Need to seal your roof?
After a thorough search, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best RV Roof Sealants to help you out.
Although you don’t need much technical knowledge to repair your roof, not all RVs are built the same, so it makes sense to have a basic understanding of which products work best on different roofs.
There’s a full guide later on, but for those in a hurry, here are three quick recommendations.
There are three different types of material used in the construction of RV roofs:
Rubber
Rubber is the most commonly used material. Your owner’s manual will come with specific instructions on how to care for your roof and it will likely point out which type of rubber has been used in the build, and how to care for it.
There are two types of rubber used in RV roofs: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM); and Thermal Poly Olefin (TPO).
Fiberglass
Fiberglass roofs are a little less common than rubber since they’re a but more costly and add a bit of weight to your RV. They are however quite low-maintenance .
Aluminum
Aluminum is fairly low-maintenance as well. However, it adds more weight to your RV than a fiberglass roof and so is the rarest type of roof you’re likely to come across. We’ve included several products suitable for aluminum all teh same.
Once you understand what material your RV roof is made of you’ll be able to make informed decisions about its maintenance, repair and the type of products you’ll need to work with.
Broadly, these are the main types of RV roof sealants you’re likely to come across:
Aluminum Coating
This kind of coating is less uncommon than most as RVs with aluminum roofing are rarely manufactured anymore. that said, if you have one, you’ll still need to fix it up from time to time.
Fiberglass Coating
Fiberglass coating is a bit more widespread but it can be heavy, costly and difficult to install. It is however low-maintenance once installed and will save you plenty of cash in the long run.
Liquid Coating
If your main concerns are preventing corrosion and protecting your roof from UV exposure, liquid coating is your best bet. Since it’s a water repellent, as well as sealing your roof it, it also prevents rust from forming, which we really like.
Rubber Coating
This is the most commonly-used RV roof coating and comes in two types: those made from EPDM and those made from TPO.
EPDM and TPO coatings require slightly different ongoing maintenance, but we’ll get to that a bit later.
1. Flex Seal Liquid Rubber In A Can
Rating: (4.3 / 5)
Flex seal liquid rubber can be used on any type of RV roof to stop leaks and to keep out air and moisture.
The best thing about this product is its ease of use.
It doesn’t require any fancy method of application; you can simply brush it on, use a roller, or even pour it directly onto your roof.
It can also be used to seal up the inside of your RV if required.
Loved by users, and available in a variety of colors and sizes, it’s our Number 1 Pick.
Things we like about this sealant:
- Non toxic and non hazardous
- UV resistant
- Smooth application
- Stops noise and vibrations
Things we don’t like:
- A little on the pricier side
- It’s a bit messy when applied with a brush
- Slippery when wet
2. Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating Kit
Rating: (4.2 / 5)
Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating Kit is the perfect product to ensure a waterproof membrane for your roof.
The kit includes: 5 gallons of Liquid Rubber RV Coating; 4″ x 50′ Seam Tape; Primer; Cleaner; Brushes; Rollers; and Gloves.
The seam tape is an excellent addition which can be used to bridge joints, seams and gaps to create a bulletproof finish.
Applied properly, this kit provides a smooth, watertight surface, resistant to the sun, that keeps your RV nice and cool.
Things we like about this sealant:
- Easy to use/apply
- Value for money
- No pot life
Things we don’t like:
- It is a bit pricey, but still good value for money
3. Cofair Quick Roof Extreme
Rating: (4.4 / 5)
This self adhesive roof repair from Cofair works instantly to seal up any leaks.
You can use it on EPDM, TPO as well as metal, fiberglass and wood and vinyl.
You won’t have to worry about it cracking, shrinking or hardening (as so many adhesive tapes on the market do) as it creates a permanent bond using a steel-loc adhesive.
Additionally, you can use it on damp surfaces as well, which is a real advantage if you need to do a patch repair in bad weather.
Surprisingly it creates a permanent fix, making it an excellent choice.
