Fredericksburg / Washington DC South KOA Holiday Blog
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Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Coming from the South:
Take Thornburg Exit 118, turn left onto Mudd Tavern Rd towards US Route 1 (Patriot Hwy). Turn right. Drive for 4 1/2 miles North on US Route 1 to Virginia 607 Guinea Station Rd (just past Massaponax High School) Turn right onto Guinea Station Rd. Follow signs 2 1/2 miles, KOA will be on your right.
Coming from the North:
Take Spotsylvania Exit 126. Turn right onto US Route 1 (Patriot Hwy). Follow highway for approximately 4 miles, there will be a large KOA sign, take the next left onto Virginia 607 Guinea Station Rd. Follow signs 2 1/2 miles, KOA will be on your right.
"Kampgrounds of America Inc. Photograph"
RV roof care is a critical yet easily forgettable part of maintaining your RV. Routine inspection and repairs can prevent wear and tear, leaks and other problems that can lead to extensive, costly repairs. It is important for RV owners to understand what they need to do to keep their RV roof clean and sealed. With the right materials and a little time, you can keep your RV roof in top shape, so your rig is ready to go for your next camping trip.
When your RV is parked in storage, driving down the road and sitting at the campsite, the roof is experiencing wear and tear. Without routine maintenance, minor problems can turn into major issues, such as leaks, water damage and mold. At the least, these issues may delay your camping season as you repair the damage. At the most, you may need to have a professional complete the repair. These services can be costly and are generally not covered by your warranty or insurance plan.
The type of material an RV roof is made from depends on the model. While most travel trailers have rubber roofs, clamshell trailers and motorhomes are most likely to have fiberglass roofs.
Rubber RV roofs are made from a thin weatherproof membrane stretched over a wooden substrate. The most common rubber roofs are:
Fiberglass roofs are made of synthetic materials and glass fibers. This molded product is made into sheets or panels that can be customized for the RV. The advantages of fiberglass RV roofs include their lightweight design and durability against rust and rot. However, prolonged exposure to heat can cause thermal splits requiring extensive repairs or an entire replacement to fix.
Aluminum RV roofs are not as common in modern RVs. While the material can last a long time, aluminum has some drawbacks to consider — it has to be fastened, which can create seam failure, and the material can hide leaks.
The roof is the frontline against the elements, making it prone to damage. Many factors can cause problems with an RV roof, including:
Some of the most common problems with RV roofs include:
RV roof inspections detect these issues early, so you can fix them right away and prevent severe damage.
Performing RV roof maintenance regularly offers several benefits:
Regardless of the roof material, RV owners should complete preventive maintenance every one to three months. You will need these tools and materials:
Follow these instructions to inspect your RV roof for possible damage and clean it to preserve its condition.
Inspect your roof for rips, cracks, tears and separations — the smallest opening in the roof material can cause significant problems. If you notice these problems, fix them right away before they lead to further damage and expensive repairs. Pay careful attention to the areas prone to cracks and mold growth, including:
Inspect the RV roof every three months and after every long trip. You can examine the roof from a stepladder or by walking on the roof itself if it is designed to walk on. RVs that have a built-in ladder generally have a walkable roof. However, follow the RV manufacturer’s guidelines for the roof’s weight limits. Additionally, be careful not to step on the roof cross spars and watch for obstacles when on the RV roof for your safety.
Debris, dust and dirt that collect on your RV’s roof, combined with warmth and moisture, can encourage mold growth. This debris can also prevent protectants and sealers from working correctly and decrease the life span of your roof material. Cleaning your RV roof several times a year removes the debris and prevents mildew from taking hold and causing further damage.
Follow these steps to clean your RV’s roof:
When washing the roof, the debris may streak and discolor the sides of the RV, so give your entire RV a rinse after cleaning the roof.
While you can add waxes and sealants to the roof yourself, some RV owners prefer to leave it to the professionals. Incorrectly applying these products can damage your roof. Safety is also a concern since waxes are slippery and can make walking on the roof risky.
An RV repair technician can apply coatings, make repairs and replace sections of or the entire roof, depending on what your RV’s roof requires.
Whether your RV’s roof has issues or is in top condition, sealing and coating regularly are beneficial. A professional can reseal and recoat your roof with a product designed for your RV’s roof.
Have an RV repair technician apply these products to the roof at least once per year:
Though your RV’s roof should last for years, a fallen tree branch, sun exposure and other factors can lead to tears, cracks, separated joints and other issues. Roof repair services can fix these issues and improve the condition and integrity of your roof. Some RV insurance policies expect a roof replacement every 10 to 15 years.
EternaBond tape is one method for RV roof repair. This tape covers small tears and roof and wall separations alike, creating a watertight seal that prevents water from getting into your RV. After cutting the tape to size, leave a large margin around the tear and press it into place, ensuring the piece is laid flat against the surface.
If you would prefer to leave the work to a professional, your local RV repair shop can complete the necessary repairs or replacements.
KOA has more than 500 campgrounds throughout North America near historic cities and beautiful landscapes. With more than 55 years of experience, KOA provides a premier camping experience that caters to every vacationer.
This experience with camping extends to caring for an RV. KOA’s helpful staff are trained and knowledgeable in RV maintenance best practices, from the roof to the tires. You can find informative posts about how to care for your RV on the RV advice blog. Following these tips and tricks will help you keep your RV in its best shape, so you can camp at KOA whenever you want to enjoy the great outdoors and make memories with your family.
KOA has hundreds of campgrounds offering fun experiences and amenities for you and your family. Check out the RV Sites, and reserve a site today!
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
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