Roll on roof sealer - camper

Tul01 · Mar 13, 2012

Hi guys, my sister in law just picked up an older but solid camper trailer. It has a couple small leaks in the roof that have been patched, but look like they are not leaking although they look older and I am surprised they don't leak. I'm sure there must be a roll on roofing sealer good for coating the whole roof. Found a couple on line at RV supply places. Just wondering if anyone has experience good or bad with such products. I would like to help them make sure their first camper stays in good condition for them.

Thanks
Brent

timswi · Mar 13, 2012

What kind of roof does it have, aluminum or rubber?...Some are just mopped with MH sealer (it does work)..But rubber is a different story.

Tul01 · Mar 13, 2012

I'm assuming metal it is an early 80's model if I can remember correctly. I can check with them tomorrow to confirm. Thanks. What is MH sealer?

Brent

Diamondpilot · Mar 13, 2012

Good luck. I work on lots of House Boats and they are built just like campers. Nothing I have found in 20 plus years of doing this has been nothing more than a band aid. My experience is you are money ahead to put a rubber roof on now than later.

Chris

timswi · Mar 14, 2012

Tul01 said:
I'm assuming metal it is an early 80's model if I can remember correctly. I can check with them tomorrow to confirm. Thanks. What is MH sealer?

Brent

If it's out of the 80's its probably steel...We had one out of the late 80's and used mobile home roof sealer around the seams and that took care of the leaks..Mine were very minor though...Might have to go up there and make sure the structure is all good. The RV's I've had since are rubber and mostly trouble free.

Tul01 · Mar 14, 2012

It is steel, I think I will suggest and help them try some roll on and see how it turns out. There isn't any big leaks, the worst they had with the pressure washer was some leaks around old caulking on the windows, but the roof looks to be solid but nearing where it will start leaking. I think an ounce of prevention in this case will go a long way.

Thanks.

Brent

mbrule · Mar 16, 2012

It is likely aluminum, not steal. Could be one piece or have seams. If it is in good shape clean it and there is a sealer that one paints on. An RV dealer will have it, it is silver in color and kind of gritty.

Be careful if you must get on the roof, they are not all load bearing. I used to treat my 78 Sunline from a ladder, never got on it. Make sure that all protrusions through the roof are properly sealed as well.

2manyrocks · Mar 16, 2012

Usually, the roof is aluminum with seams between sheets. Need to remove the old caulk and reseal the seams between the sheets and around the door/windows.

If you mop sealer all over it, will have a mess when it dries out in a few years.

Periodic resealing of these seams just goes with the territory on campers.