As an RVer, you know that the elements are always against you. When it’s sunny, the UV rays can cause your paint to fade, peel, and crack.
When it’s rainy, water can seep in through seams in your RV and create all kinds of damage to the inside.
Fortunately, you don’t have to take these problems lying down.
Instead, you can be more proactive about the situation with a high-quality RV roof coating.
If you’re not familiar with roof coatings, they are materials designed to help keep the elements at bay.
Regardless of where you live, having the best RV roof coating will extend the life of your rig and ensure that you can enjoy it for years to come.
Today I want to take a closer look at these coatings - what they have to offer and how they can improve life on the road. Once you see their potential, you’ll wonder why you didn’t coat your roof sooner.
COMPARISON CHART
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1. Heng's Rubber Roof Coating
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2. Dicor RP-MRC-1 Acrylic Elastomecric Coating for Metal RV Roofing
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3. Kool Seal KS0063600
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4. Dicor RPFRC1 Fiberglass RV Roof Coating
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5. Dicor RPCRC1 RP-CRC-1 Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating
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OUR TOP 5 PICKS
#1 Heng's Rubber Roof Coating
Specifications
Weight | 5 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 6.5 x 11.9 x 7.5 inches |
Features
Although your roof is the primary surface that you’ll be protecting, the fact is that you want to seal all of the various cracks and seams that are part of your RV. Fortunately, Heng’s is capable of being applied in all conditions, which makes it an even greater buy than usual.
UV Resistant
One of the reasons why RV roofs can succumb to the elements so quickly is that UV rays can damage and weaken the surface over time. Unlike shingles on a house, RV roofs are made of plastic and other materials that are deeply affected by UV waves.
Fortunately, this roof coating is highly resistant to these rays, meaning that you can protect your RV much better when you apply it. Also, UV resistance ensures that the coating itself will last longer.
Adapts to Your RV’s Roof
One of the elements that make Heng’s so reliable is the fact that it expands and contracts with your RV roof. As you already know, heat makes things expand, while cold makes them contract.
Thus, having this roof coating on all of your various seals means that it will keep your RV in prime condition for a long time. Since it has some give and take, it won’t start peeling as soon as you experience different weather conditions.
Cracking Resistant Design
For the most part, peeling is the primary issue with roof coatings. Either they’re too thick, and the weight causes them to come off, or they don’t contract with the RV itself.
Along with peeling, however, cracking is another concern for RVers. Once your coating has too many cracks, it will cease to form a protective layer, and you’ll have to start all over. Fortunately, Heng’s has crack-resistant properties, ensuring that it will last longer than your average material.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
Although this material is not as rugged or as reliable as EPDM rubber, it’s pretty much the next best thing. Not only does it come in white (thus repelling the sunlight from inside your RV), but it stays on better than most other RV coatings.
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#2 Dicor RP-MRC-1 Acrylic Elastomecric Coating for Metal RV Roofing
Specifications
Model | Acrylic Elastomecric |
Product Dimensions | 1.24 x 1.24 x 1.24 inches |
Exterior | Aluminum |
Features
Looking for a reliable and durable roof coating for your metal RV roof? Look no further than Dicor's RP-MRC-1 Acrylic Elastomeric Coating! This top-of-the-line roof coating is specifically formulated for use on metal RV roofs (not recommended for EPDM rubber or TPO roofing), and provides superior protection against the elements while also beautifying your RV.
- WHAT WE LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
As with any chemical mixture, you can sometimes get bad batches that don’t have the same standards. Unfortunately, this means that you might wind up with a bucket of liquid rubber that will start to peel or crack long before it should.
#3 Kool Seal KST063600
Specifications
Weight | 7.2 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 13.5 x 8 x 13.5 inches |
Features
If you’re on a bit of a budget and you need something lightweight and easy to apply to your RV roof, then you will want to check out this material from Kool Seal. While Elastomeric Coatings are not as resilient as EPDM rubber, they work just fine for most RVers. Let’s see what this has to offer.
Resistant to Mildew and Algae
Yes, sunlight and water are the two primary elements that you’re trying to keep out with your roof coating, but the fact is that plenty of hazards can affect the strength and integrity of your RV roof.
