With a quality RV roof sealant and a little bit of effort, you’ll protect your RV roof for years to come. Maintaining the seals on your roof isn’t something you can avoid forever. Not keeping up on your RV roof sealant maintenance can lead to leaks and water damage. Today we’ll share seven of the best sealants for your RV roof and how to choose the best product for your camper.
What Sealant Do You Use to Seal an RV Roof?
There are a couple of options that you can use when sealing an RV roof. One of the most popular methods is a liquid sealant. A liquid sealant will often come in a tube with a caulking gun for application. This is an easy way to address large and small fixes alike. Check with the specific brand for instructions.
Another popular option is sealant tape. This tape forms an airtight bond to help prevent water from penetrating any gaps. A sealant tape is great for roof repairs but also for preventative maintenance.
Many RVers seal off the front and rear sections of their RV’s roof with sealant tape to protect the original seals. It’s a great way to keep your RV safe, but we also suggest carrying sealant tape with you at all times in case of an emergency like a low branch or other abrasions. Applying it is very quick and easy for small tears.
No Matter What, Don’t Use Silicone on Your RV Roof
No matter what issue you’re facing on your RV roof, avoid using silicone. In our experience, silicone does not adhere to most roofing materials properly. Silicone requires a near-perfectly smooth and clean surface. It is very rare to get a good seal on an RV roof with silicone sealant. When we’ve seen it used, it almost always peals up in a short period of time.
If your goal is longer-term waterproofing, choose one of the recommended products below for a much better experience.
How to Choose a Roof Sealant for Your RV
There are a handful of things you should consider before choosing the best roof sealant for your RV. The extent of the damage, the type of RV roof you have, and the type of area you need to seal will all factor into the best RV roof sealant for you. Let’s take a look at what you need to know to keep your RV roof safe.
Check Your Damage Level
There’s a difference between dealing with extensive damage or a small crack in your sealant. Examine not only the damaged area but the rest of the seals on your RV roof. While you’re repairing damage, you’ll already be up on the roof and have the tools to address any other areas before they become issues.
What Is Your Roof Material?
While most RVs have rubber roofs, there are other options. For example, some RVs have metal roofs and even fiberglass roofs. Some different types of RV roofs will require a different RV roof sealant.
Using the incorrect sealant on your RV roof can damage the existing seals and pose a larger problem. If you’re concerned about using the wrong type of sealant, contact your manufacturer. They can probably tell you which sealant they recommend for your specific RV.
Do You Need a Flexible or Rigid Seal?
Your RV roof will likely experience massive changes in temperatures, especially as the seasons change. Choose a product that’s flexible enough to handle the expanding and contracting that your RV roof will naturally do. This helps prevent future damage and provides the best protection for the seals on your RV roof.
UV Resistance
Unless you’re storing your RV under a shade tree or covered storage, your roof will deal with a lot of sunlight. The heat and UV from the sun can quickly damage the seals on your RV. While redoing the seals, ensure the sealant you choose provides future protection from UV rays.
How Do You Clean an RV Roof Before Sealing?
Before cleaning your RV roof with the most intense cleaner in your cabinet, you’ll want to check to ensure it won’t further damage your roof. Some chemicals (like mineral spirits or petroleums) can react with your RV roofing material and degrade it.
We recommend washing your RV roof with Dawn dish soap and scrubbing with a cloth before sealing. Do not pressure wash your RV roof, as this can damage the roof or other external components not designed to withstand that kind of intense pressure.
The 7 Best Roof Sealants for Your RV
Now that you know a little bit about protecting your RV’s seals, let’s look at the best products to get the job done.
1. EternaBond Tape Micro Sealant
About: Eternabond is a tape with a very sticky grey sealant on the back that creates a strong bond with all roofing materials. While not recommended to seal an entire roof because some places cannot use tape, we recommend every RVer carry a spare roll of this stuff.
While not the most cost-effective, this tape is very versatile and can be used in an emergency for a quick fix. We have used this stuff to seal up the underbelly of the RV as well as for sidewall repairs.
- 4" x 50' Foot Contin ROLL of authentic Eternabond repair tape.
- Bonds to surfaces and stops leaks.
- Use on: EPDM, TPO, most PVC, CSPE/Hypalon, CPE, SBS, APP...
Sealant Type: High Strength Micro Bond Tape Sealant
Best For: All roof types, as long as it’s clean and dry.
2. Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant
About: The Dicor 501LSW-1 is one of the most popular options when it comes to RV roof sealants. This lap sealant sticks to aluminum, mortar, wood, vinyl, galvanized metal, fiberglass, and concrete. It’s an excellent option for touch-ups along the edges of an RV roof, air vents, vent pipes, and screw heads.
The sealant has a built-in compound that allows it to self-level, which leaves behind a smooth and professional-looking surface. It comes in a 10.3-ounce can, which is great for touch-ups.