Things we like about this tape:
- Very simple to use, requires no skill or expertise
- Strong waterproof coating
- Creates strong bond even on a smooth surface
- Great for a quick fix
Things we don’t like:
- Does not consist of one continuous roll – it’s spliced at intervals of one foot
- Can shrink a little around corners
4. Dicor Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating
Rating: (4.5 / 5)
Dicor Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating is specifically designed to extend the useful life of your rubber roof. It consists of two parts: cleaner for roof preparation and an acrylic coating.
The acrylic coating will provide an excellent protective barrier to extend the life of your EPDM rubber roof, though you can use it on a TPO roof as well.
We recommend using two coats for maximum protection and bear in mind it offers coverage of 125 sq feet per gallon.
Things we like about this coating:
- Can withstand extreme weather conditions
- Easy to apply
- Flexes reasonably well
- Requires little maintenance
Things we don’t like:
- Takes some time to dry if used in moist conditions
- It’s a bit messy and can be difficult to clean up after use
5. Geocel Pro Flex RV Flexible Sealant
Rating: (4.5 / 5)
Specially designed for the RV industry, this crack-resistant Pro Flex sealant can be used on a variety of surfaces including damp, oil and frozen surfaces.
In other words, you won’t have to worry too much about preparing your RV roof before using it!
Like all quality RV roof sealants it is re-sealable, paintable and comes in a variety of common RV colors such as white, black almond and even clear.
You can use it on aluminum, fiberglass, wood and vinyl, making it useful for other household maintenance tasks as well.
Things we like about this sealant:
- Easy to apply
- Resists dirt pick up effectively
- Seals very well
Things we don’t like:
- Not easy to clean up
- Can gradually dry out and discolor
6. EternaBond Mobile Home RV Rubber Roof Repair
Rating: (4.5 / 5)
EternaBond RV Rubber Roof Repair tape is your perfect solution for rips, tears and open seams.
It consists of 10’ sections cut from a 50 foot master roll, and you can use it on almost any type of RV roof, be it EPDM, TPO or metal.
Its most defining feature is its UV stability. According to tests conducted by EternaBond, if you use it on your RV roof, you may can leave it out in the sun for up to 19 years with minimum signs of wear and tear.
It has a built-in primer that allows it to bond easily with whichever surface it’s installed on, and creates a permanent water-tight seal. This saves you the added cost of buying a primer separately.
Things we like about this sealant:
- Economical solution
- Doesn’t require any cleanup
- Easy to work with
- Quick fix
Things we don’t like:
- It’s not a long-term solution
7. XFasten Butyl Seal Tape
Rating: (4.7 / 5)
XFasten Butyl Seal Tape is your easy, hassle-free solution to fix gaps in your RV roof and keep out moisture, making it perfect for damp weather conditions.
An impressive feature is it’s ability to block out corrosive chemicals as well.
It works well on tight corners and unusual patterns. It’s also stretchy, and can be painted over too.
You can use it over rubber, galvanized metal, fiberglass and even wood.
We recommend storing it in the fridge about before use for easy application and best results.
Things we like about this seal tape:
- Easy to use air-tight sealant
- Long shelf life
- Economical solution
- Doesn’t create a mess
- Professional-grade finish
Things we don’t like:
- Sticky
- Can be a little too stretchy
8. Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating Sealant
Rating: (3.5 / 5)
Liquid Rubber RV Roof coating sealant is a unique water-based roof coating that doesn’t contain any solvents.
Unlike some other high quality sealants, it doesn’t require any special breathing apparatus and is completely safe for you to use in enclosed environments (if carrying out maintenance in your garage for example).
Apart from your RV roof, you can also use it on your camper, gutter, shed, etc to create a durable waterproof membrane.
It provides coverage of 100 sq ft per gallon but it does require 2-3 heavy coats for best results, so a typical 30 foot RV would require a 1.5 G pail.
You can use it to bridge gaps and seams, and you should use a primer first if your roof is made of EPDM or TPO to aid adhesiveness.
