A well-maintained camper roof is crucial to protect your RV from water damage and ensure a comfortable living space. Especially in South Dakota, where winters are so harsh, if you'll be storing your RV outdoors over winter, you want to make sure your rood can protect your camper until springs time. Resealing the roof with Dicor Self-Leveling Sealant is tried and true way to keep your roof watertight and prevent leaks without having to fully replace the entire roof. In this tutorial, we'll guide you through the process step by step.
Materials You'll Need:
- Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant: This is specifically designed for RV roofs and provides excellent adhesion and flexibility. you will also need a liquid latex type product that you can paint onto the surface and dries into a rubber like coating.
- Safety Gear: Wear gloves and eye protection for safety and work in a well ventilated area. Be especially cautious of high winds here in South Dakota.
- Caulking Gun: To apply the sealant.
- Utility Knife or Scissors: For cutting the tip of the sealant tube.
- Mineral Spirits or Rubbing Alcohol: For cleaning the roof surface before application. Any all purpose cleaner or degreaser will work.
- Clean Cloth or Rag: To wipe down the roof. A pressure washer works well if you're gentle, but then you'l have to wait longer for it to dry.
- Caulk Gun and Mixing Nozzle (optional): For larger repair jobs.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Safety First
Before you begin, ensure your safety by wearing gloves and eye protection. Also, make sure the camper is parked on a level surface and the weather is dry. You would be much better off picking a less windy day to do this job. You don't want to be on top of your camper rood with 40 mile per hour gusts like we are used to in South Dakota. A light breeze can be helpful in drying times though, so use your best judgment.
Step 2: Clean the Camper Roof
Clean the roof thoroughly using mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol, your favorite all purpose cleaner or degreaser, or a a specialty cleaner made for campers. Remove dirt, debris, and old sealant remnants. A clean surface will ensure better adhesion for the new sealant. Remove any old silicone or caulk, and reseal any cracks, edges, or seams.
Step 3: Prepare the Sealant
Cut the tip of the Dicor Self-Leveling Sealant tube at a 45-degree angle to create an opening that matches the size of the cracks or seams you intend to seal. For larger repair jobs, consider using a caulking gun with a mixing nozzle.
Step 4: Start Applying the Sealant
Apply the sealant directly onto the areas that require resealing. Start at one end of the area and work your way to the other end. The sealant is self-leveling, so it will flatten out and create a smooth surface as it dries. it makes a clean finish if you apply extra and then scrape the excess off with some sort of scraper or card.
Step 5: Spread the Sealant
Use a caulk spreader or a clean, gloved finger to spread the sealant evenly over the surface. This will ensure there are no gaps or air bubbles in the sealant, promoting a watertight seal.
Step 6: Pay Attention to Seams and Joints
Concentrate on sealing seams, joints, vents, skylights, and any areas where water might penetrate. Check for any cracks or openings that need attention. Apply several layers around any components that goes through the roof into the interior of the camper.
Step 7: Allow to Dry
Let the sealant dry for at least 24 hours. Drying times may vary depending on weather conditions, so ensure it's completely cured before exposing it to rain or other elements.
Step 8: Inspect and Reapply if Needed
After the sealant has dried, inspect the roof for any missed spots or areas that may need additional sealing. Repeat the application process as necessary.
Now you're reading to paint your rubber coating on! Use a paint roller and slightly overlap each stroke for full coverage. Allow the first layer to dry, then apply 2nd and 3rd coats in the same manner. This has a learning curve and takes some practice.
After you complete these steps,
Step 9: Clean Up
Clean your tools and any excess sealant with mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol. Dispose of any waste materials properly.
Tips:
- Regular Maintenance: It's a good practice to inspect and reseal your camper's roof at least once a year or as needed. This prevents minor issues from becoming major leaks.
- Use the Right Sealant: Dicor Self-Leveling Sealant is formulated for RV roofs and provides excellent protection. Make sure to use the correct sealant for your camper.
- Stay Safe: Always work on a dry day and on a stable surface. Take safety precautions seriously.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can effectively reseal the roof of your camper using Dicor Self-Leveling Sealant, ensuring that your RV remains protected from water damage and leaks, so you can enjoy worry-free adventures on the road.
If all of this sound like just a little too much work, be sure to give Southeastern Mobile RV Repair a call today at 605-368-1236. We can reseal roofs on site, and for a full rubber re-coating, you can drop your rv off at our shop. Our roofs look brand new when we are finished. We service anywhere within two hours of Sioux Falls, SD. See the list below of areas that we service. This list is not exhaustive but may give you an idea if you're within our service area.