- Creates a secure, secondary seal along the roof’s edges, air...
- Adheres firmly to aluminum, mortar, wood, vinyl, galvanized...
- Compatible with EPDM and TPO sheeting
Sealant Type: Dicor 501LSW-1 is a liquid lap sealant.
Best For: This is best for minor touch-ups on EPDM and TPO roofs, as well as fiberglass, wood, aluminum, steel, or masonry. This is an excellent choice for sealing around vents, skylights and solar panels
3. Dicor Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating
About: Dicor is one of the most suggested names when it comes to roof sealants. This acrylic coating can extend the life of your RV roof. For a thorough coat, use with Dicor’s rubber roof cleaner/activator.
Your roof will require two coats of this product, and each gallon covers 125 square feet. It dries quickly, so you don’t need to wait between coats. When finished, enjoy superior protection from weather and UV rays.
- Well Suited for Retrofit Installations.Fit Type: Universal Fit
- Flexes very well
- Eliminates irritating roof rumble
Sealant Type: Dicor RPCRC1 is an acrylic coating.
Best For: If you have an EPDM roof, this is a fantastic option to protect your roof. Be sure to combine it with the cleaner/activator for best results.
4. 3M Extreme Sealing Tape
We first became aware of the 3M Extreme Sealing Tape when we decided to install flexible solar panels on our RV roof. We got it in black, but it is also available in translucent. This sealant tape is very similar to Eternabond, except might be a little easier to work with and a little more attractive once applied.
We still love our Eternabond, but we are certainly impressed with how this 3M product has held up holding several solar panels on the roof for over three years. It even holds two panels on the front cap of our fifth wheel.
These rolls come in various widths between 1.5″ and 2.5″, depending on your application.
5. Butyl Seal Tape
Butyl tape has used on RVs for years. It is a pressure-sensitive rubber-based adhesive, synthetic rubber. Butyl tape is not intended to hold things together on its own but acts more as a seal between joints.
The Dicor name is pretty well-known in the RV industry for their popular liquid sealants, and they make a Dicor Butyl Tape for sealing around roof appliances such as air conditioners, antennae, satellite dishes, and cell boosters. But there are many brands out there, some with warranties up to 20 years, Trex Protect Joist and Beam Tape.
- Dicor Butyl Tape - Ideal for sealing uniquely shaped joints
- Installs quickly, without gaps
- Apply along unusual patterns
6. Pro Guard Liquid Roof
About: Whether you’re installing a new roof or making repairs on your old one, this liquid roof is a fantastic option. It comes with a five-year warranty and can withstand temperatures from -60 F to 300 F.
One gallon of Liquid Roof can cover 42 square feet. Once the roof is clean, the application is a breeze. It’s highly rated on Amazon, and reviewers rave about the results it provides.
- package length:19.685 centimeters
- Package Weight: 4.513 kg
- package width:19.685 centimeters
Sealant Type: Proguard F99911 is liquid roof protection.
Best For: This is one of the best EPDM RV roof sealants available.
7. Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating
About: Liquid Rubber designed this liquid RV roof coating for easy application. You can brush, roll, or spray this onto your roof. For best results, Liquid Rubber recommends a minimum thickness of one gallon per 50 square feet. You’ll probably need two or three coats for your whole roof. You can buy it in one- or five-gallon sizes. A five-gallon pail can cover RVs up to 30 feet in length.
- FLEXIBLE RV ROOF COATING - Solar reflective, cool roof & UV...
- PROTECTIVE SEALANT FOR - RV roofs, metal roofs, flat roofs around...
- EASY TO APPLY - Just like painting! Apply by brush, roller or...
Sealant Type: This is a water-based rubber roof coating that contains no solvents or harmful odors.
Best For: This is best on any rubber roofing material, especially EPDM.
8. Geocel ProFlexRV Flexible Sealant
About: This flexible RV roof sealant comes in a 10-ounce tube. Don’t use it on TPO (single-ply rubber) or EPDM (synthetic rubber) roofs. However, it’s great on aluminum, glass, coated steel, steel, wood, fiberglass, and vinyl surfaces.
At $12 per tube, you should keep a couple of these on hand in case of an emergency. The sealant protects against harsh weather conditions almost immediately after application. A non-stringing formula helps make applying and cleaning up a breeze.
- Flash Point: 93.0 Degrees_Celsius
- Excellent Adhesion To Many Surfaces, Even When Damp
- Resealable; May Be Applied Over Itself
Sealant Type: The Geocel ProFlex RV is a flexible liquid sealant.
Best For: If you have a fiberglass roof, this is one of your best options. This is not for use on TPO or EPDM roofing materials.
9. Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating
About: With one- and six-gallon options, Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating is perfect for RVs with rubber roofs. It can protect seams and tears and also seals around vents and air conditioners. In addition, it’s crack resistant and can withstand the impacts of bumps while going down the highway.
