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.

Repair Leaks and Seams with RV Roof Tape

One factor of maintaining your RV that may get overlooked is the roof. Because it is not easily visible, you may not think to check on it as much as other parts, however, doing so can prevent dealing with potential water damage further down the line.

As you take your RV along with you on your travels, your vehicle will endure various conditions that may take a toll on its roof. If you want to monitor whether or not your roof has endured any damage over time, it will be useful to periodically check on it throughout the year.

If for any reason your RV’s roof has been damaged or punctured, there’s no need to worry as we have the products available on our website to fix it. One of the products that we carry on our website is RV roof tape, a product that can be used for RV roof repair.

RV roof tape works simply but can have a large impact on the condition of your recreational vehicle. First, you must make sure to thoroughly clean your RV roof to make sure that you get rid of any excess moisture, grease, or oil on the surface.

Once you’ve done so, you can go ahead and apply the tape over the area you are repairing. The tape will then bond to the area, tightly sealing the crack or crevice to prevent any further damage.

There are a few things you’ll want to consider when purchasing RV roof tape. One thing to keep in mind is that there are many different roof types that exist. When you purchase tape, you need to ensure that the tape is compatible with the roof your RV has.

For instance, some motor homes or RVs have rubber roofs, aluminum, fiberglass, steel, and more. Not all forms of RV roof tape will be able to accommodate the type of roof your RV has, therefore, you’ll want to carefully review your options to find the one that works best for you.

If you shop from our selection of RV roof tape on our website, you’ll notice that we have a lot of options available from different brands. If you are new and are looking for something that is highly favored and preferred by many of our customers, you may want to consider Eternabond products.

Eternabond is a brand known for its repair products that fix roofs of all different types. Some of the factors that make their products so notable are that they are durable, versatile, and easy to use. If you don’t have plenty of experience repairing roofs, you won’t have to worry about enduring too much difficulty.

As for Eternabond roof seal tapes, we have plenty of options in stock to address leak repairs. If you’re looking for a product from our website that is highly rated and reviewed from our customers, consider taking a look at the Eternabond AS-4-25 AlumiBond 4” X ‘25 Repair Tape.

This option bonds to different surfaces aside from just roofs, making it a versatile choice. It can be used on different roof materials including carbon steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, aluminum foil, wood, rubber, tar, fiberglass, and more.

If you ever come across other parts of your RV that need a protective coating, other than your roof, you can use this product for that as well. Other materials that this tape can repair are drain pipes, ductwork, boats, canoes, and metal buildings.

Eternabond makes a great choice as it provides an air and watertight barrier to the surface you apply it to. It is also UV stable and can endure the harshest of weather conditions like weather as cold as -20 degrees.

There are so many qualities that make EternaBond tapes a great choice. At RVupgrades, we only provide our customers with the best products so they can enjoy their RV experience.

Our customer feedback means a lot to us, therefore, if there is a product they enjoy the most, we make sure to keep it around.

No matter what form of RV roof tape you choose to purchase from our website, you are guaranteed to have a great product in your hands. They are also easy to install so that anyone regardless of their repair experience can figure out how to use it.

At RVupgrades we welcome your feedback and are always happy to answer your questions. If you’d like to get in touch with us about any of our products, you can contact us at 1-866-332-7881. Our team is available during the week from 8 - 5 pm (EST time) to address any of our customers’ needs.

If you prefer to communicate with us via email, feel free to send us an email at sales@rvupgradestore.com for pre-product questions and information. For all post-order returns or product damage, please contact returns@rvupgradestore.com.