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When it comes to RV maintenance, taking care of the roof is usually one of the biggest priorities. It’s prone to tear and wear due to the effects of UV rays, wind, rain, and snow. That’s why many RV owners apply roof coating in order to prevent this damage and to keep it functional for a longer time. However, finding the best RV roof coating can seem overwhelming since there are so many options available on the market. For this reason, we’ve created this guide with the top 10 RV roof coating reviews where we feature the top picks for 2021.
Top 10 RV Roof Coatings in 2021
Image | Product name | Check price |
---|---|---|
![]() | Flex Seal | |
![]() | Heng's | |
![]() | Rubberseal | |
![]() | LR Liquid Rubber | |
![]() | Dicor RP-CRC-1 | |
![]() | Proguard F99911 | |
![]() | Dicor RPFRC1 | |
![]() | Jetcoat Kool King | |
![]() | KST Coating KS0063300-20 | |
![]() | Proguard F99811 |
Best RV Roof Coating Reviewed
Flex Seal Liquid Rubber in a Can
One of the best selling RV roof coating products in 2021 is the Flex Seal Liquid Rubber. It’s a versatile sealant that can be used on nearly every surface, including rubber, fiberglass, metal, and many more. The manufacturer only recommends not using it on polyurethane.
It’s made using a proprietary rubber-based formula, which gives it its amazing qualities. It offers an easy way to seal the roof and stop leaks in your RV. With this roof coating, you can create watertight protection that will last for years.
In addition to protection against water, this RV roof coating also offers resistance to UV rays and extreme temperatures. Moreover, it offers protection against mildew, rust, and corrosion.
Applying it is very easy. You just need a 3/4 inch paint roller for the job. It goes on very thick and sticky. And after drying, it turns into a strong yet flexible rubber.
This liquid rubber coating comes in clear color and the manufacturer doesn’t recommend painting over it with regular paint. If you would like to give it color once it’s fully cured, you can separately purchase the Flex Seal spray can that you can use over this Flex Seal Rubber coating.
Another advantage of this liquid rubber coating is that it’s non-hazardous and non-toxic. This means that once it’s fully cured, it’s safe for plants and animals. Even at high temperatures, the rubber doesn’t emit any toxins.
A gallon of this liquid rubber coating can cover about 150 square feet. When buying this roof coating, you can choose between 1 gallon, 16 and 36 ounce cans. These options allow you to choose the appropriate amount for the size of your RV’s roof.
This coating will stick to almost any surface. The only requirement is that the surface you apply it to is dry and dust-free. For best results, clean and dry the RV’s roof, so there’s no moisture, dirt, grease, or oil on its surface. The coating takes about 24 to 48 hours to fully cure. Once the first coat is dry, you can apply additional thin coats.
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- Works for almost any surface.
- Easy to use.
- Offers waterproofing.
- Protection against sun, wind, corrosion, and rust.
- High durability.
- Non-toxic.
- Can’t be painted over.
Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating
Another favorite among many RV owners is the Heng’s rubber roof coating. It comes in a bright white color, which is perfect for most RV rubber roofs. It’s a top choice for many due to a number of reasons.
This RV roof coating is made of 100% acrylic latex polymer and it is intended for rubber roofs. It’s a multi-use product. In addition to covering the roof, you can also apply it around vents, covers, air conditioners, and along edges.
It’s very easy to use and it applies without needing any primer. You can use a roller for covering the roof and a brush for applying it on seams. The coat binds nicely to the roof’s surface and creates a finish that is reasonably smooth, but not slippery sleek.
The rubber coating provides excellent protection against outdoor elements, such as sun, snow, rain, and wind. Moreover, the dried rubber offers low temperature flexibility, which creates resistance to cracking and chipping.
Another great thing about this RV roof coating is that it has the ability to contract and expand with the roof. As the heat makes the roof expand and the cold makes it contract, the coating will adjust to these changes.
This protection can considerably help extend the life of your RV’s roof. This will ensure that the roof won’t prematurely degrade and it will help keep your investment in its top condition.
Since the coating also reflects UV rays, it helps to reduce the temperature in your RV. Due to this, you won’t have to run your air conditioner as often. And this means that you’ll be able to reduce your air conditioning costs.
