For RV owners who want to maintain their roofs, liquid rubber can answer their prayers. It’s an underappreciated product that deserves some recognition.
Failing to maintain your roof can lead to water damage. And if you’re unaware of the problem, it can cause mold and mildew growth in your home on wheels.
Today, we want to help save you frustration and money by sharing how liquid rubber can protect your RV.
Let’s get started!
What is Liquid Rubber?
Liquid rubber is a unique formula that creates a protective and waterproof layer. Its roots date back to Europe in the late 1700s and early 1800s. However, it wasn’t until 150 to 175 years later that many manufacturing industries began regularly using it.
It’s frequently used as a bonding agent between concrete, metal, wood, and PVC materials. Applying it creates a flexible bond that fills a space and minimizes failure points. Modern manufacturers continue finding ways to incorporate it into their processes.
Because it does an incredible job of sealing, it’s perfect for waterproofing, air barriers, and protecting against corrosion. This can help prevent damaging components and materials and assist with climate control.
It’s a relatively safe product, but you’ll want to be cautious when using it. Avoid getting it on your skin and wear old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Getting it off your skin is possible with the right cleansers, but it’ll likely ruin your clothing. It’s better to be safe than sorry when handling this product.
The Benefits of Liquid Rubber
There’s a reason why many RV manufacturers and industry experts are turning to liquid rubber. For starters, it’s incredibly flexible and resistant to aging. By design, it can handle the expansion and contraction of materials without developing cracks.
In addition, it’s also highly resistant to moisture, impacts, and other chemicals. You want a tough and capable material for your roof since you never know what’ll come in contact with it as you’re using it. Luckily, it doesn’t disappoint and can last for years.
One of the most significant advantages of this mixture is it’s relatively inexpensive. It doesn’t matter what type of roof you’re dealing with. It can serve various purposes. Not only is the material budget-friendly, but since it doesn’t require a professional, you can do a DIY install and save even more money.
Do you know: How Much Weight Can an RV Roof Hold?
The Disadvantages of Liquid Rubber
While this product has many things to love, it’s far from perfect. It’s forgiving in many instances, but not against crummy craftsmanship. You can’t just open it up, start rolling it onto the surface, and expect perfect results.
It’s important to consider how many layers you’ll be adding and the thickness of each coat. Failing to do so can lead to the material peeling and bubbling prematurely. You’ll need to take your time and prepare the surface to get the best results. If there are cracks or any uneven spots, you’ll need to address them before applying the first layer.
Another disadvantage is how long it takes to dry. Like most liquids, humidity levels will increase the drying time. If you live in an area with high humidity, it’ll take time for each layer to dry thoroughly. You’ll have to fight the temptation to rush the process.
Liquid rubber has its cons, but How Much Does Camper Roof Replacement Cost?
Is Liquid Rubber Good for RV Roofing?
Liquid rubber is one of the best products for RV roofing. It does an incredible job of sealing materials, especially those frequently used when constructing recreational vehicles. This product provides some of the best results for waterproofing and insulation. This means you’ll stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Additionally, it allows owners to take their maintenance into their own hands. Many dealerships and service centers charge thousands to clean, restore, and seal the top of a small camper. However, even a decent DIYer can knock out this project over a weekend at a fraction of the cost.
When it comes to keeping your RV safe, our favorite solutions are simple, affordable, and effective. Luckily, this product is a combination of these three characteristics. If you’re preparing to maintain your RV, you’ll want to have some liquid rubber on hand.
Flex Seal is a popular liquid rubber brand.
How Long Will Liquid Rubber Last on a Roof?
When appropriately applied, it can last 15 to 25 years. However, longevity significantly depends on environmental conditions. If your roof frequently experiences intense exposure to the sun and other elements, it won’t last nearly as long.
Additionally, if you clean and maintain your roof regularly, you can help extend the life of the coating. Keep an eye on it and know what to look for when resealing it. Most owners find resealing every two to four years prevents issues and damages from occurring.
How to Know When My RV Roof Needs Resealing
The only way to know when to reseal is to climb onto your rig’s top. If you’re a spring chicken, this won’t be much of an issue. However, not everyone is physically able to do this themselves. In that case, you’ll likely need to hire a professional.
Your owner’s manual will tell you how often you need to inspect the various components of your camper. Many manufacturers recommend every 30 to 90 days. Doing so can help you catch any issues before they become significant problems.
You want to look for any signs of corrosion, water damage, or drafts. If wind or water finds its way into your home, there’s an issue somewhere. Look for cracks or peeling in the sealant. You must remove the old materials and clean the surface so the new sealant can form a strong bond.
You can’t afford to rush any step in this process. Doing so can lead to mistakes and improper installation, which can cause more harm than good. Before starting this project, check the weather and ensure there’s no rain in the forecast so it has time to dry properly.
Is Liquid Rubber Worth It?
As you can see, liquid rubber is one of the best products for RV roofs and other materials around your rig. Whether you’ve put off maintenance or you’re planning ahead, this is one solution you can rely on. And best of all, it’ll be less expensive than many other alternatives.
If you remember to take your time and follow the proper steps, you’ll likely finish with fantastic results!
We’ll Help You Find the Best Free Camping in the USA
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours to enjoy. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: