5 Signs of Leaks in Your RV’s Roof

Whether your RV is five months old or five years old, it’s important to keep in mind that all RVs are susceptible to developing a leaking roof. RVs and trailers comprised of rubber and TPO materials are lightweight but also prone to being damaged from overhead objects like sharp branches. Fiberglass and aluminum roofing materials, on the other hand, are sturdier but tend to develop stress cracks and oxidation pitting over time. The lesson here is to accept that leaks are fairly inevitable but the best way to ensure they don’t become expensive nightmares is to know the warning signs and seek out expert RV roof repair as soon as a leak is discovered.

5 Signs of Leaks in Your RVs Roof

1. Ceiling water stain. From time to time, turn your eyes upward and study your RV’s ceiling. Keep an eye out for a water stain, which often looks like a large puddle or, when in a corner, a dark, odd-shaped discoloration.
2. Soft spots. Don’t just stop with a visual inspection. About once every other month, open up all of the overhead cabinets and tap at the ceiling to feel for any soft spots. Do this also underneath any roofing penetrations and at the ceilings above doors and windows. Soft spots are indicative of water build-up caused by an unmitigated roofing leak.
3. Brown and black spots. Brown and black growth on your walls and ceilings are indicative of algae and mold — both of which are damaging to your health and your RVs building materials. However, mold and algae growth might not necessarily mean there’s a roof leak but rather that there is some problem with humidity control in your camper. Still, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect to determine the exact cause and prevent a small leak from growing.
4. Damaged flashing and cracked sealant. Flashing and any materials that were designed to penetrate through your RV’s roof should be regularly inspected for signs of damages at their base. If you see cracking or other signs of damage here, then chances are it was destroyed by regular drying and cracking (or improper installation) and that water is now leaking through.
5. Delamination and exterior spotting. Do a walk around your RV and do a visual and hand check for any signs of delamination. Delamination will appear as a bubble or outwards bending (sometimes called rippling) and is caused by water getting between the outside fiberglass and sidewall and separating the two. Delamination generally (but not always) starts near door or window openings.

Don’t Delay; Call for RV Roof Repair When You See These Signs

Water intrusion can be very damaging to RVs as, when left unchecked, they can cause extensive rot and mold growth that will often need to be completely removed and materials expensively replaced. The good news is that by being aware of the above signs of water leaks and acting quickly to get your RV in the right repair technician’s hands when you see them, you can stop the leak and prevent things from escalating. Contact us to learn more and schedule an RV roof repair visit!