There are lots of important things to consider before buying an RV and you will need to do lots of research before deciding which type and model RV you go for.
One of the most obvious things is since an RV size is not standard, it may not fit in a regular garage, meaning that you may have to park it in an open space, where it is exposed to the elements.
But there are also lots of other things to take into considering too, for example while the RV roof is made of modern materials, it is susceptible to wear and tear. Taking care of your RV's roof eliminates the worry of further damage to it and other parts of the RV during inclement weather while it's not in use.
Moreover, when the RV is properly maintained, you can readily use it without thinking that the roof may not provide you with the protection you need should you encounter bad weather while on the road.
Below, we provide a guide to the top rated RV roof coatings to use.
Materials Used for RV Roofs
An RV roof is made from different materials. It could be aluminum, fiberglass or rubber. And each material needs cleaning products specifically recommended for the material. Likewise, you should also know the right product to use when applying roof coating to your RV.
Types of RV Roof Coating
Applying roof coating keeps your RV roof in good condition and improves how it looks. However, you'll find there are several options available. To find the one that will be perfect for your roof, it's better to know about the different types available.
One of the things you have to understand that the term RV roof coating is synonymous with RV roof paint.
Acrylic RV Roof Paint
Acrylic RV roof paint is the most budget-friendly roof coating you'll find. Despite the lower price, it provides good coverage. Acrylic roof paint is UV resistant and provides adequate protection from leaks. Moreover, it has good reflectivity.
However, if your roof has an issue with ponding water, using acrylic roof paint is not recommended. When the water pools in a small area on the roof, the paint will eventually degrade and peel, causing leaks. Acrylic RV roof coating also degrades because of weathering. To ensure better protection, apply a primer, add fabric reinforcement and apply two coats of paint.
Urethane RV Roof Paint
The urethane RV roof paint costs slightly more than acrylic roof paint. The paint is more durable and even provides impact resistance suitable for areas with high traffic. Like acrylic roof paints, urethane coatings are reflective and UV resistant. It performs better than acrylic because it can withstand ponding water.
Aside from the higher cost, the material emits a strong odor during installation, which could be an issue if you live in an urban area with several neighbors.
Silicone RV Roof Paint
The silicone RV roof paint is the most expensive, but it provides the most benefits. You only need to apply one coat of silicone paint. It does not need any primer. It provides excellent resistance to ponding water. It resists wind and weather degradation.
Further, it has the highest reflectivity. Due to the natural elasticity of the paint, it does not become brittle or hard. The downside of silicone roof paint is its tendency to retain dirt, so frequent washing is needed.
Hopefully our list of recommendations will get you on your way to enjoy the perfect RV road trip. Remember, it's always important to consult your RV manual to ensure that you are using the right roof paint for your RV. For example, if you applied silicone paint before, you should only use silicone paint the next time the roof needs a new coat.
Do you have any tips which we have not included? Let us know in the comments section below.
