Tips For Protecting An RV Roof During Storage

The roof is the most exposed part of your RV, so it makes sense that this should be the first part that you aim to protect. Most RV roofs are little more than a thin membrane covered in a rubberized coating, although there are also coated aluminum and fiberglass roofs available on some models. The following tips will help you ensure your roof stays in good condition when you are storing the RV between uses.

Tip #1: Get it clean

Dust, road grime, and bird droppings can be hard on a roof. Bird droppings in particular are acidic, which means they can eventually eat through the roof membrane. Before storing your RV, take a few minutes to fully hose off the roof. If there are droppings or sap that won't come off easily, use a detergent made for cleaning RV or rubber roofs and scrub the roof gently with a pole-mounted sponge cleaner. You can find these detergents at RV centers and at some hardware stores. Give it a final rinse with clear water once you are done.

Tip #2: Inspect for damage

Most damage will occur around the seals near vents, skylights, and other rooftop units. Examine the caulking to make sure it is in good condition with no gaps, cracks, or other damage. If the caulking is damaged, scrape out the old caulk and replace it with a bead of new caulking. If you have a rubberized roof, apply a thin layer of rubber roof protector every couple of years. Fiberglass and aluminum roofs usually don't require any further treatment.

Tip #3: Store it under cover

If you store your RV at home, opt for a protected area. This can be on the shaded and protected side of a building, or even better, beneath a carport or canopy. If you rent storage, try and find a facility that offers covered RV storage. This is the single best way to protect the roof from weathering and UV damage, and also from weight damage in areas with heavy snow. For storage with no coverage, you should at least cover the roof with a tarp to protect it from weathering and UV damage. Tie down the tarp securely so that it won't blow off in heavy winds. Heavy snow can still be a problem with a tarp, since it can lead to a roof collapse. You will need to visit the storage place to sweep off the roof in the event of a heavy snow.

Contact a storage facility like Drydock Depot RV Boat Storage for more RV storage help.