RV Roof Maintenance 101: Checking and Repairing Self-Leveling Sealant
One of the best habits you can build as an RV owner is checking your roof regularly. On every trip, I climb up to give ours a quick once-over and this time, I caught something that could’ve turned into a much bigger issue.
Even though our roof is only about three months old, I noticed an inch to inch-and-a-half tear in the self-leveling sealant around our shower skylight. It looked like the sealant had gone on too thin in that area, and over time, heat and vibration caused it to crack open.
Why Roof Sealant Maintenance Matters
Your RV roof takes a beating from the sun, rain, and road movement. The self-leveling sealant (often Dicor or a similar product) is what keeps water from seeping into seams and screw holes which can lead to leaks, rot, or even mold if ignored. Regular inspections can save you thousands in repairs.
How I Found the Problem
Every time we travel, I make a quick trip to the roof to:
Check all seams and edges for cracks or lifting
Look around roof vents, skylights, and antennas
Inspect solar panel mounts or other roof penetrations
This time, the tear was small but obvious, the sealant had separated slightly from the skylight flange, leaving a thin, exposed line that water could easily find its way into.
Step-by-Step Repair Process
1. Clean the Area
I started by wiping away any dirt, dust, or loose debris with a damp cloth. If your roof has been sitting under trees or dust, it’s worth using a gentle RV roof cleaner first to make sure you’re working on a clean surface.
2. Inspect the Sealant’s Condition
The tear was only in one area, but the rest of the bead looked solid. If your sealant looks brittle, cracked, or chalky across a larger section, you may want to remove and reapply that entire seam instead of just patching it.
3. Apply New Sealant
Since the surrounding area was still bonded well, I decided to patch just the damaged section. I used Dicor self-leveling lap sealant, applied directly over the tear, making sure it overlapped slightly onto the good sealant.
👉 Pro Tip: Apply the sealant on a warm, dry day if possible. It flows more smoothly and self-levels better in mild temperatures.
4. Let It Set
It typically takes about 24–48 hours to fully cure. Once dry, it blends in with the existing bead, forming a watertight barrier again.
Optional: Eternabond for Extra Protection
If the tear had been longer or in a more vulnerable area, I might’ve used Eternabond tape before resealing. It’s great for reinforcing weak seams or covering problem spots that see more movement or flex.
Materials & Tools You’ll Need (LINKED HERE: Amazon List) :
Plastic (non-marring) scraper or putty knife
Cleaning solvent (isopropyl alcohol, brake cleaner in green can, or recommended roof cleaner)
Lint-free rags
Masking (painter’s) tape
Self-leveling sealant (preferably the same brand you use)
Caulk gun
Gloves, safety glasses
Soapy water (for smoothing)
Roof ladder / safety gear
Final Thoughts
Even on a brand new RV, things like this can happen, sealant isn’t perfect, and small imperfections in factory application or travel movement can create weak points. The key is catching it early.
My rule of thumb:
Inspect before every trip
Do a deep check every 3 months
Reseal as needed, don’t wait until it leaks
These small maintenance steps can add years to your RV roof’s life and give you peace of mind when you hit the road.
