It’s that time of the year when the wet weather starts to roll in. Most RVs go into storage but some die-hards and live-ins still brave the elements. It really makes no difference; the RV is going to be exposed to wind and rain. So a water-tight roof is a must.
Most roof lap sealants have a life expectancy of two to three years before they start to crack or separate from the roof material. Lap sealants are self-leveling sealers that cover all things—like air vents– where they attach to the roof of an RV. They are also used to repair small holes and screws. Once lap sealants age and become brittle, they crack and allow water a path to the material under the roof membrane. This results in mold or mildew, as well as dry rot. Most of the time the first indication that the lap sealant is leaking is water stains on the ceiling or walls of the RV. By this time, the damage is done and the repair becomes expensive.
Most full coverage insurance policies require an inspection of the roof at least once every 12 months. Most lap sealant manufacturers suggest an inspection every six months. A visual inspection is better than nothing, although, chances are you won’t know if you missed something until the dreaded water stains show up.
The best method of testing your RV for moisture sealing is a differential pressure test. The test is performed by sealing a high-volume air compressor to the RV and pressurizing the interior. Once this is done, a bubble test of all seams and seals is performed to find the smallest of leaks. Ask about this test at your local RV Collision Center. Once the leaks are identified and repaired, the RV can be pronounced leak-free and ready for anything that Mother Nature can throw at it. This also satisfies insurance requirements for annual inspections of roofs.
Don’t wait until spring; that might be too late! Be safe and enjoy the RV life.
Final Touch Coach Works is located at 28532 Livingston Avenue in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-775-8375 and visit www.FinalTouchRV.com.