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Last Updated on October 8, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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The 7 Best RV Roof Coatings Buying Guide
RV roof coatings help maintain the vehicle’s interior temperature, making your journeys more comfortable and energy-efficient. The right coating can prevent leaks, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your RV.
Key Takeaways:
RV Roof Coatings Benefits:
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- RV roof coatings help regulate interior temperature, making RV travel more energy-efficient and comfortable.
- They provide weatherproofing, protect against leaks, and enhance the vehicle’s aesthetics.
Types of Coatings:
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- Silicone: Highly weatherproof, UV resistant, and durable.
- Acrylic: Eco-friendly, water-based, and offers good UV resistance.
- Polyurethane: Durable, resistant to wear and foot traffic.
Top RV Roof Coatings:
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- Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating: Excellent UV protection, waterproof, eco-friendly, and affordable.
Drawback: It takes a week to cure fully. - Liquid Roof RV Roof Coating & Repair: Broad coverage, durable, and UV-resistant.
Drawback: It can be messy and expensive. - Dicor RP-CRC-1 EPDM Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating: Great for rubber roofs, long-lasting, and UV-resistant.
Drawback: Drying takes longer than other options.
- Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating: Excellent UV protection, waterproof, eco-friendly, and affordable.
Things to Consider When Buying:
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- Match the coating to your roof material (rubber, fiberglass, or aluminum).
- Ensure easy DIY application and check the curing time.
- Look for insulation and UV protection features to improve comfort and energy efficiency.
Maintenance Tips:
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- Regular inspections and cleaning are essential to prolong the roof’s lifespan.
- Use gentle cleaners and seal cracks to prevent damage from moisture.
Keeping your RV in tip-top shape is as important as buying the right one. One thing that an RV owner should maintain is its roofing.
As such, rubber roofs are often preferred over those made in aluminum and fiberglass because they are lightweight and cheap. Whatever you decide, you’ll want to ensure you get the best RV roof coating.
However, you must realize that the initial layer on RV roofs will wear off over time, which is normal. Regardless of your roofing material, a liquid coating is necessary.
The 7 Best RV Roof Coatings: Weatherproof Your RV For Less
1. Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating
Summary
The positives: excellent coverage, waterproof, versatility, UV resistance, ability to prevent cracks, environment-friendliness, hassle-free usage
This is our top choice for several reasons. While you can make just one application, Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating covers the roof surface more evenly after two coats.
Its bubble-free formula will give your roof a flawless finish, just like a good paint job. This is why it applies easily to RV rubber roofing.
The Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating also doubles as a sealant for rubber roofs, seams, and tears. What’s more, it can even seal your AC unit and vent.
Its capacity of 1 gallon is affordable. As such, it can provide full roof coverage for a 25-foot camper.
This coat binds nicely to a rubber roof. It does pretty easily when you need to clean it up after application. As soon as it’s been fully dried and cured, its outer durability is very impressive.
Its UV-resistant quality will protect you from radiation and heat transfer. It is also comforting to know that it is made of non-toxic chemicals and will not pollute the environment.
A good coating will allow flexibility and adjust to the movements of your RV roof, another vital feature of this roof coating. Your Heng-coated roof will withstand the sunniest climate and inclement weather.
What other consumers liked about Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating
- Excellent quality—Some attest to the roof coating’s longevity, even for RVs in warm climates. The product holds up even after a year of application.
- Economic value—It is very affordable at about $50. For that cost, which is equivalent to a gallon of this coat, it is enough to cover an RV that is over 20 feet in length.
- Waterproof feature – This coat will help maintain the integrity of your RV roof and keep it leak-free for many years.
- Stickability – Even without a primer, the coat gives good coverage and adheres nicely to the roof surface.
Areas for improvement:
- Curing of the coat may take up to a week.
- The product has a thin viscosity, like latex paint.
2. Liquid Roof RV Roof Coating & Repair 4 Gallon
Summary
The positives: more comprehensive coverage, use of liquid EPDM, cured membrane, seals leaks, cleans easily, waterproof, versatility, UV and ozone resistance
This coating promises to exceed your coverage expectations but is not necessarily the second-next-best thing. It is more like being alongside the top spot.
