What Do You Use to Seal a Roof on a Motorhome?
A motorhome roof is constantly exposed to harsh weather, UV rays, temperature changes, and road debris. Over time, this exposure can cause cracks, leaks, and wear in the seams and joints of your RV’s roof. Even a small crack or pinhole can allow water to seep inside, leading to serious damage such as mold, rot, or electrical problems.That’s why sealing your motorhome roof is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can perform. A good roof sealant not only prevents leaks but also extends the life of your RV and protects your investment.
In this guide, we’ll explain what to use to seal your motorhome roof, the different types of sealants available, and step-by-step tips for applying them effectively.
1. Why Sealing Your Motorhome Roof Is Important
Your RV roof goes through constant expansion and contraction due to sunlight, rain, and temperature [url=mobilervmaintenance.co.uk/product-category/sealants-roof-body-repair/]motorhome roof sealant[/url] . These changes can cause seams, vents, and edges to loosen or crack over time.
Sealing the roof prevents:
Water leaks that cause structural and interior damage.
UV deterioration that weakens roof materials.
Mold and mildew buildup from moisture intrusion.
Costly repairs from long-term water damage.
Routine roof inspections and sealing are essential parts of motorhome maintenance.
2. Know Your Roof Type Before Choosing a Sealant
Before you start sealing, it’s important to identify what type of roof your motorhome has. The material determines which kind of sealant you should use. The three most common RV roof materials are:
EPDM (Rubber Roof):
A flexible, rubber-like surface often used in older RVs. It’s durable but requires specific sealants made for rubber roofs.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin):
A white, reflective material used in many newer RVs. It’s similar to EPDM but has a smoother surface and different chemical composition.
Fiberglass or Aluminum:
These roofs are rigid and often found on high-end or older motorhomes. They need sealants that can bond to hard, smooth surfaces.
Always check your owner’s manual or roof label before buying sealant to ensure compatibility.
3. Types of Sealants Used for Motorhome Roofs
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sealing an RV roof. The right product depends on your roof material, the size of the area being sealed, and whether you’re repairing or maintaining.
Here are the most common types of RV roof sealants:
1. Self-Leveling Lap Sealant
This type of sealant spreads evenly on flat, horizontal surfaces such as roof seams, vents, skylights, and air conditioning units. It levels out on its own, creating a watertight bond without needing to be smoothed manually.
Best for: EPDM, TPO, and fiberglass roofs.
Popular brands: Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant, Alpha Systems 1021.
2. Non-Sag Sealant
This sealant is designed for vertical or angled surfaces where a self-leveling sealant would drip or run. It stays in place while curing and provides a strong, flexible seal.
Best for: Roof edges, sidewalls, and joints.
Popular brands: Dicor Non-Sag Sealant, Geocel ProFlex RV.
3. Roof Sealant Tape (Butyl or Eternabond Tape)
Roof repair tape is an excellent option for sealing seams, small cracks, or emergency repairs. It’s made with a sticky butyl adhesive that forms an instant, watertight barrier.
Best for: Quick fixes and reinforcing existing seams.
Popular brands: Eternabond, 3M Extreme Sealing Tape.
4. Liquid Roof Coatings
These are full-coverage sealants that can be applied across the entire roof. They provide a new waterproof layer and help protect from UV damage. Liquid sealants come in two main types:
Acrylic coatings: Great for UV resistance and cost-effective maintenance.
Silicone or urethane coatings: Ideal for long-term protection and flexibility.
Popular brands: Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating, Dicor Acrylic Roof Coating, Flex Seal Liquid.
