Roof Inspection - Protect your investment!
The Complexity of Roofs
At first glance, an RV roof might seem straightforward… It’s just a roof, right?
In reality, it’s a complex system with dozens of potential failure points. A professional inspection involves many meticulous checks, far beyond what a quick look or drone footage can reveal.
I’ve seen so-called professionals who will fly a drone over the coach, or climb a ladder and look around for a few minutes. This is not adequate.
The certified professional need to inspect every seal, screw, and inch of membrane to catch issues before they become costly problems. Skylights, tank vents, antennas, and anything else added either by the factory or you increase the number of opportunities for disaster. I like to provide photographic evidence for you, the customer, to keep as a record of meeting your warranty requirements.
Common Problems
Membrane Damage: Scratches, gouges from tree branches, or tears from manufacturing defects or wear and tear can compromise the roof’s integrity.- Trapped Debris: Fasteners or nuts sealed under the membrane during installation can create weak spots.
- Loose Trim: Detached trim pieces can lead to air pockets or “bubbles” in the membrane, which may go undetected until significant damage occurs.
- Improper Sealing: Poorly applied sealant around vents, skylights, or appliances can allow water to seep in.
- Dry and cracked sealant.
The Critical Role of Sealant
Sealant is the unsung hero of RV roof maintenance. It’s the primary barrier against water intrusion, and its condition can make or break your RV’s longevity. A thorough inspection involves checking:- Pliability: Sealant exposed to UV rays can become brittle or cracked, losing its effectiveness.
- Pinholes and Cracks: Even the smallest imperfection can allow moisture to penetrate.
- Key Areas: Every vent, fan, trim line, and roof edge must be properly sealed.
- A single pinhole near a plumbing vent or skylight can lead to slow leaks, causing structural damage that’s expensive to repair.
Non-Negotiable
Roof issues can remain hidden for months, leading to mold, soft spots, or significant repairs. It is also required under your warranty that you should read and understand this. Failure to meet the requirements may result in voided warranties. No one wants that.
How frequently? I inspect my roof every 30 days. Even if you are that meticulous, having an independent inspection done is a good idea, so you can maintain photographic evidence.
Industry recommendation is every 60 to 90 days. More often if you park under trees, or before or after long road trips, or have been in a violent storm. Again, check your warranty for the specific requirements.
Stay Where You Are, We’ll Be Right There
As with all of our work, our team will come to you. There is no need to transport your camper or RV to a facility, leave it for days or weeks, only to have to go pick it up again. Whether it is in your driveway, a camp-site, or in storage, we will do our best to accommodate your needs, schedule, and location.
Just contact us, and we’ll take care of the rest.
