Can You Repair Your RV Roof From The Inside?

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Updated April 16, 2024

Oh, the dreaded job of repairing your RV roof. No one loves to climb on the roof of their RV.  Wouldn’t it be nice to repair the RV roof from inside your camper?  This would be a dream come true for those who don’t like ladders. But is this even possible?

This seems to be a common desire among motorhome and travel trailer owners. This is a tricky problem because it seems so convenient to just work inside. If you think that repairing an RV roof inside is a great idea, you need to know some things. Follow us as we talk about proper RV roof repair.

How Can You Tell Your RV Roof Needs Repaired?

There are a few ways to tell if your RV roof needs repair. There are the obvious indicators, and there are the less obvious ones. The most obvious indicator is of course, that you see water leaking into your RV. 

If you can’t see the water, you may notice the ceiling or walls inside your camper are bubbling. This is a good indicator that water is leaking into your motorhome. Bubbling may also be accompanied by water stains.  

Another indicator is that you can see damage to the roof from the outside of the camper. Finally, if an object has fallen through your RV roof, this is a good time to consider repairs.

Common Signs Of Leaks In An RV Roof

There are several common signs of leaks in an RV roof, including soft spots in the overhead, discoloration from staining, delamination, damaged flashing, and signs of cracking in the sealant, mold, or brown and black spots. The problem with water is its unpredictable nature. 

Gravity always wins, of course, but water may take a thousand different paths to the lowest possible point. If you spot a discoloration in the ceiling’s corner, you may think the solution is simple enough. However, you also have to ask yourself: How much water got in and where did the majority of the volume end up?

A discoloration in one corner may mean standing water 15 feet away, hidden behind the interior wall, cabinets, storage bins, etc. The important thing is to identify the leak and also discover if any excess water penetrated deeper into the RV. 

Is It Possible To Repair Your RV Roof From The Inside?

While it may be possible to repair your RV roof from the inside, it’s not the best or proper way to make repairs. Keep in mind that you are fixing your RV’s roof, not the ceiling. 

If you only focus the repair on what you can see from the inside, you may be missing damage outside. While not ideal, a pinch can be repaired from inside your camper. Just make sure you follow up with a proper repair from the outside.

What’s the Proper Way to Repair Your RV Roof?

While making a temporary repair to your RV roof from the inside is OK, it’s not the proper way to repair it. To fully assess and repair RV roof issues, you really need to work from the outside. If you’re needing to repair your RV roof, here are some basic steps you need to take.

1. Thoroughly clean the roof and remove any debris that may have settled on top of the RV.
2. Locate the place or places where the roof is damaged. Clean these areas particularly well. This will ensure that sealants will stick correctly.
3. Select the proper seal or patch product for the type of roof your RV has. There are different repair products for aluminum, fiberglass, and rubber RV roofs.
4. Apply the product to repair RV roof damage according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. If damage is too extensive, you may consider a complete replacement or also to hire a professional to do the work.

How Much Does Professional Roof Repair Cost?

Having a professional repair of your RV roof can be expensive. Professional repairs use the repair size to calculate material as well as labor costs. Small repairs on a rubber roof may only cost around $500. 

The price of repairs by a professional is based on materials needed, time, the class of the RV, and other factors. Owners of large Class A motorhomes will find that repairing or replacing a damaged roof can cost thousands of dollars. While a customer with a pop-up camper will pay less.

This is an extreme comparison, but you have to keep in mind that the roof of each RV class is generally built differently. Motorhome roofs must meet building requirements from the RV Industry Association and the Department of Transportation that differ from towable trailers.

Are RV Roof Repairs Covered by Insurance?

Whether your insurance will cover the cost of repairing your RV roof depends on the cause of the damage. Insurance usually covers repairs if you have sustained damage to your RV’s roof from a falling object or an accident. 

Carefully read your insurance policy to fully understand what is covered. Not all types of accidental damage are covered by all insurance carriers.

If the damage to your roof is due to poor maintenance or age, your insurance won’t likely cover repairs. Use the easy steps in our RVBlogger Inspection Checklist to properly maintain your RV to avoid aging issues.

