. Also didn’t know about the two solvents. Thanks again for sharing.

[@wisconsinbush2940]

It amazes me how much these travel trailers are and how cheaply they are built.

[@surferjoehangten]

Here's my conclusions from watching dozens of videos.....Have fun! TO DO A EPDM RV ROOF: Recommend spray bottle down a 50/50 solution of Simple Green & Bleach, a section at a time, then wait a few minutes and pressure wash off using a 40° fan spray at least 8-12" (depending upon PSI) away from the EPDM roof then let dry 24 hours. The next day, reseal top edges of all the edge trim pieces with non-leveling DICOR sealant, reseal all cracks with DICOR Self-Leveling lap sealant and/or use EternaBond (only where it's really needed) then coat the entire roof with HENRY's Tropicool 100% Silicone white roof coating. It can really be that simple.....JUST 2-3 DAYS OF WORK!

[@rejeanpaquet4375]

Good final tip about the layers of sealant found on a roof of a used RV.👍

[@kimbrennick306]

I am from Maine and we have found that hand sanitizer removes sap from our vehicles without damaging the paint so that may be another option for you!

[@michaelpreviti9168]

Hey Chad I know this video is old but is a big help since I’m redoing Dicore after cleaning denatured alcohol Thank you

[@royh729]

Very important subject and great info. Usually clean our Momentum after every trip where we are under trees and have been using camco's roof cleaner. Says it has a conditioner in it also which can't hurt. Appreciate the info on the sealant from another video and use the Alpha type on ours. Yes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Really enjoy these videos.

[@Andrew-fr3bp]

Excellent video ! Simple inspection and maintenance is vital for the health of your roof. Great tip for the gutter. I have same problem and will try the Flex Seal, thanks!! On a side note, for anyone with EPDM roofs I highly suggest to look into Henry's Tropicool Seam Sealant (885) and Tropicool 100% Silicone Roof Sealant (887). It's designed for EPDM roofs and also acts to reflect heat. I've used both products on our travel trailer with great results.

[@randlayman2668]

I am enjoying your videos, sense of humor and way of getting things done, great music also!

[@ChangingLanes]

Thank you!😎

[@pmtips4482]

The RecPro 1021 looks to be cracking with age. I have 10 plus years on the Dicor lap sealant with absolutely no cracking or separation at all. There are so many different products for the RV roof that are not compatible with each other, it is confusing. Great video! Stay safe!

[@ChangingLanes]

All lap sealant will shrink, but maybe dicor is a little better at holding up.. But, do keep an eye on it... 👍🏼 Thanks for watching! 😊

[@jodymccain3258]

Your videos almost convince me that I'd be able to maintain/fix an RV. Still researching for a potential move in the future. Thanks so much for your hard work!!

[@richardhuffman58]

As much as RV’s cost. The Roof should always be maintenance free!!

[@GunsmithLC]

Very good video - and it reminds me to climb up there on ours and do a cleaning when I bring it out of the pole shed next spring...

[@travelingsulls]

When you have sap on your paint, roof or slide top/awnings, use a some WD-40 om a rag and it will wipe right off without causing any damage. Won't dry out anything like alcohol could do.

[@rjmmonty]

Mr Clean Eraser works great on stains on rubber roof. Cleans stain off the sealant with pretty much no effort.

[@PreacherwithoutaPulpit]

As someone who couldn't do this themselves because of not only severely disliking heights but loss of mobility due to age, how expensive is it to pay someone to check over and seal it once a month if it needs it? Old video but hopefully someone sees this who knows and thanks in advance if you take the time to answer. Another great, informative video, thanks Chad and Tara...

[@ChangingLanes]

I'm not sure how much one would charge, but I'd imagine one hour or labor. If paying someone, maybe once every other month or once a quarter as long as they do a good job and seal anything questionable.

[@robe4314]

Amazing tips Chad! My MaxxAir vent has been sticking and it drives me insane...using pledge is genius. Also good to know Simple Green is safe to use. Keep up the amazing work.