Liquid Roof is the name of the company, which is a highly reputable provider and counts this as one of the best in its quality roster.
This roof coating is quite impressive with its ease of application. Its one-gallon tub goes a long way, with broad coverage of up to 46 feet. That’s because you only need one coat, and your roof will be protected.
Liquid Roof RV Roof Coating and Repair uses liquid EPDM that can resist heat up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and cold of -40 degrees Fahrenheit. It also provides a barrier to UV rays and ozone.
The membrane, which is chemically cured, results in a vibrant, lasting color finish. When you use this coating, any old, worn roof can look like what it once was, if not even better.
This product is also known for its long-lasting effect and aesthetic qualities. You will not need another coating for the next three years or so. You can also count on this roof coat to fix leaks, so you don’t have to buy a sealant.
What other consumers liked about Liquid Roof RV Roof Coating and Repair
- Highly effective in preventing leaks—Some have used this product on their RV roofs and are ecstatic to share that, compared to other coating brands, they have no recurring leak problems.
- It sticks on the surface very well. The efficiency of this coating does not stop with its single application. This liquid roof coat grips the surface like a magnet, even with old caulking, and seals it tight.
- Magically transforms an old roof into a new one – The fantastic part is that it still looks vibrant and fresh after more than a year from its coating.
- Cleans without hassle – Maintaining the roof does not require much fuss, as you can easily clean it with water using a hose or a pressure washer.
Areas for improvement:
- The messy application can be challenging.
- It’s a bit more expensive than other good brands.
3. Dicor RP-CRC-1 EPDM Rubber Roof Acrylic Coating
Summary
The positives: specialized for rubber roof, coats up to 125 square feet, good ready-to-use packaging, uncomplicated use, provides excellent protection, UV proof
This Dicor product is easily one of the most sought-after for weather protection for your RV roof. It is explicitly catered to rubber roofs and does a great job.
You must know that it is an acrylic coat with excellent and lasting performance. It seals your roof against moisture, leaving no room for buildup. Amazingly, it can cover 125 square feet using just one gallon.
Like the other top 2 brands, the Dicor RPCRC1 can be easily applied to the roof surface using a roller or brush. You will need to coat twice to get the best results. This will improve the longevity of your roof membrane.
Its elastomeric layer protects your roof. This product is formulated with a primer that preps your roof, as demonstrated by the first coat.
The acrylic component will then reinforce your roof barrier. Your roof will not require recoating for the next three years.
What other consumers liked about Dicor RPCRC1 White EPDM Rubber Roof Coating
- Impressive coverage – Buyers of this product are happy to stretch its use with more surface area but without compromising the quality when it’s done.
- Smooth application—Applying this coat to your RV was not complex, and it creates a beautiful finish.
Areas for improvement:
- The cost is a bit high compared to Heng’s Rubber Roof Coating.
- Drying time takes relatively longer than usual.
4. Kool Seal KST063600-16 Elastomeric Roof Coating
Summary
The positives: value for money, all-weather, high sticking ability, 90% UV reflective, durable, quick cleaning
This variant is for you if you are looking for an elastomeric roof coat. It gives a thicker coat than EPDM and offers decent protection that can last.
With this barrier, moisture will not penetrate your interiors, and the chances of leaks are close to none. This is bolstered by its near 100% UV reflective properties. All these contribute to a generous protective barrier of this product.
Another good feature of the KST063600-16 coating is its stickiness no matter what season you’re in. You no longer have to wait for a warmer climate to apply the coating, and curing improves its resistance to mildew and mold.
This coat’s material composition is nontoxic and will not harm the environment. A characteristic of a good brand of roof coating is that it adjusts to the expansion of your roof surface caused by heat and its contraction due to cold temperatures.
Best of all, it is very affordable. For less than $150, you can get 5 gallons of lush coat for your RV roof.
Pros:
- value for money
- all-weather
- high sticking ability
- 90% UV reflective
- durable, quick cleaning
Areas for improvement:
- The actual coating is slimmer than anticipated.
- The quality of the finish is not as good as the others.
