When you buy an RV, you need to be vigilant about maintenance. After all, your RV will see lots of different environments as you travel and camp in new destinations. One of the things that needs specific and careful treatment is the roof. Many RVs are outfitted with a rubber roof, and if you've never cared for one, it can be confusing. Here are some tips to help you do the job right.

Prioritize Safety

When you climb up on the roof, make sure you're wearing shoes that will maintain grip. Don't walk on the roof if you have any reason to suspect that it's structurally weakened, either. If you believe there's structural damage, contact a local RV repair shop to inspect and fix it. Also, watch out for any wet areas, as they can be slippery on rubber surfaces.

Know What Kind Of Rubber Is Used

Rubber roofing comes in two primary styles. You may have an EPDM roof or a thermal poly olefin style. If your owner's manual doesn't specify, examine the roof to determine which one you have. Since EPDM roofing oxidizes and sheds to protect against ultraviolet rays, you'll know this type of roofing by the greyish-white streaks that result from the shedding. In addition, EPDM roofing is very slippery when it is wet, while TPO roofing maintains some grip even with moisture.

Inspect The Surface Closely

Most rubber roofing membranes will last for quite some time, but there's always a risk of vulnerability around the seams. In addition, the sealants used to treat those areas may wear. Remember that your RV moves and shifts as it's driving down the road. All of this flexing and movement can lead to separation on the seams and even widening of cracks and other problems. Look for any cracks, cuts, or other visible damage across the entire surface of the roof. Have them patched, sealed, or repaired right away. If you do the repairs yourself, make sure you're using a product that's specially designed for rubber roofing so that you don't damage the material.

Keep Things Clean

Allowing dirt and debris to accumulate on your RV's roof can actually deteriorate the rubber roofing. Make sure you clean the roof thoroughly a few times a year and more often if you park it under trees that weep or other similar areas. Scrub the surface with warm water and a gentle detergent or a cleaner designed for rubber roofing. Soft-bristle brushes are great for getting stubborn dirt off the surface.

Talk with your local RV repair shop, such as Southwest Diesel Service Inc, today about other tips to clean and maintain the roof. If you have any damage that you're not sure how to deal with, have a technician take care of it so that it is fixed properly.

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