Camping Trailer Leaky Roof Question?

Question

Our camper roof has leaked & caused interior damage. We want to repair it but when I looked for repair products I found several for different types of roofs. So how do I figure out what type or roof do I have? Rubber or aluminum? There is a silver looking coating on top and many cracks in the coating. Also, is ther an easier way to repair the rotted out wood inside than replacing the wood, can I just patch the area with a wood filler?

Mary in the tiny village of Onsted, Michigan

Answer 1

As already mentioned, you probably have a metal roof with an asphalt coating on it.

If the panneling on the inside of the camper is rotten, then you probably have some of the structural wood rotten also. It will be a job, but I'd take down the rotten part of the ceiling and check for rotten structure. If there is rot there, then make the necessary repairs or replacements now bofore re-sealing the roof. If you re-seal the roof before you make the repairs, you could cause leaks again when doing the repairs.

Once you have repaired the structure, if needed, then you can re-seal the roof using several roof coatings. Some good ones were already mentioned in previous answers and most can be purchased at any Home Improvement store or Hardware store.

Another option is to have a rubber roof put on your camper then you should never have to worry about sealing the roof. That is if the rubber is properly installed and sealed. Rubber will cost more than the roll-on coatings but you don't have to re-coat the roof as you need to do with the other products.

Many roofing contractors have the abilities to put a rubber roof on a camper. You can also go to a camper dealer to have it done. This could also be a DYI project, but getting proper seal areounf sky-lights and any other objects needs more than "shade-tree" knowledge to ensure that there will be no more leaks. Again you can usually buy the materials you need for a rubber roof at most Home Improvement centers (Menard's for sure carries this product in stock).

Hope that this helps you with your question.

Answer 2

It sounds like you have probably got a metal roof, with the roof coating. As the roof coat dries, it forms a 'skin', which does tend to crack, or 'wrinkle' over time.
The silver coating can be purchased at most mobile home supply stores, or RV parts stores. I believe Lowe's carries it too. Ive used a product in a quart caulk gun with very good results, but I know you can also purchase it by the bucket, and roll it on...very handy for long seams in metal roofing.
If the wood you are talking about is structural.. you need to replace it. This will take some carpentry skills, as the pieces need to match the existing structure. There is no shortcut here, sorry, wood filler will not hold your roof together when you are pulling this camper down the highway. Also, be on the lookout for any signs of mold or mildew.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Take the trailer to a dealer and get an estimate and ask them what they will be using to repair the roof. Then you can buy a comparable product and do it yourself. The important thing it to make them believe that they are going to be doing the work. Make them think that you just want to make sure you are getting good work and that only the best quality supplies are going to be used on your camper. If necessary, schedule a date to have it done. You can always cancel the appointment when you get home.

Wood filler is ok for cosmetic fixes. If you are talking about structural wood, then you would be better off replacing the wood itself. It could get to the point where it becomes unsafe to put on the road so the sooner you get it taken care of, the better.

Answer 4

There is no alternative to replacing the wood if it has rotted. Also, it doesn't matter what type of roof you have now. Put on rubber or aluminum, it doesn't matter. Just make sure it is sealed when it is installed.

Answer 5

lowes or home depot, cool white trailer coating, its white, and keeps the roof cool