How to Choose a Quality RV Roof Tape

RV roof tape is a surprisingly essential accessory for RV owners to keep on hand. It might seem like something you can go without, that is until you’re caught in a rainstorm and the roof starts to leak. Keeping roof tape on hand is an amazing emergency plan for dealing with leaks that spring up out of the blue.

With that said, not all types of RV roof tape are created equal, and they don’t even all have the same properties. Here are some of the qualities you can look for in roof tape, as well as why they matter. No single roof tape will possess all of these qualities, but if you can find a good mix, you’ve just landed on a roofing tape that might save the bacon when the rain comes down. 

1.    Look for RV roof tapes that don’t require a primer

While it’s standard practice to ensure that a surface is clean and dry before applying roof tape, some of them don’t require primers. This makes it highly beneficial for leak repairs and roof seals for RV owners who have to apply them at a moment’s notice, often on the road and away from home - which is exactly what usually happens.

While you will need to ensure the surface is generally clean and clear of dirt and oil, some of our roof repair tapes require no additional preparation prior to application.

2.    An adhesive that is compatible with a wide range of surfaces is best

Since the manufacturers of these roof tapes can’t predict with certainty what the given roof material of their client’s RV roofs will be, they have to cover the widest number of bases. You should, too. While your RV’s roof might be rubberized or aluminum, you might also want to seal joints or surfaces made of EPDM rubber roofing, TPO, fiberglass, PVC, vinyl, wood, OSB, or other metals besides aluminum. Many roof tables can bond to all of these and more.

3.    Roof tapes that remain flexible are superior

Several brands of roof tape claim to provide an immediate, permanent bond, but non-hardening is a better guarantee of permanence than a blanket promise. Several RV roof tapes are non-hardening, which allows them to expand and contract and remain flexible across time and with exposure to the elements. This makes it harder for the bond to break down and gives the tape extra longevity.

4.    Look for a tape that bonds instantly

Since these tapes are typically applied at basically a moment’s notice and you need to ensure that they create an instant, watertight seal so no water can leak through, this trait is desirable. Many types of roof tape will boldly advertise that they create an instant, permanent seal. Also, look for one that doesn’t require any tools to apply it - even if they are suggested.

5.    RV roof tapes that have high UV stability are superior

Besides the fact that these types of roof tape will need to sit out in the spring, summer, winter, and fall and deal with all sorts of weather when the weather does cooperate, they’ll be baking in the sun. That’s bad news for most synthetic materials, including your RV awning and tires, because UV light breaks down many of them. That’s why you need to look for a roofing tape with the highest UV resistance possible.

6.    Look for a wide range of temperature stability as well

On the same note, it’s just as valuable to look for a roofing tape that is highly stable under as wide a range of temperatures as possible. Far northern RV owners might be used to dealing with temperatures way south of freezing. Similarly, campers in the south and west might need to contend with temperatures well in excess of a hundred. Both very high and very low temperatures have the ability to damage adhesives, which is why temperature stability is so important.

7.    VOC-free is a plus

Finally, one more thing that is nice, though not absolutely necessary, is a roof rape that is free of VOCs. Since VOCs are harmful to humans, it’s simple and generally advisable to avoid them wherever possible.

If you can meet those standards, then you’re well on your way to choosing a high-quality RV roof tape that will serve as a great disaster game plan when you’re on the road and the roof starts to leak. Let’s put it this way - it’s a common enough problem that these products exist, so shell out a few dollars and be prepared. The worst thing that can happen is you’ll be fortunate enough to never need the roof tape.

If you have any questions about our products, don’t be shy about getting in touch with us at 866-332-7881. We’ll field any questions you have and we might even be able to make some recommendations about which roof tape is best, given your specific circumstances.