Mildew and algae can take hold and weaken the structure, as well as cause additional health problems if they make their way inside. Having a coating like this that repels them ensures you won’t have that issue.
Absorbs Sound Waves
One interesting feature of this RV roof coating is that it can absorb sound. While this isn’t necessarily a primary buying point, it’s nice to know that you can be extra considerate to your neighbors by having a roof that won’t let as much sound out.
On the flip side, staying overnight in a loud environment will be less of an issue when you have this coating on the roof.
Eco-Friendly Material
One problem that extends to all RV roof coatings is that they are made of highly toxic materials. Fortunately, if you’re more eco-conscious, you can feel better about using this coating because it’s not quite as destructive to nature as other brands.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
As I’ve mentioned, EPDM rubber is by far the best material for your roof. However, if you don’t want to pay extra for it, then elastomeric coatings are just fine. This product is one of the best in its class, and it is really easy to use.
#4 Dicor RPFRC1 Fiberglass RV Roof Coating
Specifications
Weight | 9.7 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 1.2 x 1.2 x 1.2 inches |
Features
One thing that we haven’t discussed about RV roof coatings yet is that the type of roof material you have matters. In this case, we’re looking at a material that is only suitable for fiberglass, not other surfaces like rubber or TPO.
Thus, if you have a fiberglass roof, you’ll appreciate the qualities of this coating. If not, then you should avoid it altogether.
Made for Fiberglass Roofs
Although fiberglass is a decent material for RV roofs, it is one of the most susceptible to UV damage. Fortunately, adding a coating like this means that you don’t have to worry as much about the elements weakening your RV and causing problems down the line.
Also, because it’s formulated for fiberglass, you can be sure that it will stick well and that it will dry much faster than other coatings.
Mildew and Algae Resistant
As I’ve mentioned, mildew and algae can pose some serious problems if they’re allowed to take hold on your RV roof. With this coating, you won’t have to worry about it.
350-square feet of coverage
One reason I like EPDM rubber coatings better than most others is that you can usually get away with one coat. With materials like this, you need at least two to ensure that they work properly.
Fortunately, because it applies thin and smooth, you can get both coats out of one gallon of this coating. Unless you have a huge RV, 350 square feet is more than sufficient for most rigs.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
Overall, if you have an RV with a fiberglass roof, this is the best option for you. It’s highly resistant to the elements that matter (UV rays, mildew), and it’s super easy to apply. Also, it will work better than EPDM since it’s formulated for fiberglass instead.
#5 Dicor RPCRC1 RP-CRC-1 Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating
Specifications
Weight | 12 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 8 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches |
Features
If you look at the label of this roof coating, you’ll see that it’s part two of two. Thus, if you’re going to go this route, be aware that you have to buy part one for this coating to work correctly. That being said, this is one of the better materials you can find out there.
EPDM Rubber Membrane
I’ve made no secret about my appreciation for EPDM rubber, so the fact that you get so much of it here means that I’m already on board with this product. As long as you have part one, this will be one of the most resilient and long-lasting membranes you can buy.
Highly Flexible Material
Part of what makes this coating so reliable is that it’s highly flexible. Not only will it expand and contract with the temperature, but it will adjust to the movements of your RV automatically. Simply put, you shouldn’t have to reapply this coating for years.
125 Square Feet of Coverage
Although I like Proguard’s EPDM rubber coating better, what makes this one better than most others is the fact that you can cover so much square footage. Also, considering that you have to apply two coats, this feature is even more valuable.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
Assuming that you buy the first part of this coating, you will appreciate the durability and longevity of it. This material is one of the best out there, and I like that it will elevate the quality of your RV roof for years to come.
BUYER'S GUIDE
Although adding a coating to your RV roof is a relatively simple process, these coatings can be somewhat complicated and varied. Thus, I want to help make sure that you’re picking the right option for your RV, so here is a handy buyer’s guide to get started.
Roof Material?
We’ve lightly touched on this fact already, but the material of your roof matters when picking out a coating. For the most part, RV roofs come in the following varieties - aluminum, fiberglass, steel, and rubber (EPDM or TPO).
While some coatings can work on almost all of these surfaces, you need to pay close attention to the brand and the limitations of each option. For example, coatings that are formulated for rubber are not going to do well on fiberglass, and vice versa.
