Best RV Roof Coatings and Sealants to Maintain Your Roof

You’re ready to hit the road and go on your next big adventure outdoors. You and your RV are both roaring to go, but then you hit a bit of a snag.

You’ve noticed water damage on the ceiling of your RV, all thanks to your unprotected roof.

Or maybe you’re sleeping peacefully inside your RV, only to feel the rain falling onto your face through the cracks on your roof.

If you’ve ever had this type of problem, or if you want to avoid this kind of scenario, then you need to invest in quality roof coatings and sealants for your RV.

If you’re in a rush and just want to know what the best RV roof coating is, the Dicor RP-CRC-1 Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating is our top pick to keep your camper’s EPDM rubber roof in excellent condition.

The Value of a Protected Roof

Whether you invested in a brand new RV, bought a used camper, or remodeled your own car, the roof of your RV is likely made up of durable material. Rubber is the most common material, but other types of RV roof include fiberglass and aluminum-based roofs. While all are designed to be durable for outdoor trips, they aren’t invincible. Different materials require certain amounts of maintenance. Plus, wear-and-tear will degrade your roof over time.

A protected and well-maintained roof can go a long way in securing the value of your RV. It can last longer. You will also save yourself from expensive repairs in the long run.

One of the most effective ways to protect your RV roof is to use coatings and sealants. RV coatings work by adding a protective layer on your existing roof so that there’s greater protection against harmful UV rays, rainfall, and environmental debris. RV roof sealant, on the other hand, works by preventing the entrance of water into your RV. This can be used around roof vents, skylights and other equipment secured onto your roof.

Top 5 Best RV Roof Coatings and Sealants Reviews

Why do you need to seal your RV roof?

To keep your recreational vehicle safe from:

• Leaks
• Corrosion
• Heat
• UV rays
• Rain, snow, and falling debris

How can you find the best RV roof coating and sealants for fiberglass, aluminum, and rubber roofs?

Easy! Just read this guide to the top five best RV roof coatings and sealants where you’ll find information on each brand like pros and cons, important features, customer feedback, and which type of RV the sealant or coating will work best so you can spend your camping season feeling confident your RV roof is safe from the elements!

BEST FOR – RVs that need a complete roof reconditioning with several durable layers of protection that will last for years.

PROS:

• Made for RV rubber roofs
• Easy to apply and clean up
• UV-resistant
• High flex
• Durable against weather extremes

CONS:

• Expensive

The Dicor RP-CRC-1 Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating is a product made specifically to prolong the life of RV rubber roofing from a company well-known in the RV industry. 

The acrylic coating not only provides an excellent barrier for extending the life of the EPDM rubber membrane found on many recreational vehicles, but it helps eliminate roof rumble as well.

Customers note how easy it is to apply this coating by brush or roller and how quick it dries, making the second coat go on with less wait time. Another plus is this RV roof coating holds up exceptionally well to all weather extremes, which stops shrinkage and cracks that can end in leaks.

The issue customers mention most is the price, which can become expensive if you own a big travel trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome, and you require several gallons to coat the roof.

BEST FOR – RVers who have any recreational vehicle that has an aluminum or fiberglass roof that needs a quick touch-up to ensure the roof protection during the next camping season.

PROS:

• Affordable
• Protects against 90 percent of UV rays
• Mildew and algae resistant
• Good adhesion in any temperature
• Absorbs sound

CONS:

• Not for rubber roofs
• Consistency a bit thin

The Kool Seal KST063600-20 Elastomeric Roof Coating is a cost-effective way to maintain the integrity of your RVs fiberglass or aluminum roof.

This coating reflects a minimum of 90-percent of harsh UV rays and creates a barrier that keeps rain, snow, dirt, and leaves out of your camper’s interior. The thick coating also helps minimize sound inside your RV.

Customers are fond of the formulation of this RV roof sealant, which adheres well to the roof surface within a broad temperature range. They also like how fast it is to clean up brushes and tools using this environmentally-compliant RV roof coating.

The only downside of this product is the thin consistency, which spreads more like paint and is a bit see-through without several coats.

BEST FOR – RVers looking to reseal tears or gapping seams on their camper’s rubber roof or to bring back a bright white finish to improve the appearance of their RV.

PROS:

• UV-resistant
• Great adhesion (with proper clean/prep)
• Non-toxic, non-polluting
• Resists cracks due to high expansion
• Withstands impacts from falling debris

CONS:

• Made for RV rubber roofs only

The DEHCO Heng’S 16-46128-4 Coating Rubber Roof is an ideal choice for sealing and protecting the rubber roof of your camper.

