Avoiding Roof Leaks: Tips for RV Roof Inspection and Repair
RV Roof Repair Burlington WA | Mobile RV Roof Sealing
A leaking RV roof doesn’t just ruin your weekend—it can destroy your rig. Water intrusion is the silent killer of travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes alike. One small crack or tear in your roof sealant can quietly soak insulation, rot wood framing, and lead to costly mold damage before you even notice.
At Odyssey Mobile RV Repair, we specialize in mobile RV roof sealing and repair from Burlington to the Canadian border. Here’s how to stay ahead of leaks and make sure your roof is road-ready all year long.
Before getting into the meat of this article: We would never recommend you rely on a mobile repair if it involves serious damage, or there if there is underlying water damage. We will never band aid something and send you on your way. For a guaranteed large scale roof repair/replacement, we would only recommend a shop outfitted for this large of a repair for several obvious reasons Although a shop is in the works here at Odyssey, we have trusted service centers we can refer you to.
1. Perform a Seasonal Roof Inspection
What to Look For:
Cracks or gaps in lap sealant
Loose or lifting edges around skylights, vents, and antenna bases
Torn or punctured roof membrane (TPO, EPDM, or fiberglass)
We recommend a visual roof check every 90 days, especially after storms, tree branch impacts, or high winds. Many campgrounds are situated under the beautiful evergeens we are so lucky to have in Washington. It only takes one branch to poke the rubber clean through.
2. Clean the Roof Before You Seal
Dirt and debris trap moisture and reduce the effectiveness of sealants. Always wash your roof before applying new products. Use a soft-bristle brush and RV-safe roof cleaner—not household soap or degreasers.
This also helps you spot hidden damage you might otherwise miss. Mold forms on roofs of homes and RV’s frequently. Cleaning it off is paramount to seeing the true condition of your roof.
3. Use the Right Sealant
Different roof types require different sealants. Using the wrong one can do more harm than good.
EPDM rubber roofs: Use self-leveling Dicor or equivalent.
TPO roofs: Check compatibility before sealing—some sealants won’t adhere properly.
Fiberglass roofs: Often need a different approach, including gelcoat repair or specialty caulk like SikaFlex.
Not sure which you have? Call us—we’ll inspect it for you.
4. Inspect Roof Fixtures
Your roof-mounted components—AC units, solar panels, antenna mounts—are common leak points.
Check for:
Cracked mounting brackets
Missing screws
Warped plastic covers
Old AC 14x14 Gaskets (these are common fail points)
It’s easy to overlook these, but they’re often the source of slow leaks.
5. Consider a Full Reseal or Roof Recoat
If your roof is 5+ years old or you’re seeing multiple problem areas, it might be time for a professional reseal.
At Odyssey, we offer on-site roof resealing services—no dealership visit required. The catch is, the weather has to be in order for the cleaning, resealing and cure time. Even then, there is no controlling the elements. These are considerations we have to keep in mind, that being said we can and do reseal roofs in the summertime.
Don’t Let a Drip Become a Disaster
Roof issues compound fast. That’s why regular inspections and sealing are some of the most important RV maintenance tasks you can do. Whether you’re prepping for the season or just spotted a stain inside your rig, we’ve got your back.