When you set foot into the grand world of RV ownership, you might be in the process of being ready for anything. Like a noble Boy Scout, you aim to constantly be prepared to solve any problem you’ll bump into on the journey.
This includes being well armed with a number of ‘cure-alls’; items that you can use to patch up a number of small hiccups without needing to stock up on a hardware store’s worth of products. Perhaps you have, in your arsenal, things like duct tape, WD-40, and a standard tool kit. For leaks and tears, you might have reached for a bottle of Flex Seal.
It all comes to a head when you notice that your RV’s roof has a leak in it. Now is the moment of truth: does Flex Seal work on RV roofs?
As it turns out, you can use some types of Flex Seal on the roof of your rv. The liquid flex seal will protect your roof surface from corrosion. Bear in mind, however, that this will not be a permanent solution.
Does Flex Seal Work On RV Roofs?
If you have noticed that the roof of your RV is leaking, you likely want to address the problem right away. Not only is this a sign that your RV has sustained some type of damage, but it can cause more trouble from there. Water can easily damage the wooden body of your RV. It can also create issues with the interior of your vehicle, such as the floors or any furniture you may have.
A permanent roof repair is something that you will need to get done by your RVs dealership or technician. Unless you are very versed in roof repair, you might just be looking to seal things up temporarily until you can get to a mechanic. That is where Flex Seal can come in handy.
Flex seal is an accessible and low-cost option for a quick repair. You can find it at most hardware stores, or even in some general stores. It creates a tight bond, and dries quickly — something that is ideal if you are already out on the road.
What Type Of Flex Seal Should You Use On An RV Roof?
Not all containers of Flex Seal are built the same, however. There are three primary types of flex seal: Flex Seal Liquid, Flex Seal Spray, and Flex Seal Shot. You might also be able to find Flex Seal Tape for quick tears.
Flex Seal Liquid
When people think of Flex Seal, Flex Seal liquid is usually what they envision. It is liquid rubber in a can. It will not melt, peel, or crack; it is able to stand up to even the harshest of weather conditions. It is a rather thick liquid, meaning you can dip, brush, or pour it directly onto your RV roof.
It is easy to use when repairing your RV roof. It will stop a leak in its tracks, and will last you until you can get it to a mechanic to put in place a permanent fix. Flex Seal liquid comes in black, white, and a colorless version. That means it will match with whatever style your RV roof has.
Flex Seal Spray
Flex Seal spray is packaged in a convenient aerosol can, meaning you can spray it directly into the area of damage. There is no need for extra equipment, such as brushes or rollers. This spray on liquid rubber sealer is also useful for repairing your RV roof.
Be mindful when you are spraying it. In some cases Flex Seal Spray can produce too much of the material, leading to overspray. This is not dangerous, but it can be a bit messy.
Flex Seal Shot
Ideal for reaching into tight corners and tricky crevices, Flex Seal Shot, also sometimes referred to as Flex Shot, is fairly straightforward to use. It can be used to caulk around the windows or the air conditioning.
You might be able to use this on your RV roof if the puncture is very narrow. The liquid inside stops flowing when you stop pressing the nozzle on the bottle. However it may be more advantageous to use the liquid or spray variance for larger damages.
Flex Seal Tape
If you’d like to take an additional precaution, you can use Flex Seal tape on the leaky portion of the roof as a sort of primer. It will make an excellent barrier if you are getting ready to apply Flex Seal spray or Flex Seal liquid.
Repairing Different Types Of RV Roofs With Flex Seal
TPO
TPO is one of the most popular types of roofs you will find in the RV world. It is inexpensive to build with, and is usually white, meaning it will match with most manufacturers’ color schemes. TPO is shiny and laminated, meaning it is fairly weatherproof.
With TPO roofs, you are likely to see gaps in the seams. When you find these gaps, Flex Seal shot might do the trick to close them back up.
EPDM
EPDM is a synthetic, vulcanized rubber material. It is dried, and then cured to form sheets, which are used to make the roof. You might not often see issues with this type of roof, because it is very durable.
If you do happen to incur damage to this type of roof, reach for Flex Seal Liquid or Flex Seal Spray.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is slowly rising in the ranks as another popular form of RV roofing. It is usually seen on higher end, luxury vehicles. Like EPDM roofs, fiberglass will oxidize over time, but it has a clear coat to slow that process down.
Fiberglass roofs are easy to repair with any type of Flex Seal. Which one you use is more a matter of convenience and accessibility to you.
Metal
If your RV is of an older model, you likely have a metal roof. Before the days of tpo, epdm, and fiberglass, metal was the industry standard. Just as with the others, Flex Seal will adhere to any surface, including the traditional metal.
Since tearing is the most common thing that plagues metal RV roofs, Flex Seal tape under a liquid of Flex Seal liquid or spray will likely do the best job of repairing your RV roof.
Conclusion
When you hit the road, ready for adventure, only to find the roof of your RV has sprung and unfortunate l leak, you will want to fix it up fast. If you have Flex Seal on hand, can you use it on your RV roof?
As a matter of fact, you certainly can. Flex Seal in all different forms be it liquid, spray, spot, or tape, will work wonderfully for a temporary fix.
