The roof on your RV is possibly its most important feature, and not just because it keeps you dry and comfortable when the weather is bad. Texas may not get as much rain as other parts of the country, but all mold needs to take root is one hard rainstorm and some time to grow. This short guide outlines why it’s so important to get your roof repaired and will offer a few suggestions on how to do it. If you have further questions, or if your RV has a leaky roof, call Athens RV in Athens, Texas. Located near Nacogdoches and Lufkin, we fix all types of RV roofs!
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Why It’s Important to Repair Your Roof
If you live in the dry climate of Texas, you might not be too worried about a leaky RV roof. After all, mold just isn’t as big of a problem in dry climates. You probably don’t have to worry too much about keeping the rain off your head, and you might not expect mold to gain ground. This is a dangerous attitude to have when it comes to your RV. For one thing, RVs are meant to travel. As soon as you leave your region, you’ll have to face the probability of rain. And when you face rain, you’ll face mold.
RVs are particularly susceptible to mold because they often lack the ventilation to allow water to evaporate. With moisture all around, no moving air, and a temperature that’s warmer than outside, RVs provide the perfect environment for mold to take over. One strong rainstorm on a moldy roof can lead to major water damage and eventually a severe mold problem that can attack any organic materials in your RV. It’s best to get your roof fixed as soon as you find any leaks.
Patching a Hole in Your Roof
One option when you find a small hole in your RV’s roof is to patch it yourself. This isn’t an appropriate solution for all RV roof damage, as some problems involve more complex fixes. But if the hole in question is relatively minor, you should be able to handle it yourself for pretty cheap.
Start out by finding a trusted roof sealant product. There are many products on the market to choose from, and you’ll need to do some research. Continue with the process by preparing your roof. You’ll want to wash the area around the hole quite thoroughly using a mild detergent and a scrub brush. Make sure to scrub the area until it’s totally clear of tree sap, dust, and debris. The sealant will only be able to fully adhere to the area if the surrounding metal is clean. Rinse the area of soap and then wipe it dry with a towel. (try not to get too much water in the hole, as this could cause mold!)
Once the area is extremely clean and dry, apply a generous amount of sealant. Use a putty knife and make sure not to get any on your skin as this stuff is designed to stick and not come off. Use the knife to scrape the sealant wide out away from the hole, for at least one inch all around it. This layer will help to make sure no water gets under an edge of the sealant patch. Next, let the sealant dry completely. You’ll need to plan this out in advance so that you can be sure rain won’t come while the sealant is still drying.
Professional RV Roof Repair in Athens, Texas
Another option for fixing your roof is to go to the professionals. Professional RV repair technicians will be able to diagnose any damage that the leak may have caused. They’ll be able to see how much water has pooled in which locations, and they’ll be able to fix any rot or other problems caused by water damage. If you need a new roof altogether, they can fix that, too.
The skilled team at Athens RV has plenty of experience dealing with leaky RV roofs. If you have any questions about RV roof repair, or you need any service for your RV, don’t hesitate to stop by our dealership and service center. We’d be happy to accommodate whatever you need! Proudly located in Athens, Texas, we serve the areas of Nacogdoches, Lufkin, For Worth, Dallas, Longview, Tyler, and Houston, Texas.