This is also a non-toxic roof coating. There are no toxic and polluting chemicals, which makes it safe for your health and the environment.
The coating comes in a one gallon can, which is enough to cover about 200 square feet of surface area. Measure your roof’s surface area and decide on how many coats you’re going to do, which will help you understand if you need just one gallon or two. For example, if you have a 25-foot camper, you might need up to 2 gallons to do a couple of coats.
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- Perfect for rubber roofs.
- Can be used to seal vents, air conditioners, seams, and tears.
- Offers UV resistance.
- Waterproofing.
- Adapts to your RV’s roof.
- Non-toxic and non-polluting.
- Easy to use.
Easy to clean. - Affordable.
- Its acrylic formulation might not be as durable as a silicon one.
Rubberseal Protective Coating
This Rubberseal product is also one of the best RV rubber roof coating options on the market. It’s a high quality liquid rubber protective coating that comes in white color and a one gallon can.
This liquid rubber coating is a water-based high-end emulsion that creates a seamless rubber membrane. When dried, it exhibits strength and bond. This helps it withstand wear and ensures that it holds up well over time.
The coating offers excellent protection for your roof. It offers high UV resistance, preventing potential damage caused by the sun’s rays. On top of that, it offers insulating capability. Since the coating repels UV light, it helps to keep the temperature in your RV cooler. This means lower air conditioning energy use and cost.
This product also offers waterproofing for the roof. It’s very effective in protecting the surface against water, dirt, snow, and other outdoor elements. And it’s perfect for all types of weather, including extreme heat and cold.
Since it resists water intrusion, the coating also prevents rust and corrosion. On top of that, this rubber coating is crack resistant. It will bond to the roof and will stay in pristine condition no matter the conditions.
Before applying the coating, you don’t need to use any primer. Just make sure that the roof’s surface is clean and dry, which would ensure good adhesion.
Since it’s water based, the coating is also low VOC, meaning that it has low Volatile Organic Compounds. It’s non-toxic and has minimal odor, which makes it safe for use even indoors.
As for the spread rate, a gallon of this Rubberseal roof coating can cover about 60 square feet at 20 imperial mils. It’s a good spread rate, which means that you can get the most out of the money.
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- Great for rubber roofs.
- UV resistance.
- Insulating.
- Waterproofing.
- Energy Star rated.
- Low VOC.
- Excellent elongation.
- No noticeable odor.
- Easy to use.
- It’s thinner compared to other brands.
LR Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating
The Liquid Rubber is specifically designed for RV use, so it’s a perfect choice for those that need to add a cover or repair the roof of a mobile home, camper, or trailer. However, the coating also works well for a variety of other situations. It can also be used on wood, plywood, concrete, metal, and more.
You can apply this coating over a fiberglass, EPDM, or rubber RV roof. It’s very easy to use. It doesn’t need any catalyst or hardener and it’s ready for use right out of the can. Moreover, you can use a standard paint roller to spread the coating over your RV’s roof. The whole process works just like painting.
To ensure the best results, make sure that the roof is properly cleaned and dry. It’s also best to apply the coating in dry weather conditions. Moreover, avoid the intense sun when applying, which will prevent the coating from adhering properly.
To create a waterproof membrane, use heavier coats. On average, a gallon of this RV roof coating will cover about 50 square feet. So, this 5 gallon can should be enough for 3 to 4 heavy coats on roofs of RVs that are up to 30 feet.
The created rubber coating offers impressive protection for the roof. First of all, once cured, it’s highly flexible. Due to its elongation, it doesn’t easily crack. Instead, it adjusts to the contractions and expansions of the roof. This means that you won’t have to worry about minor movements destroying your investment and hard work.
This coating creates a waterproof membrane, which means no more leaky roof and cooler. It’s also UV reflective, which serves two purposes. First of all, it protects the roof from the harsh rays from the sun. Secondly, it adds insulation, making your RV cooler.
It’s a water-based coating, making it nature-friendly. There are no solvents or VOCs, making it safe for you and nature. Since it’s non-toxic, it’s also safe for use both indoors and outdoors.
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- Applicable for a variety of roof types.
- Water-based.
- Waterproof.
- UV rays reflective.
- Highly flexible.
