Roof maintenance is a vital part of RV life and one of the best ways to avoid a leaky roof and protect it from the elements is by using a high-quality sealant and/or coating. Instead of paying a lot of money to a professional, you can simply coat and seal a roof yourself, as long as you know how to properly do so and are using the best products for the job. These products are designed to seal the roof’s edges, air vents, and vent pipes, as well as insulate and protect the roof from various weather conditions. The best RV roof sealants and coatings are long-lasting and designed not to stain or discolor over time. Check out some of the top options in the buying guide below.
Best RV Roof Sealants and Coatings Reviews
1. Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating
The Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating and Solar Reflective Sealant is our top pick because it’s UV-resistant, waterproof, and easy to apply. It cures into a solar-reflective coating that protects against sun damage and prevents leaks. One gallon of this product can be used on 50 square feet, and for a solid base, requires two to three coats. To apply, use a brush, roller, or paint sprayer, and when you’re done, just close the container and use leftover material at a later time.
Since Liquid Rubber is water-based and does not have any solvents or VOCs, it’s safe for the environment, and you can use it both indoors and out. It provides a thick seal on your camper, and it produces a cosmetic upgrade to your RV. However, the consistency is a little thin, so the coats aren’t very thick, and you may need to do additional coats. It also takes a while to dry in between coats.
PROS
- UV-resistant
- Waterproof
- Easy to apply
- Environmentally friendly
CONS
- Thin consistency
- Coats aren’t very thick
- Takes a while to dry
2. Premier Pro Products RV Roof Sealant
This RV roof sealant from Premier Pro Products can be used on RV, residential, and commercial roofs. One of the best things about this product, besides its affordability, is that you don’t need a caulk gun for application, simply pour the liquid out, and brush it on. Each pouch is equal to about 2.5 caulk cartridges, or 25.3 ounces, each of which covers 130 lineal feet. The liquid is solvent-free and isocyanate-free.
You can reseal the pouch and use the remaining material at a later date. It has high tensile strength and sag resistance, and it’s a great option if you need to seal seams and fastener heads on metal and other types of roofs. It’s also easy to clean and wipe off compared to some competing brands. One downside is that it can take a bit of finesse when squeezing the bag to get a consistent bead of sealant. While self-leveling, it does not smooth out as well as some rival brands.
PROS
- Caulk gun not required
- Easy to use
- Affordable
CONS
- Getting a consistent bead can be a challenge
- Results are not as smooth as some rival brands
3. Ziollo RV Flex Repair 100% Silicone RV Roof Sealant
This sealant and coating from Ziollo is designed for metal, fiberglass, and EPDM rubber roofs, and it comes with a lifetime warranty, which makes it stand out in the pack. Each gallon covers 60 square feet, so a 30-foot RV, for example, would require five gallons. It’s also designed to work with the RV Flex Repair Self Leveling Caulking Lap Sealant and Roof Seam Tape and its EPDM rubber coating is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and is safe to use both indoors and outdoors.
The product produces a waterproof yet breathable seal that prevents leaks and is flexible and will not shrink. The directions are straightforward: to apply, simply clean the roof, stir the liquid, and brush it on with heavy coats. This product is thick, easy to use, goes on smoothly, and dries relatively quickly. However, the contents can separate if they sit for a while and it’s a little pricey compared to some rival brands.
PROS
- Lifetime warranty
- Eco-friendly
- Waterproof and breathable
- Easy to use
CONS
- Contents can separate
- Pricey
4. Jetcoat Cool King Reflective Acrylic Roof Coating
This acrylic roof coating from Jetcoat provides waterproof protection and is designed to reflect the sun’s rays. The company touts that it will last for five years, so you don’t have to reapply it as often as some other products and you can use this coating on EPDM rubber roofs. One gallon covers about 50-70 square feet, though the directions say you should apply at least two coats, with the end result producing a rubber-like membrane that keeps your roof from leaking.
This product is easy to apply, and it dries to the touch within two to three hours, particularly if you use it in warmer weather. However, you shouldn’t apply it if the temperature is expected to drop below 60 degrees within 24 hours of application. It does not require a primer as some rival products do. On the downside, it’s not as thick as some rival brands are.
PROS
- Five years of roof protection
- Easy to apply
- Waterproof
- No primer required
CONS
- Must be applied in temps over 60 degrees Fahrenheit
- Not as thick as other brands
5. Dicor White EPDM Rubber Roof Coating
Dicor’s EPDM rubber roof coating is straightforward to use. Application instructions are on the can, and you can also watch a detailed tutorial online. The product goes on smoothly, it dries quickly, and depending on the size of your rig, takes just a few hours to apply two coats. Each gallon covers 125 square feet and Dicor’s product provides protection from the elements and features UV resistance. The coating rolls on easily and provides excellent coverage overall.