[@Bradamsmx5]

Leaky roof is my biggest fear. Especially on an older RV. Ours is a 2005 and the roof appears to be in great condition still. The self leveling sealant is 4 or 5 colors on most places. I recently removed all of the sealant from one of our fantastic vent fans so I could reseal it. Do you or any of your followers have any tips for this? I used a scraper and really took my time so as to not puncture the membrane on the roof. Love the “how to” videos. You guys do great work on all of your videos though. Keep ‘em coming.

[@ChangingLanes]

Everything I've seen on removing old sealant is just like you said... take your time and don't gouge the TPO.. 👍🏼

[@devenransom9274]

Love watching your channel. Great information and you guys always stay positive. Other influencers are starting to focus on negative things so they get more views. I appreciate you guys staying positive.

[@chriskriaris2671]

Use a silicone coating starts off at a 15 year warranty. Uni-Flex would be a good choice.Use a silicone mastic and mesh around all penetraions also. Yes you can clean with simple clean on most but check with your coating/silicone manufacure.Silicone will get a little mopre dirt build up but washes right off witout really even brushing it. It also has better expansion and contraction and will not split l;ike a elsatromeric can. Hands down use silicone. I have been a roofer for 35 plus years and contractor in arizona for 20 plus.

[@richardcoyle2635]

Good job Chad.I need to look at mine even tho it is new. I don’t know how long it was sitting on the lot.

[@seanpatrickkinney9593]

"Hey can you come out quick please" "For what reason?" LOL!!! way to relatable :P

[@AdventuresWithBrian83]

I know my wife would have assumed I had fallen off or otherwise gotten myself into some kind of perilous situation.

[@criddlecrew]

for what reason doesn't work for me.

[@WilliamsFamily204]

One thing to watch for on a roof inspection is cracks in the skylights especially in the corners. I have had two skylights on different RV develop cracks which can leak into the frame of the skylight and wet the roof structure and drip inside eventually. You can use self-leveling lap sealant on those too as long as it isn’t on the vertical side of the skylight.

[@ChangingLanes]

Good point! 👍🏼

[@nomadicratpack7886]

Thanks for showing how thorough you are with cleaning and resealing your roof, I do my inspection twice a year, also I usually do not leave a comment even though I watch your videos because I am usually using a firestick, I did go to my phone to leave a comment for you ,take care. PS I think you forgot to tell the people there are two types of sealer, self-leveling and non self-leveling ,just saying ,you know, I'm a ex RV technician, I caught that lol

[@ChangingLanes]

Yea.. good point. I always think of things like that after.. LOL

[@kelly2423]

I have a pvc roof on our toy hauler. It has a 25 yr warranty. Thank God!! 😆

[@benryan9466]

Good job do you make house calls, kidding aside using denatured alcohol can leave dry spots be sure to re coat with UV protectant for rubber roofs. Also great video as usual and very informative.👍🇺🇸

[@shelribelin8144]

Great Video!! Lot’s of Food ForThought!! Chad you made some great points. Thanks & Safe Travels

[@bettyfaria5071]

We use hand sanitizer to remove sap. We camp five and a half months on Cape Cod. Plymouth MA. It works and is gentle.

[@alexl710]

Be careful, hand sanitizer can contain petroleum which is harmful to the rubber roof

[@bettyfaria5071]

alexrlee96 that’s good to know. Ty.

[@alfredemerson1139]

Hand sanitizer is Alcohol

[@ChangingLanes]

Yep! We showed that in our wash wax video... It's the alcohol that breaks it down...

[@bettyfaria5071]

Alfred Emerson yup but it’s format stays where put to work the sap and wipe away.

[@stevew.2049]

Informative video! I really enjoy the channel..Would suggest including a video segment on how your get up there safely..

[@ryangremminger1]

Hey there, I love all your videos I subscribed a while back and I get a lot of value from a lot of the things and topics you guys cover on your channel. Bravo! I have a follow-up question to your Eterna Bond application. Of course you've moved on from the camper that you put Eterna Bond on, this is an older video, but before you sold it did you have any update on the performance of the eterna bond? I recently watched your big recap of your wireless internet stuff in your new rig and you put that 12x12 box up on the roof. In doing that you used lap sealant versus Eterna Bond and I noticed in the background you had lap sealant factory installed on other penetrations. So I guess my ultimate question is will you use eternal Bond again in the future or did something happen that turns you off from that product? Thanks again for all your very useful content!