6 DIY Roof Repair FAQs 

1. Is a DIY Roof Repair Better?

If you feel confident in your skills or the repair is small, you may be able to do a good job on your DIY roof repair and also save some money. The real benefit of DIY repairs is the cost savings and having a better understanding of your RV’s systems.

2. Can You Use Flex Seal to Repair RV Roof?

The short answer is yes, you can use Flex Seal to repair RV roof damage. Keep in mind that this product isn’t a permanent repair. It’s a great product if you need a quick fix. Follow up a Flex Seal repair with a proper permanent repair.

3. Can You Repair a Section of Your RV Roof?

If only a portion of your RV roof needs repair, you can repair only a section. Depending on the extent of the damage, this may be the best option. For larger repairs, a partial repair is likely to be temporary. Eventually, you may need to replace the entire roof.

4. Is It Safe to Get on Your RV Roof?

Climbing on your RV roof can be safe, with some considerations. If you use a ladder, take your time, and avoid standing on damaged areas. Climbing on your RV roof becomes unsafe if you’re unaware of your surroundings. It can also be unsafe to be on a roof if it’s wet or has suffered extensive damage.

5. How Often Should an RV Roof Be Resealed?

When properly maintained, your RV roof can last for many years before needing to be resealed. Once you do reseal your RV roof, you’ll need to reseal it every couple of years. This is the best way to avoid more extensive damage.

6. How Long Does RV Sealant Last?

The length of time RV sealant lasts really depends on the quality of the sealant you select, how you store your RV, and your maintenance habits. Most sealants are intended to last just a few years. Higher-quality sealants can last five years or more. However, even the most expensive sealant won’t last if you don’t properly maintain your RV.

Do Fiberglass RVs Leak?

While all RVs have the potential to leak, molded fiberglass RVs are far more resistant to it than traditional RVs with fiberglass siding. These are your two, primary camper types — molded and siding. The construction method for both is vastly different, with fiberglass siding campers being far more likely to leak than their molded counterparts. 

The reason, once you understand the manufacturing process, is simple. Molded fiberglass campers are essentially clamshell designs — two, whole pieces combined and sealed in the center. For obvious reasons, this creates a nearly impenetrable exterior. However, since there is a seal in the center, that’s the weak point for rainwater. 

The other weak point for molded fiberglass is anywhere along the shell where an appliance penetrates. An air conditioning unit is a prime example. Fiberglass siding campers are more prone to leaks because there are so many seams and connection points throughout, on top of the cables, A/C units, etc., sitting on top.

How to Protect Your RV Roof from Leaks 

The best way to limit damage to your RV roof is to maintain it properly. Keep the roof free of debris, and make sure you also inspect your roof regularly. This will help you avoid costly repairs, RV roof inside leaks, and structural damage to your motorhome or travel trailer.

Over time, your RV roof will start to fail if it’s not properly maintained. Wind, weather, and UV rays affect your RV roof. It’s tempting to repair the RV roof inside your camper, especially if you’re on the road or the weather is bad. This emergency repair is OK to quickly stop a leak, but it isn’t a proper or permanent repair.

Final Words About RV Roof Repair

Unfortunately, repairing your RV roof from the inside isn’t feasible, generally speaking. While there may be some interior work that needs doing, that doesn’t exclude you from heading outside and climbing on top. Of course, there are always potential exceptions to the rule and there may be one case in a thousand where an interior roof repair is all that’s necessary. 

If that’s the case for you, count yourself lucky. If it’s something you can do yourself and have the willingness and drive to do so, it can potentially save you a good deal of money. Ultimately, it’s not something any RVer looks forward to.

The best thing you can do is establish a solid inspection routine so you can discover leaks quicker, minimizing the damage and repair, and giving you more peace of mind. 

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Related Reading:

–Does Eterna Bond Really Work at Stopping RV Roof Leaks?
–RV ROOF RESEAL COST
–Should I Pressure Test My RV for Roof Leaks?
–Can I Use Flex Seal on My RV Roof?

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