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Why RV Roof Protection Is a Must-Have: Cleaner & Protectant Tips for Every Camper Owner
Why RV Roof Protection Is a Must-Have: Cleaner & Protectant Tips for Every Camper Owner

Why RV Roof Protection Is a Must-Have: Cleaner & Protectant Tips for Every Camper Owner

Your RV roof is one of the most important — and often most overlooked — parts of your camper to maintain. Over time, sun exposure, rain, snow, and road grime can cause serious damage, leading to chalking, streaking, leaks, and expensive repairs.

At Roughrider RVs, we recommend treating your roof twice a year to keep it in top condition. If you’re getting ready to wash, clean, and winterize your camper, we strongly recommend adding the RV Roof Cleaner & Protectant to your routine.

Roughrider Tip: Treat your RV roof 2× per year. Apply at full strength for seasonal protection, or dilute 1:1 with water for light maintenance between treatments.

Why Roof Care Matters

Your RV roof is exposed to the elements every day, and without regular care, problems can sneak up fast:

  • UV Damage — Constant sunlight breaks down roof materials and causes cracking.
  • Chalking & Streaking — The white, powdery residue you see is a sign of deterioration.
  • Leaks & Water Damage — Neglected roofs are more likely to develop costly leaks.

By cleaning and protecting your roof at least two times per year, you’ll extend its lifespan, prevent damage, and save yourself from expensive repairs later.

Why We Recommend RV Roof Cleaner & Protectant

This product isn’t just a cleaner — it’s a protector. It helps keep your RV roof looking like new while fighting off sun damage and premature aging.

  • SPF 70 UV Blocker — Shields against harmful sun exposure.
  • Deep Cleans & Conditions — Removes dirt, stains, and residue.
  • Up to 6 Months of Protection — Long-lasting defense for your camper.
  • Biodegradable & Non-Aerosol — Safer for your RV and the environment.
  • Safe for Most Roof Types — Works on EPDM, PVC, TPO, and more.

How to Use It for Best Results

For Optimal Protection:

  • Apply 1–2 times per year at full strength.
  • For more frequent maintenance, dilute 1:1 with water.

Cleaning Steps:

  1. Sweep excess dirt off the RV roof and rinse the entire camper, including sides and edges.
  2. Leave the roof wet and apply the cleaner in 3–4 ft. sections.
  3. Agitate with a wet scrub brush and absorb residue with a sponge mop.
  4. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed for stubborn spots.
  5. After cleaning the roof, wash the RV exterior to remove any sediment that rinsed down.

Make It Part of Your Winterization Routine

As camping season winds down, it’s the perfect time to prep your camper for storage. While you’re washing, sealing, and winterizing, make sure your RV roof is protected. Using the RV Roof Cleaner & Protectant now ensures your roof is clean, conditioned, and ready for next season.

Protect Your RV Roof Today

Stop by Roughrider RVs to pick up RV Roof Cleaner & Protectant, or call us with questions about your roof care routine.

Visit Us: Beulah | Dickinson
Call Us: 873-2103 | 483-9844

Final Tip: A little maintenance now saves you from big repairs later. Treat your roof twice a year — especially before winter — and enjoy worry-free camping next season!

How to Apply Eternabond RoofSeal Tape
How to Apply Eternabond RoofSeal Tape

How to Apply Eternabond RoofSeal Tape

Eternabond RoofSeal is a trusted solution for RV roof repairs—but like any product, it must be applied correctly to work effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure strong adhesion and long-lasting results.

1. Prepare the Surface

The most important step is cleaning. The roof surface must be clean and dry before applying the tape. Remove dust, oils, and contaminants using rags with rubbing alcohol or other recommended cleaners.

If the roof is dusty, wipe it with a damp cloth first and let it dry completely. Moisture or debris will prevent proper adhesion.

2. Measure and Cut the RoofSeal Tape

Measure the area that needs repair and cut a piece of tape slightly longer than needed. Rounding off the corners helps prevent peeling over time.

Use shorter sections for small patches—they’re easier to handle.

3. Remove the Release Liner

Peel back a few inches of the release liner from the adhesive side. Avoid touching the adhesive or letting it stick to unintended surfaces.

Hold the liner tab so you can easily continue removing it as you apply the tape.

4. Apply Continuous Pressure

Starting at one end, press the tape down firmly while slowly peeling away the liner.

Apply strong, even pressure using your hand or a seam roller. This helps eliminate air pockets and ensures a tight bond.

Go over the tape several times to activate and fully bond the adhesive.

5. Seal the Edges

After applying the tape, press down around all the edges and ends. This final step ensures the tape is sealed completely.

 

Avoid Uneven Joints and Overstretching

When working around corners or uneven surfaces, it's essential not to overstretch the tape. EternaBond should be laid in gently and pressed into place without pulling.

Stretched tape can pull away from the surface over time, causing gaps and potential leaks. Always press the tape fully into the corner and bring it all the way down to the edge to avoid uneven joints.

Use a roller for consistent pressure and to ensure complete contact along every edge and angle.

 

Why Proper Application Matters

Improper application—such as using tape on a dirty surface, not pressing it tightly, or allowing wrinkles—can actually create voids that funnel water into your RV instead of sealing it out.

Inspection Quick Check:

  • Is the tape properly applied to the slide-out roof and T-molding?
  • Are the surfaces clean, dry, and free of oils or dust?
  • Are there any wrinkles or areas where the tape is lifting?
  • Did you use a roller and follow the manufacturer's install instructions?

For repairs involving roof T-molding and membrane seams, Eternabond-type tapes should run the full length of the roof edge to function as a proper secondary seal.

 

The Benefits of RoofSeal

Eternabond RoofSeal stretches and flexes with your RV as it drives, so it won’t crack or lift over time. It adheres to:

  • EPDM and TPO rubber roofs
  • Fiberglass
  • Aluminum and metal
  • PVC and vinyl
  • Wood, concrete, and many plastics

It’s ideal for sealing around skylights, vents, antennas, and patching punctures or seam separations—even in remote locations.

 

Pro tip: Keep a roll in your camper for emergency use. When applied correctly, it can hold strong through heat, cold, road vibration, and UV exposure.

Whether you're on the road or at a campsite, a properly applied strip of RoofSeal can be the difference between a minor fix and a major leak.

 

Stop by Roughrider RVs for Eternabond products and installation tools—or contact our service department for help with your roof repair!