RV Advice

RV Roof Care & Preventive Maintenance

Water damage is one of the biggest problems RV owners are confronted with, and the RV roof is where most of the water damage happens. Lots of RV owners never go on the roof of their RV, and that’s okay, as long as you have someone periodically clean the roof and inspect all the seams and sealants. In this RV video, our RV experts, Mark & Dawn Polk, demonstrate how to clean, inspect and maintain the roof of your RV.

RV Roof Care Tips

• Most water damage will occur on the roof of your RV
• Always use caution when working on the roof of your RV
• Keep all debris off the roof of the RV – avoiding parking under trees can help
• Consider using a cover if your RV is stored outside
• Don’t use any cleaners or conditioners that contain petroleum solvents, harsh abrasives, or citrus ingredients if the roof of your RV is rubber or vynl
• There are commercial products created for the specific roofing material of your RV
• Make sure to rinse the sides of the RV during or after you clean the roof to avoid streaking or damage from cleaners
• Inspect the sealants around openings and seems when you clean the RV roof
• Reseal any suspect areas to prevent expensive water damage
• Denatured alcohol can be used prior to applying new sealant to ensure the area is clean
• Install vent covers over the roof vents to prevent damage

KOA’s resident RV expert, Mark Polk, and his wife Dawn started RV Education 101 in 1999. Since that time RV Education 101 has helped educate millions of RV owners and RV enthusiasts on how to properly and safely use and maintain their RV. Mark’s favorite past times are RVing in their 35-foot Type A motorhome, and restoring vintage RVs, classic cars and trucks. For more information on how to learn about RVs the easy way, visit RV Education 101. Be sure to check out their RV Online Training Site too!