Things we like about this sealant:
- UV resistant
- Environment friendly
- Easy to apply
- Highly flexible
Things we don’t like:
- Too thick to spray
- Does not dry easily
- Stays sticky for a while
- Tough to clean up
9. Butyl Putty Tape – RV Roof and Window Sealant
Rating: (4.3 / 5)
Butyl Putty Tape is made of a non-hardening elastic material that lasts longer than many similar tapes on the market right now.
Its crack-resistant formula is best-suited for roofs made of EPDM rubber.
You’ll find it creates a perfect waterproof membrane for your rubber roof. We believe its beast feature is that it increases in adhesion with age after you apply it creating a strong, long-lasting seal.
Things we like about this sealant:
- Moulds according to the shape you need
- Increases in adhesion with age
- Easy to work with
- Doesn’t create a mess
Things we don’t like:
- Needs to be chilled before use for easy application
10. Anvil ROOF-TEC Fibered Elastomeric Roof Coating
Rating: (4.7 / 5)
Anvil Roof-Tec uses unique interlocking fibres that allow for great coating over seams and small separations.
Its most impressive feature is its bright white finish that reflects up to 90% of the sun’s rays reducing heat buildup and hence lowering your air conditioning costs.
The catch here is that you won’t be able to use it on flat roofs as it requires adequate pitch for water to run-off. The coverage it offers is 80 sq ft/gal and you’ll typically require 2-3 coats.
Things we like about this coating:
- Durable
- Saves energy
- Reasonably-priced
- Long-lasting
Things we don’t like:
- Nothing really
11. Dicor Metal RV Roof Coating
Rating: (3 / 5)
Designed specifically for fiberglass and metal, Dicor’s Elastomeric Coating is not suitable for EPDM rubber or TPO RV roofing.
If you do own an RV with a fiberglass or metal roof and decide to try this out, you’ll find its best feature to be the rubber-like coating it creates, which expands with movement.
Like the Anvil Roof-Tec, it comes in a brilliant white color that provides you with superior reflecting qualities to reduce internal temperatures.
You also get an impressive 200 sq ft of coverage per gallon, and you’ll ideally need two coats for maximum durability.
Things we like about this coating:
- Dries quickly
- Easy application
- Superior reflection
Things we don’t like:
- It can crack and peel from time to time
- On the costlier side
12. Beech Lane RV Roof Sealant
Rating: (4.3 / 5)
Beech Lane RV Roof sealant is the perfect quick-fix if your RV roof is made of metal, EPDM rubber or TPO.
It’s a go-to product for emergencies and doesn’t require all day to install as it bonds instantly.
You can apply it one time for a permanent fix.
Its most impressive feature is that it can, apparently, withstand 20 years of continuous exposure to extreme weather conditions.
Not recommend for installation in weather conditions below 48F.
Things we like about this sealant:
- Unique flexible tape
- Sticks instantly
- Quick solution
- Lifetime warranty
- Reasonably-priced
Thing we don’t like:
- Chalky texture
- Can lift around corners in moist weather
All of the products on our list will do a good job if you go for them. They’ve all been around long enough to gather hundreds of positive reviews from independent users just like you. And as they’re on our list they all come highly recommended.
If you really pressed us to choose the best RV Roof Sealant, for a permanent fix we’d have to go with Flex Seal Liquid Rubber due to it’s supreme versatility and ease of use. It works on any surface, and can be painted on with a brush or roller quickly and easily. It’s priced relatively well, and is the best-selling product on our list by quite some way.
For an all-inclusive option, it’s hard to look past the Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating kit. With this combo set you get everything you’ll need to carry out a complete repair of your roof, including 5 Gallons of Liquid Rubber RV Coating, Liquid Rubber 4″ x 50′ Seam Tape, Primer, Cleaner, Brushes, Rollers and gloves as well. It’s a bit pricey, but you get so much for your money it offers real value.
For a more budget friendly option we’d recommend Cofair Extreme Quick Roof. This fast acting, self-adhesive roof repair tape will hardly break the bank whilst providing a permanent seal against the elements in no time at all. It’s compact, so can be stored in your RV for patch repairs whenever you need it, which helps it score so highly in reviews.
