The number one cause of broken RV roof is water damage. Once rainwater or melted snow penetrates the structure of your RV roof, you have to inspect it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it will cost you a considerable amount of money. Learn how to repair RV roof if a “must” of RV ownership.
How to repair a water damaged RV roof
Items and tools you will need:
- Number 2 square drive which most RVs are built with
- New OSB patch if needed when you want to replace the unfixable old part
- Regular contact cement (picture below). It is available on Amazon.
Weldwood contact cement
- Stick micro bond seal. You can buy the product on Amazon, it price will depend on the brands and the length of the tape.
Step 1: Clean off the RV roof and let it dry
The very first thing you need to do is clean the RV roof correctly and intensively. Follow these below steps:
- Use a small hand brush to remove all remaining water in the lower and sagging areas.
- Next, take a hand towel to wipe the roof
- Scrape off any old roof patch material or remaining debris by using a flat scraper or wide tipped screwdriver
- Let it dry as thoroughly as possible
Step 2: Replace OSB patch if needed
Check to see the real situation of the broken part. If the OSB part is heavily damaged, for example, water soaked wood, large leaking holes, you better off replacing the broken part with a new piece. Just measure carefully to get the new one match perfectly into the whole roof.
Remember to use number 2 square drive to remove the old panel.
Step 3: Get the rubber roof rollback
Normally, the rubber roof will get lifted off, so technically, after cleaning and drying the surface, replacing necessary OSB patch, your challenge is rollback the rubber roof.
