RV Roof Walking & Sealant Care
Walking Safely on an RV Roof
Underneath a rubber roof membrane (EPDM or TPO), manufacturers install a 3/16" to 1/2" plywood or OSB deck that supports your weight across rafters. However, if your rig features a seamed aluminum roof (with crosswise seams every 48 inches), lay wide plywood boards lengthwise over the rafters to distribute your weight evenly and prevent panel denting.
Always check shoe treads for trapped pebbles, gravel, or sharp metal fragments before climbing the ladder to avoid tearing or puncturing the roof material.
RV Roof Sealant Inspection & Removal
Thoroughly inspect sealant beads along every fixture, vent, and perimeter roof seam every Spring and Fall. Touch up hairline surface cracks with a compatible lap sealant.
If old sealant is peeling, flaking, or lifting away from the surface, it must be scraped off prior to re-sealing:
- Metal Roofs: Use a 1-inch firm steel gasket scraper to lift old sealant down to bare metal.
- Rubber Roofs: Use a non-marring plastic or nylon scraper to avoid cutting or gouging the rubber skin.
Pro Tip: Gently warming aged sealant with a hot air heat gun softens the material, making it peel off clean with far less effort.