- Nature-friendly.
- No solvents or VOCs.
- Safe for use indoors and outdoors.
- Easy to apply.
- Takes a long time to dry.
Dicor RP-CRC-1
This Dicor RP-CRC-1 RV roof coating specializes in the application for EPDM rubber roofs. It’s also one of the best protective RV roof coatings out there due to its quality and convenience of use.
This is an acrylic coating that has great adhesion to a rubber roof. For better results, it’s also recommended to use it with the Dicor’s rubber roof cleaner/activator. It’s sold separately as part one and the manufacturer recommends using prior to the coating. Alternatively, you can use some other cleaner.
The product comes in a one gallon can, which can cover about 125 square feet. For better results, it’s better to do two coats, which will provide an effective protective barrier for your RV’s roof.
The rubber roof coating provides great protective qualities. First of all, it protects the EDM rubber top against sun damage by reflecting the ultraviolet light. This will extend the life of your rubber roof, which means that you can save in costs for replacing it.
Secondly, the coating offers protection against harsh weather and different outdoor elements, such as rain, snow, and wind. It also works as a sealant, waterproofing the roof and edges.
Another good thing about this roof coating is that it’s flexible. It can adjust to the movements of the roof, contracting and expanding with the changes in temperature. This means no cracking or flaking.
Once dried, the coating also turns into a solid and attractive look. The white color gives a bit of a shine and makes the roof look simply pristine.
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- Acrylic coating.
- 1 gallon covers 125 sq ft.
- UV protection.
- Waterproofing.
- Offers excellent adhesion to rubber roofs.
- Flexible.
- Easy to apply.
- Easy to clean.
- Higher priced than others.
Proguard F99911
If you have a rubber RV roof, then another good option for you is the Proguard F99911. It’s also one of the top rated RV roof coating products that have proven to deliver good results.
This is a two component system, that includes the coating itself and a catalyst. For each gallon can of coating, it offers a bottle of catalyst. Before application, pour in the catalyst into the gallon can and mix it well.
A one gallon kit is enough to cover about 42 square feet. This might not be the highest spread rate. However, the advantage of this roof coating is that it’s so thick that in most cases, one coating would be enough to create a sufficient barrier.
The liquid rubber applies without the need for any primer. As long as the surface of the roof is properly cleaned and dried, the coating will stick well to the roof.
This coating comes in a white color, which would work for almost any situation since most RVs also come in white. The color of the coating will not only make your roof look more appealing, but will also protect against damage from the sun. Moreover, since it reflects the UV rays, it means that your roof won’t heat up and the interior of your RV will stay cooler.
In addition to sunlight reflection, the coating also provides protection against elements that could potentially harm the roof. It creates a barrier against rain, snow, and dirt, which prevents damage and ensures a longer lasting life of the roof.
The manufacturer also warrants that this RV roof coating will stay in good condition for up to 5 years. However, many users report that their roofs look perfectly fine for longer than that. So, if you don’t see any cracking or other signs of deterioration, you don’t need to worry about reapplying the coating.
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- Designed for rubber roofs.
- 1 gallon covers about 42 sq ft with a 20 mil thickness.
- One coat application.
- Includes a catalyst.
- Withstands extreme temperatures.
- UV resistant.
- Water resistant.
- 5 years warranty.
- Does not work on Alpha brand rubber roofs.
Dicor RPFRC1
For a fiberglass RV roof, one of the top recommendations is the Dicor RPFRC1 product. It’s a reliable option that will provide you with all the benefits that you are looking for in a good RV roof coating product.
This is the best RV fiberglass coating that is formulated using 100% acrylic fiberglass resins, which creates a durable, high quality coating. It provides resilient protection that can withstand the changing and harsh outdoor conditions.
For proper adhesion, it requires good preparation and cleaning. This would ensure the maximum performance of the coating. Dicor recommends using their fiberglass clean & prep product, which is sold separately.
To create a waterproof membrane over the roof, it’s recommended to apply two coatings. This would create a seamless seal, which would repel water and prevent any rust or corrosion. It also prevents mildew, keeping your roof in its top condition.
