Roof maintenance

[donnyB7]

I am a new RV owner of a class A gas Winnebago. I understand that I need to re-seal the roof each year and my coach has a nice clean ceiling inside and I want to keep it that way. Is sealing the roof something that I can do? Is it fairly simple and is there a video or something that shows how to do this?

[John_Wayne]

Put Eternabond on once and you will not have to worry about it for years.

[Bumpyroad]

ScottG wrote:

Cleaning only hastens the removal of the white protective layer.
Remember, you have a commercial roof material up there and it's meant to be mostly ignored.

he has a winnebago. fiberglass roof.
bumpy

[jerseyjim]

I have a fiberglass roof. I clean it once a year with Simple Green and a long handle brush...and re-caulk (every other year) the seams (especially the front where the cap meets the body) and around any opening (roof fan, etc.) with DICOR self leveling.

Once I let the caulking go 3 years. Gotta leak. That's how y'learn.

[Mile_High]

You just have to inspect the seal, it may not need resealed. Push in on the edge of the roof and if the caulking opens up, its time. For non-painted, use the Winnie recommended sealer. The roof is just standard gelcoat filon, it will like a periodic cleaning.

[ScottG]

You dont have to re-seal it every year. You do need to check the roof for failing caulking or any place water can get in. I would do this at least twice a year.
You also don't need to clean the roof unless your caluking or making other repairs.
Cleaning only hastens the removal of the white protective layer.
Remember, you have a commercial roof material up there and it's meant to be mostly ignored.

[MrWizard]

going on memory here

its not the fiberglass roof that needs sealed

its the roof edge moulding, its holds the fiberglass to the walls and end caps

if it looses edge seal, it peals back like a banana when you are are driving

[msturtz]

donnyB7 wrote:
I believe I have a fiberglass roof. I read about using Dicor self-leveling sealant. I am no expert, but it looks like that's what was used on the roof. In fact, whatever was used, is about 2 inches wide all around each vent and other things on the roof. The sealant looks to be in fairly good shape with no cracks or voids.

I

I would seriously consider Eternabond. It is basically a permanent sealant.

[Bumpyroad]

he has a Winnie Class A. no rubber/TPO roof on that.
bumpy

[donnyB7]

I believe I have a fiberglass roof. I read about using Dicor self-leveling sealant. I am no expert, but it looks like that's what was used on the roof. In fact, whatever was used, is about 2 inches wide all around each vent and other things on the roof. The sealant looks to be in fairly good shape with no cracks or voids.

[Bruce_Brown]

If you can climb a ladder and use a caulk gun you should be able to do that yourself. You can find the instructions HERE.

Paul & Msturtz, he has a fiberglass roof, and due to the Winnie design needs a little more attention than most.

[msturtz]

donnyB7 wrote:
I am a new RV owner of a class A gas Winnebago. I understand that I need to re-seal the roof each year and my coach has a nice clean ceiling inside and I want to keep it that way. Is sealing the roof something that I can do? Is it fairly simple and is there a video or something that shows how to do this?

First you need to figure out what kind of roofing material you have. Common materials are, EPDM, TPO, & fiberglass. All have slightly different maintenance requirements and materials. If your roof is a rubber like material then most likely is EPDM or TPO. To figure out what you have take the bottom cover off of a roof vent and look at the bottom of the roof material. If it is the same color as the top it isTPO if it is black it's EPDM. All roofs need to be kept clean. On EPDM & TPO roofs don't use any cleaner or sealant with petroleum distillates. TPO you can use any mild cleaner with EPDM I only used the specialty EPDM cleaner and sealer. For the seams I use Dicor self leveling sealer. I also am a fan of Eternabond. Whatever you use carefully look at the seams for cracks, deterioration, or bubbles. Clean the area carefully and reseal. In general I don't remove old sealant except if silicone or loose sealant. Bottom line get up on the roof and get to know your roof.

[Paul1944]

First, make sure that the roof is CLEAN. Wash with carwash soap and a good brush. Then buy a rubber roof sealer, a couple different brands available, which you can apply with a roller. Simple process. Make sure NOT to skimp on the sealer, apply liberally.