5. Liquid Roof RV Roof Repair Liquid EPDM Coatings 5 Gallon
Summary
The positives: versatile, multi-purpose, comes in larger tubs, prolongs roof lifespan, beautiful finish, UV reflective, single coat, seals leaks
This is a considerable choice when looking for a reliable coat for your RV roof. Its bigger 5-gallon size can accommodate more surface area and coating jobs. You can cover up to 42 square feet for every gallon of this variant.
The single-coat application allows you to do more with the product. You can use it to seal any leaks without buying a separate sealant. It’s suitable for RVs’ roofs; you may also use it for trailers and mobile homes.
Your roof’s stable, protective barrier will give it more life, allowing it to withstand varying temperatures and reflect heat whenever the sun is out.
What amazes me the most about this liquid roof variant is how it turns out after curing. The sleek finish is awe-inspiring. The best thing is that you do not have to prep your roof with a primer before application.
Aside from the fact that you only apply one coat, it dries fast, which can be good or bad. Its benefits include the fact that your roof will be practically ready and look very sturdy.
Pros:
- versatile
- multi-purpose
- comes in bigger tubs
- prolongs roof lifespan
- beautiful finish
- UV reflective
- single coat
- seals leaks
Areas for improvement:
- The coat is too fast-drying, so you have to do it right with the first application.
- It is more expensive than other suitable roof coatings.
6. DEHCO 16-46128-4 Roof Coating
Summary
The positives: excellent rubber adhesion, comprehensive coverage, resists cracks, high protection, environment-friendly, suitable sealant, durable layer, simple application, cleans fast
The Dehco 16-46128-4 Roof Coating is a decent option that provides quality results at a reasonable cost. It targets rubber roofs so that you can expect excellent adhesion from this roof coating.
This one provides a protective coating, seals tears, and smooths loose seams. It can also seal vents and AC units.
Durability is one of the things that you will expect from a reliable roof coating, and this product will meet your expectations. You can rest easily because your roof will get excellent protection from UV rays and prevent it from cracking quickly.
The nontoxic formula is a bonus feature, especially if you are environmentally conscious. More impressive is its coverage of up to 200 square feet. It becomes flexible with temperature changes, so its coat lasts long.
You can apply this product without hassle on your roof surface using a roller or long brush. Its white color can help cool your RV during summertime.
Pros:
- great rubber adhesion
- wide coverage resists cracks
- high protection
- environment-friendly
- good sealant
Areas for improvement:
- It is short of some of the outstanding features of other top brands.
- You will need several applications to get a nice coating.
7. KST Coatings KST034600-20 Kool Lastik
Summary
The positives: excellent adhesion, resists mildew and algae, non-toxic, protects from moisture, aids in sound absorption, UV reflective, affordable price
RV owners want a thick blanket of protection, and this product will not disappoint. This elastomeric coat will cling to practically any roof without issues.
Mold, mildew, and algae will not live to see the day with its tough layer, provided it is properly cured. It has UV-reflecting capabilities for added comfort and protection for your roof. The environmental friendliness of this product is also a welcome feature.
Interestingly, this coat’s sound absorption quality is truly helpful in muffling sounds, especially in the downpouring rain. Applying this coat will only require a long brush or roller, which will cover nicely.
And like all good roof coats, this boasts the flexibility to contraction and expansion brought about by changing climates. As such, it makes your roof more sturdy and durable.
Pros:
- excellent adhesion
- resists mildew and algae
- protects from moisture
- aids in sound absorption
- UV reflective, affordable price
Areas for improvement:
- Setting time takes longer than usual.
- The product dissolves in water, challenging it under a low humidity temperature.
An RV roof coating will give your roof a lovely sheen and shield it from harmful ultraviolet rays and other harsh elements. It becomes a protective barrier, prolonging the lifespan of your RV and making it more durable even with frequent use.
However, going to the store to buy one can be daunting, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Determining which qualities to consider before grabbing the first tub you see is essential.
RV Roof Coatings: What You Need to Know
I have developed the following tips to help you buy a suitable coating for your RV roof.
Check what your RV roof is made of
Does your RV have a rubber or fiberglass roof? Knowing the material of your roof is the deciding factor in choosing the appropriate liquid coating.
A roof coating of TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) or EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) suits rubber roofs. Liquid coatings formulated with polyester are also available for other types of roofing, such as fiberglass and aluminum.