This coating also performs well when it comes to resisting the harmful effects of sunlight. It creates a barrier that reflects the UV rays, so your roof stays undamaged. It also prevents the roof from heating up when it’s exposed to the intensive sun. As a result, the temperature inside your RV will stay at a more comfortable level.
The acrylic resin coating is also very flexible. This means that if your RV’s roof will be contracting or expanding, the coating would do the same. This prevents cracks and other damage.
The roof coating is sold in a one gallon can, which can be used for covering about 350 square feet. This is an impressive spread rate that is unmatched by any other coating product on our list.
Another positive thing about this RV roof coating is the attractive look of the created finish. It has a white color, which would match the color of most RVs.
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- The perfect option for fiberglass roofs.
- 1 gallon covers 350 square feet.
- Reflects the UV rays.
- Reflects the sun’s heat.
- Creates a waterproof membrane.
- Resists mildew and algae.
- Forms a flexible layer.
- Has a bright white finish.
- Not recommended for EPDM rubber or TPO roofing.
- Expensive.
Jetcoat Kool King Elastomeric Coating
If you’re looking for RV roof coating that would be able to effectively keep your roof cool during hot summer days, we recommend checking out the Jetcoat Kool King product.
This is an acrylic elastomeric roof coating that forms a rubber-like seamless membrane. It’s a versatile coating that can be used on a variety of materials. You can use it to coat roofs made of EPDM rubber, metal, and more.
The coating is very easy to use. Once you open the can, just stir it thoroughly, and then it’s ready for application. You don’t need any primer. Just make sure that the roof is clean and dry. And to make spreading it out easier, you can use a paint roller.
It’s recommended to do two coatings for optimum performance. However, many users recommend doubling that recommended amount as it would provide the best results.
This acrylic coating creates a rubber-like barrier of bright white color. Once cured, it provides protection against sun, water, and other outdoor elements. It’s designed to reflect the sun’s UV rays in order to keep the roof cool. This means that the temperatures inside your RV will also stay cooler, which can help you reduce energy costs.
The created barrier is also waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about leaks and other water damage. Due to the versatility of this coating, you can also use it to create a watertight seal around vents, AC units, and seams.
The coating comes in a 5 gallons tank. It will coat approximately 250-350 square feet of roof surface. This means that you can do about 50 to 70 feet per coat.
This is a highly durable RV roof coating. The manufacturer offers a 10 years warranty, which is the longest warranty period offered by any manufacturer on this list. And if you want a cheaper option, the manufacturer also offers this coating with 5 years of protection.
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- Applicable on a variety of roofs.
- Acrylic elastomeric material.
- Designed to keep the roof cool.
- Creates a waterproof barrier.
- Covers 250-350 sq ft.
- Quick drying time.
- 10 years warranty.
- Thinner than other products, so requires more coats.
KST Coating KS0063300-20
The last but not least effective product we’d like to mention for these reviews is the KST Coating KS0063300-20 RV roof coating. The product comes in a 4.75 gallon can and is bright white in color. It’s also inexpensive, so it’s perfect for those that are shopping for new RV roof coating on a budget.
It works on a variety of materials, including rubber roofs. This RV roof coating is also easy to apply. You just need a paint roller to evenly spread it out over the roof’s surface. Then, once it’s dried, you can apply another coat. For maximum strength, it’s recommended to apply at least two coats. And since it’s quite thin, many apply four coats.
This coating offers everything you need to protect your roof. It effectively reflects the sun preventing it from having any harmful effect on your RV’s roof.
When cured, the coating also seals the roof or any other application that you have used. This means that you will no longer fall victim to leaks and its associated damage. The created membrane also protects against wind, rain, and snow.
The product offers you 4.75 gallons of coating. This means you can get multiple uses out of it, covering around 300 square feet. For example, if you have a 27 feet trailer, one can of this coating would be enough to make four coats.
The coating also creates a white finish. It looks smooth and elegant. And it matches the color of most RVs. It’s also the color that offers the most sun rays reflection.
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- Works on a variety of materials.
- Comes in a 4.75 gallons can.
- High spread rate.
- Good protection against the sun.
- Waterproofing.
- Creates a smooth finish.
- White color.
- Affordable.
- Thinner coating, so requires applying a few coats.
Proguard F99811 Liquid Rubber EPDM
This liquid rubber EPDM comes from the same Proguard brand as the above product. It’s a durable material that delivers the same high quality results.