Educating yourself on the type of roof you have and which method of roof repair, and which type of sealant would work best for you is one of the few challenges you’ll be faced with while caring for your RV roof.
To help you make sense of what can be too much information, we’ve compiled a few questions you should answer before you pick a product:
Why Are You Sealing Your Roof?
Undoubtedly the most important question that you’ll need to answer is: why do you want to seal your roof in the first place? This is essential because different reasons can lead to different products and vastly different repair and maintenance techniques.
For instance, if your main concern is wanting to keep your vehicle cool, you’d go for a sealant with a brilliant white finish that would reflect sunlight and keep the inside of your RV cool.
However, if you’re facing a leak, you’d be best advised to use a tube sealant to fix it. See the difference?
The second question you’ll have to answer in this regard is: how degraded is your vehicle?
Depending on your RV’s level of degradation, you can either use repair tape to fix a small rip or more sophisticated methods of roof repair. This will also help to determine how much time you’ll have to put in to repair your roof.
Is Your Roof Leaking?
If you’ve decided to repair your RV’s roof because you’ve identified a leak, it’s imperative to investigate what’s causing the leak.
Maybe it’s being caused by rain? Maybe an object has struck it? Maybe your vehicle is just a bit tired and worn? Maybe all of the above?
After you’ve successfully established the reason behind the leak, you’ll then be able to choose the best RV roof coating to fix it.
What Material Is Your Roof Made Of?
The material your roof is made of is the most important factor that you should be taking into account before you repair your roof. As highlighted in earlier sections, RV roofs are typically made of three materials: Rubber (EPDM or TPO); Fiberglass; or Aluminum
A quick inspection or a check of your users’ manual will let you know the material your roof is made of. Only after this stage should buy a sealant for your roof.
Is The Sealant UV Resistant?
UV rays cause your RV roof to wear out over time, and they obviously heat up the inside of your vehicle. Therefore, you should choose a sealant that is cool and reflective that can resist UV rays effectively.
This not only helps keep your RV cool, and reduces the need for maintenance over time, it also guarantees better overall functioning of its components.
Such sealants also substantially reduce the possibility of your roof falling apart due to thermal shock and UV damage.
How Elastic Is The Sealant?
Elasticity with regard to an RV roof sealant refers to its ability to stretch and recover.
How effective is the sealant in extreme weather conditions? Is it able to expand and contract with changes in temperature without cracking?
If you plan on travelling through changeable weather conditions you should really ask the questions above before you come to a final decision on the best rv roof coating for the job in hand.
How Good Is The Sealant’s Tear Resistance?
Your RV roof’s tear resistance refers to its strength and ability to withstand force before breaking apart. Ideally, you’d want to pick a sealant tape that’s reasonably flexible and difficult to tear.
Tearing is usually caused by roof traffic, foot movement and changes in environment. Make sure your chosen seal tape is made of durable materials that can keep your roof in great shape for the entirety of its life.
Here are a few tips to bear in mind in order to maintain your RV roof and save yourself the trouble (and cost) of repairing it.
Inspection And Light Repair
- Manually inspect your roof at regular intervals to ensure there are no cracks, punctures or tears.
- Check often for signs of water damage.
- Ensure your roof is strong enough to hold your weight if you walk on it. This can be determined by whether or not your RV has a ladder attached to its rear. If not, you should use a plank of plywood to lay on it to distribute your weight when you walk over it.
- If your roof is made of rubber or vinyl, don’t use cleaning products on it that contain petroleum solvents or citrus ingredients as they cause permanent damage. This sort of damage can let rain and melted snow in that can ruin insulation and even rot framework.
- If your roof is made of rubber, clean it at least four times a year.
Take a look at this handy clip for some further guidance:
Heavier Repair Works
If your roof does require more than just basic maintenance and you’ve decided to repair it, take note of the following tips before you start:
- Clean your roof thoroughly by scraping off the odd piece of debris, roof material, dirt and let it dry completely.