Fiberglass roofs are heavier than aluminum roofs but are more expensive. Both types, however, require low maintenance compared to rubber roofing.
Check the roof coating’s DIY factor
You’d also want the same application process when you see the liquid coating in the store, which resembles a paint coating. In other words, you can apply it like you’re just painting over a surface.
You will want a roof coating that can be applied using an extended brush, squeegee, or roller. Sometimes, just like regular paint, a primer is required for a smoother finish.
Ultimately, you should be able to do the task yourself, and it must be an easy application.
Check the insulation and reduction of thermal flux features on your roof coating
As you know, RVs are often exposed to the sun’s rays, especially during summer. Your roof coat should provide additional insulation and reduce heat flow from roof to ceiling, making your stay inside as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
Another benefit of this feature will be your AC’s efficiency. When you get extra insulation from your liquid coating, your AC will not have to work extra hard to cool the cabin. This will mean savings on electricity or gas depending on your AC’s power source.
Check how fast the coating will cure
Curing is critical. When your RV roof has observed the proper curing time, you will have a solid coating ready to rock and roll. You don’t want to mess this up.
Cure times will vary among different brands and types of liquid coating, ranging from 2 to 7 days. Weather can also be a factor.
Summer is an excellent time to apply a roof coat because it can dry faster than any other season. You will be left with a shiny and beautiful coating that will last longer.
After reading everything you need to know about RV roof coating, it’s time to check out the brands you can choose from. Too many are in the market, so I have narrowed it down for you with only the best. Let’s get right into it.
However, you must realize that the initial layer on RV roofs will wear off over time, which is normal. Regardless of your roofing material, a liquid coating is necessary.
Other Roof Maintenance Tips for your RV
Inspect your RV to get the most out of it, especially before storing it in your garage or embarking on a road trip.
Aside from giving it a fresh coat, regular checks on the roof, in particular, are necessary so problems, if any, can be caught in their early stages.
- Get a visual of your RV roof surface by using a ladder instead of just climbing on top of it so that you can hose any dirt off. The roof material can be slippery because it can’t support any considerable weight above it. Cleaning the roof surface should be done at least every three months if your RV is always parked under a tree.
- Before anything, don’t forget to refer to your RV manual to determine the cleaning procedure recommended for your roof. It is expected to avoid harsher chemicals like citric acids, abrasives, and solvents, which cannot be used on rubber surfaces. Once you have picked the right cleaning agent, scrub using a sponge or soft brush and rinse off until no trace of cleaner can be found.
- Give your roof a careful scan for cracks, punctures, and any signs of deterioration, and seal them immediately. Doing this will keep moisture away from your RV, which otherwise can bring mold and mildew, which can also be health hazards.
Are RV Roof Coatings Worth It?
RV roof coatings are indeed worth the investment. They serve as a protective shield for your vehicle, safeguarding it against various weather conditions. The coatings offer an effective method to prolong the lifespan of your RV’s roof.
The protective layer these coatings provide can prevent potential damages such as cracking and leaking, which could lead to costly repairs in the future.
Therefore, despite the initial cost, RV roof coatings are a beneficial addition to any RV maintenance plan due to their protective features and long-term cost-effectiveness.
Wrapping Up
RV Roof Coatings are critical in protecting recreational vehicles from harsh environmental elements. These coatings are typically made from silicone, acrylic, or polyurethane, each offering unique benefits.
Silicone-based RV roof coatings are highly favored for their excellent weatherproofing capabilities and UV resistance, making them ideal for areas exposed to extreme weather conditions and sunlight.
On the other hand, acrylic coatings are water-based solutions that also provide UV resistance. They stand out for their eco-friendly formulation, which aligns with the growing demand for sustainable products.
Polyurethane RV roof coatings are exceptionally durable and have the added advantage of resisting foot traffic, a crucial factor considering the frequent maintenance checks required on RV roofs.
This coating type is, therefore, well-suited to high-traffic areas. Collectively, these RV roof coatings provide both protection and durability, effectively extending the lifespan of the RV’s roof.
Most importantly, they offer a cost-effective solution by minimizing the need for frequent maintenance and repairs. In conclusion, adopting suitable RV Roof Coatings is an intelligent investment that guarantees long-term savings and optimal performance of your recreational vehicle.
