How to Quickly Repair the Roof of Your Travel Trailer And Save Money

Repair a leaky roof and get back on the road.

Repairs to the roof of a travel trailer can be expensive if you hire a professional. Use a synthetic "liquid rubber" product applied with a paint roller and squeegee to perform this task. Liquid rubber is widely used for roof repairs and replacements on RVs, motor homes and travel trailers. Lightweight and durable, liquid rubber offers protection against leaks and the sun's ultraviolet rays. Doing this repair yourself should result in substantial savings. All damaged areas of the existing roof must be repaired before replacing the roof with liquid rubber. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.

Things You'll Need

• Dish detergent
• Metal scraper
• Wire brush
• Roof contact cement
• Rubber repair and sealing tape
• Air conditioner gasket
• Roof liquid rubber
• 5-gallon bucket
• Drill
• Mixer
• Paint brush
• Paint roller
• Squeegee

Instructions

1. Sweep dirt and debris from the roof of the travel trailer.

2. Clean the roof with dish detergent and water.

3. Remove the air conditioner from the roof of the travel trailer. Scrape off old gasket material.

4. Scrape all loose areas of brittle and flaking caulk with the metal scraper. Do not force the material. Use a wire brush to remove rust.

5. Apply contact cement to all loose edges. Allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

6. Patch all tears and torn edges with the rubber repair and sealing tape.

7. Clean the roof again with dish detergent and water. Allow the roof to dry for 24 hours.

8. Mix the liquid rubber product in the 5-gallon bucket with the drill and mixer, according to the manufacturer's directions.

9. Apply the liquid rubber with the paint brush around vent flashing and edges, using long brush strokes. Apply to all small areas.

10. Pour the liquid rubber on a section of the roof. Spread with the squeegee. Smooth the liquid rubber with the paint roller. Repeat the process of pouring the liquid rubber and spreading it until the entire trailer roof has been covered.

11. Leave the travel trailer in the sun to cure the liquid rubber roof.

12. Replace the gasket and air conditioner on the new roof of the travel trailer.

Tips & Warnings

• Reinforce weak or damaged areas of the existing roof before applying liquid rubber.

References

• You Tube: Liquid Roof-RV Roof Repair Video Part 1
• You Tube: Liquid Roof-RV Roof Repair Video Part 2
• EPDM Coatings: Liquid Roof Application