This is a liquid EPDM that requires a catalyst for its application. The catalyst comes included with the coating and you need to mix them well together before you apply it to the roof. Depending on your RV’s roof material, you might also need to use a primer. For example, a TPO roof would require a primer, but a rubber roof doesn’t need it.
You have to clean and dry your roof before applying the coating. This would ensure proper adhesion to the roof and proper protection and sealing. The one gallon can is enough to create one coat over a 42 to 64 square feet roof. This would create a 20 mil thick membrane, which is thick enough, so you don’t need to add extra layers.
The coating hardens to a smooth white rubber. This white color should work for most RVs. However, you can also customize the color by adding Glycol colorant that you can buy at most paint stores. You can add your preferred tint to get the color that you want.
But the advantage of the white color is that it reflects the sunlight, making sure that UV rays don’t harm and don’t heat up the surface of the roof. This results in a longer lasting life of the roof and cooler temperatures inside the RV, even when your RV is exposed to constant sunlight.
Once hardened and cured, the coating also offers waterproofing protection. It creates a seamless membrane that makes a watertight seal. Even when it’s drying, it can stand up to a light shower without getting damaged.
Moreover, the coating has 300% elasticity, which makes it highly flexible and crack-resistant. It doesn’t stay static and instead, easily adjusts to the movements of the roof.
One more advantage of this RV roof coating is that it works at almost any temperature. It retains its specifications even in extremely high and low temperatures.
The coating is environmentally friendly, so you don’t have to worry about it emitting toxic chemicals. However, it’s still recommended only for use outside and not inside, since it does produce some unpleasant smell.
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- Liquid EPDM.
- 1 gallon covers 42-64 sq ft.
- Only needs one coat.
- Creates a watertight seal.
- Resistant to UV.
- Resistant to extreme temperatures.
- Highly flexible.
- Includes a catalyst.
- Environmentally-friendly.
- Expensive.
RV Roof Coating Buying Guide
There are plenty of reasons to invest in RV roof coating. Your RV is an expensive investment and replacing its parts is usually not a cheap process, the roof included. That’s why it’s important to protect this part, which would ensure that it would be able to stay in good condition for longer without needing repairs.
However, to make sure that you get proper protection for your roof, you should choose not just any but the best RV roof coating. The quality of different roof coating products and the level of protection that they can provide for your roof depends on several factors. That’s exactly what this section will explore.
By taking into account each of these factors, you’ll be able to choose the right roof coating for your recreational vehicle. It will also make your shopping experience less stressful since you’ll know exactly what to look for.
Types of RV Roof Coating
The first thing to consider is the type of RV roof coating that you’d prefer. There are a few available options and each has its advantages and downsides.
- Acrylic. One of the most common options is acrylic coatings. It’s a good choice for those that are looking for a cheaper solution. Acrylic coatings are fairly durable. They can also reflect damaging sunlight and prevent water damage and leaks. One of the downsides of this type of RV roof coating is that it’s usually thinner, which means that you need to apply several coats in order to get the best results. This means higher cost and more time spent applying it. Another downside is that it’s not as long lasting as the other two types. And it doesn’t handle very well pooling water.
- Silicone. This type of roof coating is a bit more expensive but it offers the strongest protection, so the benefits outweigh the costs. It applies without any primer and it creates a thick layer. In some situations, you won’t even need to do a second layer. The silicone coating is also very effective at protecting the roof from different outdoor elements and weather degradation. It reflects the UV rays and creates a perfect seal. The material is also flexible, which means that it moves with the roof and doesn’t crack or brittle. Moreover, the ponding water doesn’t do any harm to it. The only downside of this material is that it tends to get dirty fairly quickly. However, if you regularly wash your RV, it shouldn’t be an issue.
- Urethane. This is also one of the more durable options and is also a popular choice among many RV owners. Pricewise, it’s somewhere in between acrylics and silicon coatings. It provides good impact resistance, protecting the roof from falling branches and other debris. The coating also resists ponding water and it is UV reflective. The downside, though, is the strong odor that it emits during application.