The consistency of this roof coating means it rolls on smoothly, leaving a durable, protective barrier to keep your RV’s rubber roof in top condition. The high expansion when dry means this rubber roof coating won’t split or crack, and clean up is safe for you and the environment with this non-polluting formula.

Customers find that after proper preparation of the rubber roof, the adhesion of this product was excellent. Many customers found one gallon perfect for two coats on any small travel trailer or motorhome. 

On the downside, this RV roof sealant is made only for RVs with rubber roofs, which leaves many people with other types of RV roof material out of luck.

BEST FOR – Any RVer that needs a one-coat protective sealant or to patch a section on any RV roof surface that will last for years.

PROS:

• Super thick coat
• Adheres to a variety of surfaces
• Chemically-cured membrane
• Finish is easy to clean
• Seals leaks and pinholes

CONS:

• Pricey for full roof coverage
• Thick formula a bit messy to use

The Proguard F99911 Liquid Roof is an RV roof sealant made for the stress RV travel puts on seams and roofs that move and vibrate.

In one coat, you can create a long-lasting protective barrier that stops rain, snow, and UV rays from damaging your rubber roof. Make the roof of your RV look new and seal tears, holes, and gaps with results that will last for years.

Customers love the great results and gloss finish this RV roof coating leaves on any surface material like rubber, metal, fiberglass, acrylic, vinyl, even wood that makes cleaning the surface a breeze. 

The biggest issue customers encounter is the final cost to cover their camper roof. Even small RVs will need two or more gallons to achieve the proper coverage, which can become expensive as your camper gets larger.

BEST FOR – RVers looking to seal a specific spot on their RV roof, whether that area leaks, is peeling, or needs an overall refresh.

PROS:

• Watertight, flexible coating
• UV resistant
• Non-toxic
• Resistant to mildew and chemicals
• Prevents corrosion and rust

CONS:

• Thick consistency
• Some issues with coating peeling

The Flex Seal Liquid Rubber is a newcomer to the RV roof sealant industry that is making a name for itself for the impressive results.

This sealant is non-toxic so you can use it without worry. The formula stops water, is UV resistant and prevents corrosion and rust from eating away at your RVs metal roof. Flexseal can adhere to a wide variety of surfaces so that you can seal any type of RV roof.

Customers love how quickly the formula works to stop roof leaks, and how well it holds up through all kinds of weather in hot or cold climates. They also like the mildew resistant formula that helps keep the RV roof looking good and how the coating reduces noise and vibration.

Some customers found the coating didn’t adhere as it should, which could be due to improper prepping of the surface. Other customers found the consistency a bit difficult to work with, especially in hot, dry environments where the sealant became thick and hard to spread.

Benefits of Roof Coatings and Sealants for RV and Campers

Roof coatings and sealants for your RV lead to numerous benefits. A great thing about RV roof coatings and sealants is their ability to prevent future problems. Water leakages, roof instability or degradation are all problems which can cause a big headache for you and your wallet. By investing in an additional liquid coat or by applying some sealant or caulk, you are prolonging and reducing the inevitable wear-and-tear.

Aside from preventing or at least delaying these problems, RV roof sealants also have the benefit of being a good patch-up after the damage has occurred. All of these benefits help protect your RV, prevent expensive repairs, and ultimately improve your camping experience.

#1 – Protect Your RV Roof from Harmful Elements.

Your RV is an investment. Whether you bought it brand new or secondhand, RVs and campers run for thousands of dollars. Every single cent is a reason to find ways to protect your RV from damage and to prolong its life.

Taking your RV out into the wild for camping or driving exposes the vehicle to different elements. This includes rain, snow, wind, UV rays, leaves, twigs, and dirt. If you want to protect your RV and preserve its value for as long as possible, then you need to invest in added measures. This is the same reason why people spend on sunscreens or lotions to protect themselves, or in screen protectors to protect gadgets from scratches.

Another layer of coating will protect the roof by reducing the harmful impact of UV rays and other elements onto the roof. Instead of directly damaging the roof structure or the base material of rubber or fiberglass, the harmful elements damage the coat instead. If any problems or damages happen, then all you need to do is to reapply the layer. In most cases, you won’t have to bring your RV to the dealership to fix the problems in your roof.

#2 – Address Water Leakages in Your RV Roof Through Coatings and Sealants.

