Your RV is an expensive piece of investment that requires periodic inspections to make sure everything runs in good condition. The roof is the most susceptible to the extremes of the weather and where minor damages occur first-hand.

It is essential to run regular roof inspections to ensure your RV is free from leaks, molds, and other unhealthy conditions. Thus, in this article, we'll teach you how to execute maintenance works by yourself to save a couple of bucks of inspection costs.

Starting with the obvious signs of damage

The first thing to look for during a roof inspection is if there's any presence of cracks, tears, or small punctures in the roof material. These are obvious signs of damage, especially if your RV recently encountered a severe storm where debris, sticks, branches, or other items might have damaged the roof.

If such damages exist, you can apply a quick fix right away using a sealing tape designed for RV roofs to control the damage. If you can't perform any steps to fix the damage on your own, you can take your RV to the nearest service center.

We suggest that you perform a maintenance check right away if your RV suffers through a severe storm and apply the necessary fix to control further damages.

Check the Seams and Seals

Even if your RV has a single-piece roof design, that does not mean it's void of seams and seals. Anywhere in the roof with sealant or areas that connect the top to other parts or components of the RV is a potential leak. That's because water damage often happens at the corners of the vehicle.

Check if the seams and seals of your RV do not have any cracks, or the material is not damaged or worn-out. If so, call a professional to have a closer look and evaluate the severity of the damage. However, if you're comfortable providing the fix yourself, make sure to use materials that are compatible with the RV's material. Using non-compatible solutions might do more harm than good.

Inspect your Vents, Racks, and Appliances

Most RVs are installed with roof racks, vents, and appliances like A/C units or solar panels. Although these things are additional feats to have on your RV, they can be the culprits behind a leaking roof.

Pay close attention to the installations. Like what was previously said, all the things attached to the roof are susceptible to water damage. Therefore, it pays to be extra cautious in inspecting these particular spots. If you see anything that requires an immediate repair, consider doing so right away or contacting the nearest service center.

Roof Cleaning

To top it all off, and you see your roof is in good condition, end your preventive maintenance with a thorough roof cleaning. Well, this should go without saying, but cleaning your RV also prevents dirt, debris, and other factors to build-up and induce damage. Just make sure to use cleaning products that are safe to use for rubber seals and gaskets.

To conclude: One of the best ways to ensure that your RV stays in good condition is running a roof inspection. That's because, if you don't have a solid and leak-free roof, the rest of your RV is compromised. Make it a habit to have your RV under preventive maintenance every six months. Or, run a care check yourself after a storm or any natural phenomena. It would save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration if you keep your RV healthy at all times.