You may need less of the product than the company claims but it’s best to follow its directions to ensure you have enough to cover your entire roof. In addition, you need to use the Dicor Rubber Roof Cleaner/Activator for proper adhesion because this product is part of a two-part system, which can drive up the cost. Also, it may take longer to cure in cooler weather, so summertime application may be the best option. And if you don’t seal the can between coats, the liquid can start to harden around the edges.
Specs
One gallon
Part of a two-part system
One coat covers 125 square feet
PROS
- Easy to use
- Dries quickly in warm weather
- Excellent coverage
CONS
- Takes longer to cure in colder weather
- Contents can harden if you don’t reseal the can
- Requires Dicor Rubber Roof Cleaner/Activator to adhere correctly
How We Selected RV Roof Sealant Coatings
RV roof sealants and coatings serve two different purposes, so we made sure to include both types in our buying guide in order to give readers the best options available. We also made sure to include products from reputable brands with a history of producing high-quality roofing solutions. We looked at features such as UV resistance, waterproofing, ease of use, and durability. We also checked user testimonials and made sure the products perform as the companies claim. In addition, we made sure to choose sealants and coatings that can accommodate a variety of budgets, so whether you choose to splurge or prefer a less expensive item, there’s a good-quality option available.
Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.
RV roof coatings and sealants are designed to protect roofs from damage and cracks caused by rain, UV rays, dirt and grime kicked up by the road. There are two main types of sealants/coatings that take care of these types of problems and prevent future ones from occurring: liquid and tape. But before you purchase one of these products, there are several features that you should take into consideration in order to get the best one for your needs.
Types
Liquid
Liquid sealants and coatings are typically made of either silicone, acrylic, or urethane. The best option is silicone because it will last the longest; however, it’s also more expensive. Before you apply a liquid sealant/coating on your RV roof, you must properly prepare the surface. First, you need to clean it thoroughly before applying the sealant/coating, and know that liquid sealants have a low viscosity, so it can take some time for them to cure. As a result, you may not be able to paint over the sealant/coating for a few weeks.
Tape
If you want to save a bit of time to repair roof damage, you can use tape instead of a liquid sealant/coating. After cleaning the surface, peel the backing off the tape, lay it down on the roof, and use a seam roller to activate the adhesive. The tape bonds to the roof and prevents moisture from penetrating and most types of tape can accommodate different types of weather conditions and are designed to last several years. Tape is also less messy than the liquid counterpart.
Key Features
Formula
As we already noted, RV roof sealants and coatings are typically made of silicone, acrylic, or urethane. Acrylic is the cheapest and is a good, quick fix for minor issues. Acrylic typically requires a primer and fabric reinforcer to be effective and isn’t as long-lasting as other options. Urethane is a tough and durable solution that protects against the elements as well as falling objects. However, it’s a bit pricey and has a strong odor. Silicone is the best option if your RV is exposed to high temperatures and a lot of sun. It’s also the most expensive of the three; however, it requires just one coat. Silicone is easy to apply, but it can attract dirt.
Application
Some RV roof coatings and sealants are easier to apply than others. They may require one or two coats, and some take longer to dry or cure than others. Silicone is easier to apply than some of the other options since it needs only one coat. Other formulas need a primer and sometimes multiple coats in order to be effective.
Roof Type
Most RV roofs are made of rubber, so rubber roof coatings are very popular. Also known as EPDM or TPO roofs, specialized coatings and sealants are designed to adhere to these types of roofs and are non-corrosive. Other RV roofs are made of metal or fiberglass, so you probably need a different kind of sealant/coating. Be sure to check the specs to ensure that the product you choose is compatible with the type of roof on your RV.
Tips and Tricks
As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks in terms of selecting the right product and/or using it. That’s the case with us and RV roof sealants and coatings. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.
- Many of the products on this list require heavy coats, so make sure to read the instructions to ensure proper application. Also, make sure you purchase enough of the product to get the number of coats you require.
- The best way to apply a liquid sealant/coating is to use a caulking gun.
- Properly prep the roof before using a tape or liquid sealant/coating. Make sure it’s clean and dry, and follow the instructions on the product’s packaging.
FAQs
Q: Are RV sealants and coatings the same thing?
No, coatings are used for the entire roof and are designed to act as insulation and protection against the elements. Sealants can be used to repair cracks and prevent water leaks.
Q: How often should I reseal my RV roof?
Check the roof monthly so you can see if there are any issues. It’s better to identify a problem earlier rather than later before it becomes a major issue. If you have a newer RV, it may need to be inspected once a year, depending on the warranty, and the roof will be part of that inspection. Good RV roof sealants and coatings should last at least a couple of years.
Q: How many coats of sealant/coating does my RV roof require?
The number of coats depends on what type of product you use. Silicone only requires one coating, while acrylic and urethane often need a primer and several coats on top of that.
Final Thoughts
Our pick for the best RV roof sealant and coating is the Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating. The water-based coating/sealant is UV-resistant, waterproof, and easy to use. The product prevents leaks from occurring, protects against sun damage, and is environmentally friendly.