- EPDM rubber. This is also a common type of roof coating used on RVs and they offer a few benefits that set it apart from the rest. One of the defining features of this material is its resistance to UV and ozone. EPDM has also great resistance to heat aging and weathering. It can survive in both very high and low temperatures, making it an all season coating. Since it’s also resistant to water swelling, ponding water is usually not an issue.
- Aluminum. This type of coating is not widely used in RV applications since they add quite a bit of weight.
Most of these types of RV roof coatings are sold in liquid form. It makes it easy to apply them. All you need is a paint brush and you apply it as if you’re painting the roof.
Your RV’s Roof Material
Another important consideration is your RV’s roof material. It’s important to choose the coating that would be right for the material of your roof. Otherwise, it might not adhere correctly or it will not be able to provide the necessary protection for the roof.
Most RV roofs are made of either metal, rubber (EPDM or TPO), or fiberglass. So, start by checking the roof material that you have. Many coatings are formulated for application on certain materials and it’s better to use them for that specified application for best results. For example, a rubber formulated coating might not work well on fiberglass roofs and vice versa.
This will make picking the right coating a lot easier. For example, if you have a rubber roof, you should look for products that specify that they are rubber roof coatings. Or if you have a fiberglass roof, look for fiberglass coating.
However, it’s also worth mentioning that some coatings work on a variety of surfaces and they can be applicable on all of these RV roof materials. Check the product’s specifications to understand if it would work for your situation and if it would be able to bond correctly.
UV Resistance
When UV rays hit certain materials, they cause a chemical reaction that results in material degradation. This is exactly what’s happening to your RV’s roof when it’s constantly exposed to the sun.
An effective way to prevent this damage is by applying high quality roof coating. The material reflects the UV rays, so it doesn’t damage the roof.
Moreover, another advantage of UV resistance is that it helps to maintain the heat off the roof. This results in a cooler environment inside the RV and lower energy costs for running the AC.
Water Repellency
Most RV roof coatings offer water repellency. However, some do it better than others. A good product would create a seal, ensuring that no water enters your RV even during heavy rain.
Some manufacturers recommend doing two or more layers in order to create watertight protection for the roof. But it depends on the product since some are thicker than others. For thicker coatings, one layer might be enough while for others, you might need to do two or more.
Impact Resistance
Since your RV will probably be exposed to all kinds of weather and elements, the roof coating should provide protection against them. A good material should also be able to provide protection against wear and tear caused by wind, rain, snow, and different debris.
Flexibility
The coating material should also be flexible. Your RV’s roof can contract and expand with changes in temperature. And the coating should remain flexible, moving with the roof’s changes. This is important for preventing cracking or peeling of the coating.
Ease of Application
Roof coatings can differ in how they are applied and some are more time consuming than others. Look for a coating that can be applied with minimum hassle.
Most RV roof coatings come in a thick liquid form. To spread it over the surface of the roof, all you’ll need is a paint roller, which will provide quicker application and smoother results.
In some cases, you’ll also need to use a catalyst that you mix with the coating. This, of course, adds time to the process of application.
Another thing that determines the ease of application is the number of layers that you’ll need to do. Applying one coat is, of course, faster and easier than applying two or four coats. So, keep this also in mind. In the specifications of the products, you can usually find the recommended number of layers of optimal performance.
Time to Dry and Cure
Different coating formulations will also differ in how long it takes for them to dry and cure. Figuring this out is essential if you will be doing several layers. Since if it doesn’t dry and cure in time, moisture will create bubbles and other weather elements can create additional damage. That’s why it’s important to choose a coating with a dry and curing time that you can fit into your schedule. And usually, the faster it is, the better.
A good drying time would be about 2 to 3 hours. This would allow you to apply several coats in a day, after which you can leave it to cure. As for curing, a good coating would cure in 24 to 48 hours. However, others can take as long as up to 4 days.
It’s worth mentioning that drying and curing time will also depend on the weather and temperature. During warmer summer months, the required time decreases significantly. Cold and damp conditions, on the other hand, extend the drying times.
However, it’s also important to note that many manufacturers don’t recommend applying the coating in intensive heat, so it would be better to work on your roof in the mornings and evenings.
Color
RV roof coatings also come in different colors. The most common color is white since that’s the color of most RVs. Other coatings come in a clear color or tinted color. If your RV roof isn’t white, look for the appropriate color.