When applied, Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating will conform to your RV roof. It can quickly expand and contract based on weather conditions. It also has excellent acoustic and insulating properties.
- Designed for use over RV rubber roofs, at seams and tears and to...
- It is UV resistant and expands and contracts with roofs
- Resists cracking and withstands impact, non-polluting and...
Sealant Type: Heng’s Rubber Roof coating is 100% acrylic latex polymer.
Best For: It’s best for tears, seams, and seals around vents and air conditioners on EPDM rubber roofs. It’s also good for a recoat to bring strength and a bright white back to an old roof.
10. Rust-Oleum LeakSeal Rubber Coating
About: Rust-Oleum is a trusted brand for residential applications, but their LeakSeal Flexible Rubber Coating is excellent on RV roofs. Thirty ounces provides 40 square feet of coverage. The unique formula helps prevent water and moisture from penetrating your RV.
As this is a smaller can, it’s best for use for patching or on smaller jobs. This RV roof sealant works well around air vents, air conditioners, and solar panel mounting brackets.
- Exterior/interior use on gutters, roofs, flashing, ductwork, PVC,...
- Oil-based formula seals leaks and cracks instantly with a...
- Dries to touch in 1 hour and covers up to 40 sq. ft.
Sealant Type: Rust-Oleum LeakSeal Rubber Coating has an oil-based formula.
Best For: It’s best for small projects, mainly air vents and air conditioning units.
How Often Should You Reseal Your RV Roof?
You should inspect your roof at least once a month. This helps you spot changes early. Catching an issue before it becomes a major problem is essential to extending the life of your RV’s roof.
While it’s smart to check your RV roof every month, your RV’s warranty may require an annual inspection. This inspection can be done at the dealership or possibly even by yourself. Address any issues found by the inspection. For example, if, after a year or two, you experience a leak due to a bad seal and you haven’t attempted to seal up your RV, you could be on the hook for a hefty repair bill.
What If Minor RV Roof Sealants Aren’t Enough?
While RV roof sealants, caulks, and tapes can fix many problems and help avoid major problems, there are situations where the roof will need a bigger overhaul. There are professional services that will completely redo your RV roof or fix major damage.
You can have someone install a product like RV Roof Armor, or you could paint a new elastomeric coating over the entire roof yourself. We’ve personally used the Heng’s Rubber Roof product (#9 above) to cover large areas of our RV roof for wide sealing coverage.
![RV Roof Maintenance [HOW TO]: Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant (Lap Seal)](https://www.mortonsonthemove.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FvuR_hQ2MEuo%2F0.jpg)
Keep Up on RV Roof Sealing Maintenance to Avoid Major Water Damage
A tiny leak may not seem like a big deal, but it can create a very dangerous situation for you and those using your RV. Before you know it, mold could take over, or water damage could ruin your RV’s interior and exterior walls. Preventative maintenance is the best way to stop mold or other damage from happening in the first place.
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kay
Sunday 2nd of April 2023
I liked your review EXCEPT... ypu didnt mention any metal roof covering except butyl tape. Butyl calk is a good option too. But no reviews about applying whole roof sealant, for metal roofs. There are many who have these, late 80s and before RVs and Travel trailers. Its only the last few decades that fiberglass or edpm or rubber roofs have been a thing. I know a little but as most sites like yours ignore RVs built 90s back, there isnt really much resources available. I hope you keep your ear out and inquire of those in old holiday ramblers, scottys, spartan, shasta, ero flight to name only a few. Id say airstream but having a curved roof, they only use seam sealants, not reflective uv rolled on roofing over the calking. Look forward to an update for 2023.
RV Roof Sealant
Tuesday 7th of June 2022
According to my point of view, the following options make a sealant the best amongst all: - Warranty - Complete protection - Resealing option - Blocking the harmful UV rays - Protection against the water leakages - Lightweight on the camper
All of these characteristics can be found in RV Roof Magic that is the most versatile camper roof sealant in the market.
Dalton Bourne
Sunday 29th of May 2022
Camco's RV roof cleaner works amazingly. I applied two coats of protection, and now the roof is too slippery for me to walk on safely. great job. Also, I love how the product protects the roof from UV rays that can cause a lot of damage. For me, this aspect is great as I have a hard time finding a cool place out of the sun to store my RV.
Apo
Wednesday 9th of March 2022
Thank you so much for this valuable information. You just changed my buying decision.
Tom Brian
Thursday 28th of October 2021
Dicor sealant is without a doubt the greatest product for sealing campers. It's preferable to use a tiny, flat paintbrush to apply it. It will self-level, so after you're through, it will smooth out and enable water to flow across it. Dicor is far superior to silicone, which cracks, leaks, peels, and does not self-level.