To keep the aluminum roof surface of the RV in tip top shape, regularly clean, carefully inspect for signs of wear and tear, replace and repair broken or missing components, and on an as needed basis, reseal the seamed surfaces using recommended aluminum roof sealers.

At the time of motor home production, the aluminum roof is installed in two separate sections. One piece is positioned curbside and folded over; the other piece is positioned roadside and folded over. The result is an aluminum roof surface with one seam down the middle that is sealed using butyl rubber tape. Additional seams created when the front and rear caps are installed are also sealed using butyl rubber tape. At the radius corners, Dolphin Sealant is applied.

How often you will need to replace the butyl rubber tape and Dolphin sealants will depend on what types of weather and humidity conditions the motor home is exposed to. If the motor home is stored outdoors in direct sunlight throughout the year, a careful inspection of roof sealant should be performed every three months. When the motor home is stored under cover and away from direct sunlight, inspection of the butyl rubber tape and Dolphin sealant should be performed at least twice each year.

Prior to inspecting the roof area of the motor home, clear away leaves, dirt and debris and thoroughly wash the surface with soap and water. Carefully check the butyl rubber tape on the front and rear seams for cracking. Examine the radius corners for condition of the Dolphin sealant.

When working on the RV aluminum roof surface wear white-soled skid resistant shoes. Fill a bucket with necessary maintenance items: caulking gun with sealant, cleaning rags, butyl rubber tape, putty knife, razor knife, roller, plastic scraper, denatured alcohol, and kneepads. Before heading up to work on the roof of the motor home, insure that someone is in the near vicinity to locate additional items or render assistance as needed. If you experience dizziness or vertigo while standing on the motor home roof, or take medication that may inhibit your ability to perform maintenance to the roof surface, enlist outside help. Money spent on employing someone to maintain the roof surface of the RV will help to protect your investment against the damage of water leaks.

Do not undertake to replace seamed areas of the roof surface until outside weather conditions are favorable and dry, or the motor home is parked securely under cover. Once the task of replacing sealant has been started, follow the job through to completion to avoid water intrusion through unsecured seams of the RV roof. If areas of butyl rubber tape are compromised, use a plastic putty stick to remove the old tape. Once the old tape has been removed, carefully clear the area of old adhesive using denatured alcohol.

Butyl rubber tape can be purchased in fifty-foot rolls. For purposes of resealing the RV aluminum roof, use butyl rubber tape that is available as a peel and stick waterproof membrane containing UV inhibitors and temperature resistant for all types of weather conditions. For best application, it is advised to heat the tape prior to application. All that is required is to lay the tape out in the sun for approximately one hour to sufficiently warm the adhesive for easy application.

Insure that the roof surface is clean and dry prior to applying the new tape. Place the replacement butyl rubber tape white side up. Peel away the paper from the black adhesive side of the rubber tape and press against the roof surface. Once the butyl rubber tape has been placed onto the roof seam, use a small roller to flatten the tape and insure a good seal. Using a plastic scraper, rub the tape firmly to push the tape down into the seam.

Dolphin Sealant 7549 is generally available in 5 gallon or 1 quart quantities. The 7519 LoVisc Elasti-seal Sealant, available in cartridges, is a little stiffer than regular sealant, but adequate for repairs. Contact your RV parts supplier for assistance in purchasing Dolphin sealants and butyl rubber tape.

While up on the roof inspecting sealant, take the time to inspect and replace caulking around roof components such as the antenna, air conditioning units, air horns, etc. Replace broken and missing items including vent caps, air conditioning shrouds, antennas, and rusted screws used to secure the roof components.