If you do buy the white color but then want to tint it, make sure that whatever paint material you’re adding is compatible with the formulation of the coating.
Environmentally-Friendly
To have the least impact on nature, choose also a roof coating that is environmentally friendly. It should be made of non-toxic material that will have low VOCs. By choosing a non-polluting coating, you will not only be protecting the environment but also your health.
Price
The price is an important factor when choosing any product and it’s also important when choosing an RV roof coating. So, start by outlining a budget, which will help you narrow down the options. This will make finding the perfect product an easier and faster process.
When considering the price of the different RV roof coating products, try to find a balance between cost and quality. Keep in mind that a good roof coating is going to cost you. A good quality product is usually not the cheapest one. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to buy the most expensive one either. There are plenty of affordable options that will also deliver good results.
You can look at the roof coatings that fit into your budget and then look at user reviews to understand the quality that the coatings offer. This will help you choose a good coating without wasting your time looking at products that you can’t afford.
RV Roof Coating Frequently Asked Questions
What is an RV roof coating?
An RV roof coating is a material that is used to seal, weatherproof and waterproof the vehicle’s roof. It is used on most recreational vehicles, including on trailers, motorhomes, 5th wheels, etc. This coating plays a crucial role in protecting your RV’s roof.
The RV roof tends to wear and tear with time due to the effects of weather and different outdoor elements. For example, if you have a rubber roof, it can become chalky. Roof coatings help to prevent this wear and tear. Instead, they revive the condition of the roof, making it look as good as new. And as a result, you don’t need to do costly repairs to your roof as often.
Roof coatings also act as a sealant, which prevents water from penetrating and damaging your recreational vehicle. The coating can also be used around skylights, vents, air conditioner,s and other parts that need leak-proofing.
How does an RV roof coating work?
How roof coating will work depends on the type you choose. For example, if you’re using liquid rubber, such as silicone rubber or EPDM rubber it comes as a self-leveling fluid that creates a waterproofing membrane over your roof.
The coating adheres to the surface of your RV’s roof, creating a strong bond. This means that the roof’s surface is protected from weather and elements.
What are the benefits of RV roof coating?
If you’re still unsure if you should invest in RV roof coating or not, here are a few of its persuading benefits.
- Reduction of wear and tear. Your RV’s roof takes all the beating. It has the most exposure to elements, such as rain and snow. It is also the most exposed to the sun, absorbing a lot of the UV light. All this causes it to degrade and lose its original look. A roof coating creates a barrier that protects the surface of the roof from all this wear and tear. And as a result, it extends the life of the roof.
- UV reflective. The material used in combination with the white color offers an effective reflection of the UV light. Due to this, the roof stays protected from the damaging rays.
- Temperature regulation. This advantage is closely related to the previous one. Since the coating reflects most of the UV rays, it helps to keep the roof at a cooler temperature. This also helps to regulate the temperature inside your RV and maintain it at a more comfortable level. As a bonus, you’ll also be using less power since you won’t have to run your air conditioner as often.
- Leak prevention. One of the main reasons to invest in RV roof coating is also to prevent leaks and provide structural protection for your RV. The coating seals your roof and any cracks that could potentially become sources of leaks. By creating this watertight membrane over your roof and keeping away the moisture, it will also help prevent rust, corrosion, and mildew.
- Flexible. Most of these RV roof coatings stay flexible when they are cured. It means that if your RV roof moves, the coating moves as well. This adds to keeping your roof in good condition.
- Energy savings. These coatings insulate your roof, which means that you won’t have to crank up your AC or heating unit. This leads to less power used by these appliances and more money saved. In addition to that, it’s also good for the environment since you can cut on the emissions created.
- Environmentally friendly. A good RV roof coating will also be safe for the environment. They usually don’t have any toxic chemicals that could be harmful to nature or you. This makes them safe to use without worrying about your health or pollution to the environment.
- Reduced costs. Another advantage of RV roof coatings is that they can help you reduce the running costs of your RV. First of all, as we’ve already mentioned, it will help you reduce energy costs. And secondly, it will help you reduce costs on repairs and roof replacements. By protecting the roof and its structure from damage, you’ll have a lot less maintenance to do down the line. As a result, your roof maintenance costs will reduce significantly.
