Liquid-Rubber RV Roof Coating

By Cynthia Pigeon

Updated on November 7, 2023

Have you just had an amazing summer vacation with your family aboard your recreational vehicle, loading up on memories? Well then, a quick inspection of your RV's roof might be in order.

The roof of a motorhome, which is left exposed to cold, heat, humidity, and other elements, may wear out and give way to its eternal nemesis: water. Since you surely don't want to end up with an RV with a rotten ceiling and walls, before you next plan to go on vacation, restoring the roof's waterproofing and liquid coating should be at the top of your to-do list.

Although on wheels, a motorhome isn't so different from a house: its frame is made of wood too. Considering all the potential points of entry located on an RV (skylight(s), plumbing, air conditioner, etc.), it's definitely not exempt from water infiltration. As the saying goes: Where there's wood and water, there's mould.

Naturally, a well-maintained roof can last for years, whether it's made of aluminum, rubber, TPO, or fibreglass. However, weather changes can cause the sealant to dry out and the seams to crack prematurely. Therefore, it's probably best to inspect this exposed area twice yearly and, if necessary, make any repairs using the appropriate products.

This is where a liquid-rubber coating can come in handy.

motorhome parking lot

Source: Siggy Nowak - Pixabay

What’s a Liquid-Rubber Coating?

Such roof coatings are said to be liquid-applied roofing systems because they’re a liquid-based coating. They’re suitable for a variety of roofs (not only that of RVs) and adhere to several substrates such as brick, concrete, wood, PVC, and more.  

This coating, applied with a roller just like paint, will cure and form a kind of rubber-like texture, which will then ensure that the roof is leak-proof. Also, it’s seamless and doesn't crack to prevent any water from seeping in.

This liquid coating is available in several colours and is easily applied. Ideally, it should be used at the beginning of the summer and before winter. It’ll provide added protection if it’s coupled with waterproofing strips placed around the roof's protruding features.

Most products available on the market here are manufactured in Canada. Therefore, they’re designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and extreme temperature variations. As a result, the products have a durability of about 15 years (don't neglect touch-ups and twice-yearly inspections). The finish will leave your RV looking shiny and brand new, while also protecting the roof from rust and minimizing air conditioning costs by sealing the entire surface.

Just to give you a ballpark figure, expect to pay something along the lines of $450 to $1,000 to obtain the necessary cleaning product prior to applying the coating, for caulking, and finally, for the liquid coating (NoxSilicone-55, Rexoseal, or any other well-known brand).

Are you looking for experts for your roofing project?

Fill in this form to be connected with top-rated contractors!

trailer and RV

Source: bmacmolly - Pixabay

How to Apply a Liquid Roof Coating on an RV

First and foremost, to ensure a smooth and flawless result, either hire a professional or consult with an expert at your local motorhome dealership regarding your project. If you're more of a DIY person, clear 2 full days in your schedule to perform the inspection, make the necessary repairs and apply several coats of the liquid coating.

Monitor the weather! Rainfall will prevent you from applying the coating, while a hot day may end up being harmful to your health as a result of the sun beating down on an aluminum surface. Also, if the heat causes the roof to surpass 60 degrees, then the liquid coating shouldn't be applied.

Given that time, pollutants, and weather will have damaged your roof, the aluminum will be coated with slate, the rubber stained with limescale, the joints need replacing, and the liquid coating spread out evenly... there's really no need to tell you that wearing protective overalls, or used clothing, is best.

Furthermore, although your roof is sturdy, in actuality, it's relatively thin. Therefore, make sure to take necessary precautions when walking atop the roof and inspect the bottom of your footwear to ensure that nothing punctures nor damages the covering.

As for tools, you'll need a plastic scraper, rags, paint roller, and roller tray, along with the necessary cleaning products.

  1. Thoroughly inspect the condition of all roof joints. If they're peeling, or chipping, appear flimsy, or if you find a gap, use the scraper to remove the joint coating to then replace it. If you experience resistance when attempting to remove the joint coating, use a heat gun to loosen up the product.

  2. If additional repairs are required, remove the roof coating and replace the damaged structural wood. Otherwise, you're simply delaying further and bigger problems, which will come at a greater cost.

  3. Disinfect the surface with a mould remover, then strip off all the caulking to prepare the surface for the new coating. Lastly, clean the roof with a degreaser designed specifically for the coating used, and allow it to dry completely. Ensure that all dirt, oil, etc. are removed, otherwise, your liquid coating won't properly adhere and your efforts will have been in vain.

  4. Then, apply the liquid, leak-proof coating. Generally, the manufacturer suggests 2 to 3 coats. If you have any leftover coating, definitely go for a fourth! Once dry, use UV-resistant caulking, which adheres to aluminum, vinyl, and metal to go around the protruding parts of the roof and screw heads.

Now, your RV is waterproof and ready to hit the roads, as good as new! 

Cover image source: Pexels - Pixabay

Get 3 quotes for your RV roofing project

RenoQuotes.com will put you in contact with 3 reliable contractors for your RV roof renovation project. Fill in the form on our homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from trusted professionals.

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Are you a contractor?

Join our network and receive real leads!

Download the price guide for renovations

We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

4 min read

Amanda Harvey

07 Nov 2023

How to Select an Air Barrier

Air barriers work by blocking unwanted or escaping air movement through building cavities, preventing air leakage around your home. Further, they help to control moisture in your home, allowing water vapour that enters to diffuse back out.

Insulation
4 min read

Cynthia Pigeon

31 Mar 2025

Everything You Need to Know About Snow Guards

Whether you call them snow guards, snow barriers, snow deflectors, or snow stoppers, these devices prove helpful when it comes to preventing snow-related damages and injuries during the winter months.

Roof
5 min read

Editorial Team

07 Nov 2023

Hiring a Horticulturist: Average Cost

Spring is just around the corner, and this makes it the perfect time for planning out your garden, backyard and front lawn. If you’re working with plenty of space or you’re looking to investigate a little further into the potential of your property including growing your own vegetable and fruit garden, then you could be interested in working with a horticulturist. A horticulturist can help you plan and design a garden or recreational area with the idea of preserving natural resources.

4 min read

Editorial Team

28 Aug 2024

Hardwood Floor Maintenance Techniques

Hardwood floors are a beautiful but serious investment. Protecting and maintaining the surface of your hardwood floors is an important part of owning them. This flooring material shows all signs of dirt and grime, and therefore, cleaning should happen frequently. However, hardwood floors are a delicate material and must be maintained using soft and specific methods.

Renovation tips
8 min read

Editorial Team

26 May 2025

Everything About Air Conditioner Maintenance

Although we all look forward to the warmer weather, few are those who enjoy sweating inside their hot homes or apartments. And that's why many purchase an air conditioner or heat pump.


Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!