[@Thegaragefiles]

Great video showing the process and different products that can be used.

[@michaelandre542]

Have you heard of “IBIZ waterless wash and wax” or “top coat F-11” ? Staying at a campground that don’t allow to wash campers or trucks. I used the IBIZ in camper and it worked marvelous but I have NOT tried it on the roof. Just wondering if you knew anything of it? Plan on calling the manufacturer of this product to see about using it on rubber roofs. Thank you for all your great videos!!! We have a 2019 cyclone 4007 model triple axle and keeping maintenance up on it is way easier then a house (in some ways) lol

[@loneranger8293]

Great video Chad! What are your thoughts on Eternabond or other RV tape fixes? RV Rubber roof is another great product. Cheers.

[@rachaelb9164]

Where my RV is parked is under a freaking pine tree so the needles are a pain to clean constantly. Some ended up in my sealant when I redid that.

[@DANsTrucking_Outdoors]

Simple Green works great in fan rooms and bilges too. Works far better than "Cleaner, general purpose, spray on wipe off". The real question is, how many of your followers will get the reference?

[@WilliamsFamily204]

A green scrub pad and GP.... old school

[@robdriggers4911]

May be a silly question but here it goes. Any specific type of Pledge? There's all kinds online. haha. Thanks!

[@topndropfuturestrading]

Seam sealer on the outside will work too

[@kathleenrutherford733]

Thank you for sharing I always trust your information. Im going to start on mine today

[@steelpix]

Do you add any sealant where your roof material meets you gutter? BTW...I always enjoy your KZbins videos. Great resource.

[@jrt0127]

You should use caulk caps for your open tubs It is great and very cheap

[@mikekilgore4887]

Really enjoy the informative videos. You guys do a really good job of explaining the how and why.

[@jdenslinger]

gutters are more for dew run off, so you're less likely to get streaking down the sides. Heavier water flow runs off and not down the sides.

[@LifeonOURtime]

Wonderful video. Sounds like I need some denatured alcohol now! Tree sap, what a bigger to get off!

[@chipglavin531]

Have you considered RV Armor Roofing. It is supposed to be a lifetime maintenance free roof. Just bought a new Fuzion 430 Toy Hauler and am considering this as an option to the constant checking and sealing.....

[@tyleraikens6687]

Great thing to get sap off is hand sanitizer. Gel version works great because it will hold location.

[@n1uno1965]

Another super video. I wonder if you mark it on a calendar for checking the seals👍🏻 thanks for the info!

[@ChangingLanes]

As soon as they stick once, I know it's time.. 😀

[@papajoej]

In my tool box, i always keep Duct tape and baling wire in it. Now I'm LOL going to have to keep a calking gun available.LOL

[@craigsayner7341]

I would think when cleaning the sealant pour some mineral spirts into a small cup and use a tooth brush. That would get into the bumps better.

[@Troy77787]

Question for anybody that can give me a solid, true honest answer from experience. So I understand checking the seals around the vents and AC units and around the edges of the roof but what is best for maintenance for the rest of the roof like putting some kind of sealant or protectant over the main sections of it? Hope that makes sense. Thanks in advance.

[@rickhicks3477]

Always a good video. You need to watch A Z Expert. He is in Arizona. He does alot of R V roofs. He can tell u about which sealants to use 👍👍

[@mlucera2000]

So, maybe someone should make roof sealant from pine sap!

[@wcarlhepker4806]

You are a lot more diligent than I am. Congratulations! You are to be commended!! What do you do for the fabric of your awning? The manufacturer says to use bleach but when I do, I ruin the clothes I am wearing. Does the Simple Green you used on the roof do it for the awning? Thanks for the great maintenance example !

[@ChangingLanes]

It does a decent job. I'm sure bleach would do better. I used the denatured alcohol for the sap.

[@Kjellmclean]

No outtakes?! WTHeck? I want a refund! 😤😜🍻 💥 *BOOM* 💥

[@andysukosd8177]

Great video, great tips, firm believer in preventive maintenance. Thank you for sharing.