Water leakages are disastrous problems for any type of roof, especially for RV and campers. Once they happen, water leakages can easily become bigger. Leaks can ruin the interior of your RV, which can lead to an unattractive space and to an uncomfortable experience. These water leakages can also affect nearby equipment or electrical connections, spelling out an even bigger disaster.

If they’re big enough, they can erode the roof structure to the point of destabilizing the integrity or changing the shape. This end scenario is a nightmare. When your roof is not well-maintained, you and the people inside the RV are also less protected from the environment. 

RV roof coatings and sealants work by both preventing future leaks from occurring as well as by addressing the immediate concerns surrounding existing water leaks. By preventing or immediately addressing water leakages, you don’t have to continually shell out money for expensive repairs in the dealership for your RV roof, interior and equipment.

#3 – Extend the Life of Your Roof.

Dents, scratches, cracks, and crevices on the roof will only worsen if you don’t do anything to address them. Water leaks are even worse, as they can quickly lead to more significant structural problems or interior concerns.

Applying a high-quality RV roof coating and sealant can extend the life of your roof by fixing existing problems and by preventing future damage to your roof.

RV sealants can prevent cracks and scratches from becoming bigger. A high-quality sealant or RV caulk can last for a year. If you use your RV regularly, or your RV gets exposed to the different elements, you will probably have to reseal cracks and vent or skylight borders twice a year.

In comparison, you can expect most roof coatings to last 10-30 years before thinning out. Depending on your source of coating, you can expect a warranty for several decades, even up to 50 years. On average, liquid roof coatings can last 20 years. With a durable coating, you don’t have to worry about the degradation of your roof for a very long time. In fact, you’ll probably retire or replace your RV before your roof becomes a problem.

#4 – Secure Equipment Installed on Your Roof with RV Roof Sealants.

Water and debris can creep into even the smallest of spaces, including the connection between your RV and the equipment you’ve installed onto your roof. For example, the borders of your roof vents, skylights, and other areas can be considered weak points for water leakages and for loose adhesion.

Aside from sealing your RV trim, RV roof sealants prevent water from entering your RV through your different roof fixtures and installations. Over time, small leaks can develop at the base of antennas or vents without you even noticing.

By applying them around these equipment, RV roof sealants also ensure proper and more secure attachment.

Aside from protecting your investment in your RV, you’re also protecting your investment in the added equipment you’ve installed. Sealing equipment attachment with high-quality RV sealant can better ensure the stability of your roof vent, fan, skylight, air conditioner, roof rack, and ladder, so you don’t have to worry about using them or even losing them on the road.

#5 – Prevent Dirt and Dust from Entering Your RV.

By carefully and comprehensively applying RV roof sealant around the different equipment installed through your roof, you can better prevent the entry of dirt and dust. For example, the space around your roof skylight can be a point of entry for air leaks, heat movement, dirt, dust, and rain and snow. 

With an RV roof sealant, you can prevent these elements from seeping through the roof and moving freely inside your RV.

#6 – Prevent Insects from Entering Through Roof Cracks and Crevices.

Applying sealant around your RV windows to prevent the entry of insects won’t matter if there are spaces on the roof where they could crawl through. Sealing your RV as completely as possible will help prevent insects from disturbing your camper space.

#7 – Lower Energy Costs and Enjoy More Effective Roof Insulation.

Repeated scratches from overhanging tree branches or from falling debris also affect the thinness of your RV roof. Water leakages also affect insulation. This can lead to more energy loss and less effective insulation against the cold. 

Certain types of roof coating products offer their own benefits. A reflective silicone-based roof coating, for example, can better insulate the interiors of your RV against fluctuating temperatures.

The added reflectivity of roof coating can help make it cooler during the warm summer months. Aside from the direct benefit of making the atmosphere more comfortable for you and your family, you can also get away with turning the air conditioner off every once in a while. Your wallet will definitely thank you. 

Finally, RV sealants can effectively seal up sources of energy loss and drafts as well. Borders around the roof air vents can cause heat loss. With RV coatings and sealants in place, you can prevent sources of discomfort that could ruin your ideal camping trip.

#8 – Get a Higher Resale Value for Your RV.

For a lot of dedicated RV owners and campers, reselling an old RV to make space for a new one is just part of the lifestyle. Like any other vehicle, RVs depreciate a lot over time. It’s difficult to get a high price for something that has hit the rough road several times.

However, you can get an edge in the market if you have a well-maintained RV. Part of that deal is to have an intact and relatively smooth RV roof. While it’s impossible to strive for perfection, you can at least offer an RV without water leakages or scratches.