What are the top brands of RV roof coating?
There are several brands that stand in this industry. They include Dicor, Liquid Rubber, Proguard, and Flex Seal. These brands have been on the market for quite a few years, so they’ve had time to work on improving their products. They offer some of the highest quality roof coating products that have proven to work for many users. Due to this, if you’re looking for the best roof coating product, consider starting by checking out products from these brands.
What is the difference: coating vs sealant?
Choosing between coating and sealant depends on how much and what you want to coat. If you want to create a protective layer over the entire roof, then you need the coating, which comes in a large can. On the other hand, if you want to just seal cracks and edges, a sealant would be perfect for the job.
How much RV roof coating do I need?
There are two factors that will determine the answer to this question. The first factor is the size of your roof and the second factor is the spread rate of the coating. So, first, calculate the surface area of your roof and then check the amount of area that the coating can cover.
How to apply RV roof coating?
Applying RV roof coating is a fairly simple process. Its application is very similar to applying paint. You just pour it over the top of your roof and spread it out with a paint roller.
- First, determine how much coating you’ll actually need. For this, measure the surface area of your roof. Then, buy a coating that would be enough to cover it. You can usually find in the specifications of each product the spread rate per gallon of coating. Also, keep in mind the recommended amount of coats since you’ll need more coating for four layers than for just two or one layers.
- Once you’ve got your roof coating, before you begin applying it, prepare the surface of your roof. It’s very important that it’s properly cleaned and dried. Make sure that there’s no dust, dirt, oils, poorly bonded paint, or other substance left on the surface. Otherwise, the coating will not be able to properly adhere to the roof.
- Some manufacturers recommend using their own roof cleaner. However, that’s not always necessary. You can also just pressure wash it and then wipe it down with some denatured alcohol.
- Check the instructions for any other prepping steps. In some situations, you’ll also need to use a primer before applying the coating. This can depend on the type of coating and the type of roof material you have.
- Once the roof is clean and dry, it’s ready for the coating. For the application, you’ll need a paint roller or a brush. Most coatings are ready for use right out of the can. However, some products require adding a catalyst first. Check your product for the instructions.
- When applying the coating, it’s best to choose an area to work in that has good shade and ventilation, which would help it to set properly. It’s also best to avoid intense heat and sunlight, which can make the coating uneven.
- After applying the first layer of coating, let it dry. The drying time will depend on the product. After this, depending on the coating you have, you might have to do another coat or even more. And once all the coats have been done, it’s time for curing, which can take anywhere from one to several days.
- These are general guidelines. However, your product might have unique instructions. It’s better to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which would ensure proper application. It’s also important for the warranty since if you do something as not per instructions, it can void the warranty.
How many coats do I need for an RV roof repair?
The answer to this question depends on the type of coating that you have bought. Urethane and acrylic coatings are usually not as thick as silicon ones. Due to this, they usually require at least two coatings. Many silicon based roof coatings need just one coat for good results. You can check the product’s specifications, where manufacturers often mention the recommended amount of coats.
When applying urethane or acrylic roof coatings, also keep in mind that it’s better to do several thin coats rather than one thick coat. This way it will have the most effectiveness.
How to repair an RV roof?
If you notice any cracks in your RV’s roof, you can use a sealant in order to create a watertight seal and prevent larger repairs.
However, to ensure that you won’t have to do these repairs too often, it’s best to keep up regular maintenance. This would help keep the roof and your RV in pristine shape and will help you cut costs on repairs.
What can I use to clean the roof coating?
Once your RV roof coating has dried and cured, there are different ways that you could clean it. You can use different detergents and cleaners, but avoid using solutions that contain abrasives, petroleum, or citrus ingredients. This will help prevent the cleaning solution from damaging the coating. Alternatively, you can also buy special roof cleaners that would provide safe and effective cleaning.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your RV requires proper care and maintenance. The best RV roof coating is designed to do exactly that. It protects the roof and extends its life. And we hope that our buying guide with RV roof coating reviews has helped you find that perfect product. Our top pick is the Flex Seal Liquid Rubber as it’s easy to apply and it provides protection for the surface of your roof that you can rely on for many years to come.