Overall, you want to get an RV roof coating that matches your current surface material. Doing so will ensure that it bonds correctly and that it offers even better protection for the long term.
Heat Flux Reduction and Insulation
At first glance, these terms seem highly technical, but they refer to pretty common problems you’ll experience with your RV roof.
Heat flux refers to when heat expands a material. If you live and drive in a hot environment with a lot of sun, then you’ll have to worry about heat flux a lot more.
Thankfully, the best RV roof coatings can help reduce this issue by keeping the surface cooler. Usually, this is accomplished by reflecting the sun’s rays and insulating the roof from the heat.
Speaking of insulation, one of the primary benefits of sealing your roof with one of these coatings is that you can keep your RV’s climate better regulated. Since air won’t be escaping from various cracks and seams, you can use your A/C more efficiently.
The other benefit of added insulation is that your utility costs will go down. Since your climate control systems don’t have to work as hard, you can save energy in a variety of ways.
Cure Time
For beginner’s adding an RV roof coat is as simple as setting it and forgetting it, right? Unfortunately, while that would be the most convenient option, it’s not the reality.
Instead, you have to let your coating cure. This means that it has to sit out and bond with the RV roof surface so that it will work properly. To ensure that curing happens effectively, you will want to park your RV under the shade and let it sit idle for several hours (up to a whole day).
Different materials have different curing times, so be sure to look at the manual before applying. All too often, RVers will start this project without giving themselves enough time for curing, which means that you’ll have to do it all over again in a few months when the current layer starts peeling off.
What is do-it-yourself RV roof coating
As the name implies, DIY roof coating is when you apply it yourself. Sure, you can hire a professional to do it for you, but why spend extra money if you don’t have to?
Before you get started, however, you want to pay close attention to the steps involved. As I mentioned, one of the biggest issues is that most RVers don’t allow enough time for curing, nor do they realize how involved this process is.
Typically speaking, to add a new coating to your roof, you will have to do the following things.
- Step One: Remove the Old Coating
- Step Two: Clean the Surface (and Let it Dry)
- Step Three: Apply the Base Coat and Let it Cure
- Step Four: Apply the Secondary Coat (if Necessary) and Let Cure
Overall, it can take a couple of days to do it all correctly, so don’t assume that you can just brush a new coating on in an afternoon.
Yes, it’s a time-consuming and laborious process, which is why you want to do it right the first time. Fortunately, these coatings are rated to last up to 10 years or so, so you shouldn’t have to this very often anyway.
How Many Coats Do I Need For An RV Roof Repair?
You will want to look at the coating itself to find out this answer. Some of them only require one, while others need two. However, it’s pretty rare to find one that needs three coatings. In those cases, you’re technically applying a primer first and then the coating material. This process is much closer to painting a house.
Why there are limitations of temperature for applying the Liquid Roof to repair the RV Roof?
If the temperature is too high, then the coating won’t bond to the surface, and it will negate all of the protective features.
Typically speaking, you can apply RV roof coatings in colder temperatures more easily. However, keep in mind that the surface will expand when it gets hotter, so it’s imperative that you extend the coverage a little bit on all sides to compensate.
How often should you seal RV roof?
Let me first address the common question of "How often do I have to reseal my RV roof?" ”. It's case by case, but the advice is to re-seal the roof every year. It is recommended that the entire roof be replaced every 10 years, and failure to do so can cause leaks.
Can you pressure wash RV roof?
Pressure washing your RV roof isn't always recommended for motorhomes and trailers, due to the fact it may harm the fiberglass, in addition to the decals. If you use a pressure wash to your RV, you might accidentally force the water inside, which will result in decals damage. Using water pressure can harm the seals around your RV windows and also the caulking.
CONCLUSION
Because the application process for RV roof coatings is so involved, you want to make sure that you’re getting the best of the best. Fortunately, I believe that the Heng's Rubber Roof Coating is the finest choice for you and your RV.
I love that it only takes one coat and that it’s super easy to apply. Also, because it’s EPDM rubber, you can rely on it for many years to come.
For the more budget-conscious, Heng’s Roof Coating is a suitable alternative. It too is easy to apply to your roof, and it will adapt to various conditions with few issues.