For dealers and buyers in the used RV market, having protective measures can only help sweeten the deal. A layer of high-quality roof coating is a good selling point for buyers who don’t want to do that extra step themselves.

#9 – Enjoy a More Comfortable Camping Experience.

The roof of your RV is integral to the comfort inside your camper. For one thing, the roof serves as a direct physical barrier against the elements. To relax fully, you want you and your family to sleep inside an intact roof. Seeing water leakages can only cause anxiety and discomfort.

FAQ About RV Roof Coatings and Sealants

How Are RV Roof Coatings and Sealants Applied?

Liquid RV roof coating is very easy to apply yourself. You can apply the liquid coating using a standard paint roller which you can buy in the nearest hardware store. If you have a spray machine, it can also work to coat your RV roof evenly.

However, many beginners and perfectionists are reluctant to apply liquid RV roof coatings themselves. Some people also aren’t comfortable working on the roof of their camper. One of the options you can take is to contact a professional roofer or painter to apply the roof coating on your RV.

Whatever the case, the first step to coating and sealing parts of your roof is to thoroughly clean the area where the product will be applied. Dirt particles can affect the effectivity of the RV roof coating.

Using detergent and water to clean the roof is simple enough. Be careful not to punch a hole through the roof (especially if you’re using high-pressure water cleaning) or to elongate an existing tear. Let the surface dry before you begin.

There are generally two types of RV roof coatings. First are the acrylic-based coatings, which have been traditionally used, and the silicone-based products. Acrylic RV roof coating usually require a primer as well as two coats. Silicone RV roof coatings don’t require a primer, and can work with less reinforcement. However, silicone-based coatings can be more expensive than acrylic products.

Lastly, always check with the owner’s manual or the manufacturer to check which materials and application may be best for your roof. For example, petroleum-based products can cause irreversible damage to rubber roofs. If you have an EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber roof, one coat of liquid paint is usually enough.

Different types of RV roof caulk or sealant have varying effectivity depending on the base material of the roof and depending on the climate.

What are the other things you could do to protect your roof?

We can all agree that you need to prioritize protecting your roof from the elements and that delaying the inevitable wear-and-tear. Fortunately for you, there are a great variety of ways you can protect your roof.

Aside from the basic and essential steps of applying RV roof coating and sealant, you can also invest in these other strategies:

1. RV roof patch – add a roof patch or roof tape in your emergency repair kit for your RV. Roof patches or tape are easy to apply, water-resistant adhesives which can seal up rips or tears, and they tend to be permanent or long-term solutions.
2. RV roof covers – if you’re planning to camp in an area with lots of trees with falling leaves or in a place with plenty of dust and rain, or if you’re going to store your RV outdoors for a long period of time, then you should invest in a roof cover. A high-quality RV roof cover can prevent more moisture from accumulating and can physically prevent harmful debris from scratching your roof.

Conclusion

Your RV is designed to provide shelter to you and your friends wherever you are. Whether you’re camping or enjoying a fun road trip across the country, you should be able to feel comfortable and secure under the roof of your RV. Unfortunately, your roof won’t always remain unblemished and brand new.

Several factors affect the integrity as well as longevity of your RV roof. The roof can be damaged by continuous exposure to harmful sun UV rays, by direct dents or scratches from twigs, leaves and falling debris, or by the destabilizing effects of rainfall or snow leading to water leaks.

Protecting your roof is therefore a big priority. It’s a step towards ensuring a comfortable experience. Plus, protecting your RV roof means protecting your investments in both your RV camper and in any additional roof equipment, preventing expensive repairs or replacements, boosting your RV resale value, and enjoying better insulation and security.

When buying an RV roof coating or sealing product, always consider the manufacturer’s recommendations. Make sure to look into the different factors that affect a do-it-yourself repair work, including the base material, the type of problem, and climate. Remember, the benefits of an RV roof coating or sealant only materialize if you’re using the right type and quality.

Finally, prevention is key! Before you go out onto the road and experience all of these concerns firsthand, it’s always better to just invest in high quality liquid coating and sealant right at the start. That way, you’ll have a worry-free experience.

Do you agree with the importance of preventive maintenance? Have you ever had a problem with your RV roof? If you’ve had any problems repairing or maintaining your RV, share your concerns and any creative solutions!

Our recommended RV roof coatings and sealants:

Have you invested in an RV coating and sealant yet? What’s your favorite brand of RV coating or sealant? Share your experience with us!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1HkmfY5-Zc

Product data was last updated on 2023-06-08 at 11:13.