- Be very careful while cleaning your roof as you can make things worse by enlarging a tear or ripping a hole through it.
- Either refer to your users’ manual or ask your dealer about which sealants are best suited to your roof.
- Wear protective gloves and be careful not to spill any sealant on your clothing-that stuff is permanent and won’t wash off.
The following brands are the ones we’d consider the best in the industry at the moment, and worthy of recommendation:
Flex Seal
The Flex Seal family of products, as seen on TV, make an excellent addition to any garage or workshop. They’re versatile, easy to use, and most importantly, they work.
Geocel
Geocel has been in the industry for well over 40 years and has been consistently flooding the market with professional-grade, quality products. Their sealants are easy-to-use and effective.
Eternabond
The fact that it supplies to over 600 distributors and retailers speaks volumes for the durable, easy-to-use sealants manufactured by the best microsealant producer in the market – Eternabond.
Cofair
Cofair is one of the most innovative brands in the sealant industry and spends decades on thorough research and development to bring you self-adhesive membranes and tapes. Their Steel-Loc adhesive is next generation technology that is both ingenious and effective.
Anvil Paints
Providing loyal customers with quality paints and sealants since 1967, Anvil Paints has become a household name in the industry and is trusted by leading distributors and a large consumer base of RV owners as well.
Liquid Rubber
Established in the early 2000s, Liquid Rubber provides its customers with flexible, damage-resistant membranes that are proven to be of great quality. Their 5-star customer service is probably their best selling point.
Q – Does my RV roof require constant maintenance?
A – Maintaining your RV roof and keeping it in good shape for years takes no more than basic maintenance but it is of prime importance that you clean your roof at least twice a year and check for rips, tears and leaks.
Q – Can I paint my rubber roof?
A – Yes, but it is not advisable. You should only paint your rubber roof if you’re beginning to see black rather than white and even then you should paint it only once before replacing it.
Q – Will I always require a primer?
A – A primer may be required in some cases depending on he type of roof you have. However, its not always necessary to use one and it is no substitute for proper cleaning.
Q – Can my roof be recoated?
A – Yes, most coating systems in the market are renewable as well as sustainable. As your coating eventually wears away, you can apply more as per the specific instructions of your coating manufacturer regarding re-coating applications.
Q – Can a rusted metal roof be coated?
A – Yes, it can be coated after you’re able to clean off the rust. If the rust on your roof is white (zinc or aluminum), you can coat it after a basic cleaning. If the rust is red, it must be treated with a corrosion inhibiting primer. If fasteners are rusted they should be treated or replaced. You could also consider a rust converter.
Q – How long will my coating last?
A – Ideally, a properly-applied coating can extend your roof life by up to 10 years or more. How long it will last also greatly depends on the weather conditions it will be exposed to and how thickly the coating has been applied.
As discussed, giving your RV roof the care and attention it deserves can appear to be a daunting task. You have several things to take into account before you unload your wallet and pick up the first sealant you come across at the hardware store.
Yes, RV roofs come with their fair share of maintenance issues but there are plenty of handy solutions too.
After weighing the pros and cons of all the leading sealants in the market, we feel that Flex Seal Liquid Ribber is the best RV roof sealant around right now. For ease of use, permanent results, and the sheer volume of positive feedback from independent users, it cannot be beaten.
Liquid Rubber’s RV Roof Coating Kit is a great option if you have a complete overhaul to carry out, want a comprehensive kit to call upon should you need it, and want all the bells and whistles for a top quality finish.
And for those who don’t want to spend a fortune but still want reliable results, or a sealant tape that stores easily for occasional use or emergencies, we recommend Cofair Extreme Quick Roof. It’s a fast acting, self-adhesive roof repair tape that provides a permanent fix at a great price.
All in all, the choice is yours so make sure you choose a sealant that can provide the solution best suited to your needs without breaking the bank.
What do you think is the best RV Roof Coating? Let us know below. We’d love to hear from you.