One of the most common — and most serious — problems RV owners face is a damaged or leaking roof. Whether it’s from years of sun exposure, storm damage, or poor maintenance, a compromised roof can lead to expensive repairs if left unchecked.
At Custom-way, we specialize in travel trailer roof repairs and coatings across California. In this post, we’ll walk you through the most effective ways to diagnose, patch, and restore your RV’s roof — whether you’re dealing with a small crack or full soft spot replacement.
Signs Your Travel Trailer Roof Needs Repair
Before the damage gets worse, watch for these red flags:
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Water stains on the ceiling or walls
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Sagging or soft spots in the roof
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Moldy or musty odors inside the RV
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Cracked, bubbling, or peeling sealant
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Visible holes, tears, or separation on the roof membrane
🧰 Custom-way Tip: Even a small roof leak can lead to major water damage, rot, and insulation problems. Inspect your roof every 6 months, especially before and after rainy seasons.
What Type of Roof Do You Have?
Before you start repairs, identify your roof type. Most travel trailers have one of these:
| Roof Type | Common Material |
|---|---|
| Rubber Roof | EPDM or TPO membrane |
| Fiberglass Roof | Hard, glossy shell |
| Aluminum Roof | Metal panels |
Each material requires a different repair approach, so knowing what you’re working with is critical.
How to Repair a Travel Trailer Roof: Step-by-Step
1. Clean the Roof
Remove all debris, leaves, and dirt. Use a soft brush and RV-safe cleaner to avoid damaging the surface. Make sure the roof is completely dry before starting any repair.
2. Inspect All Seams and Penetration Points
Check around:
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Vents and skylights
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AC units
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Antennas or solar panels
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Roof edges and seams
Look for cracked or lifted sealant, gaps, or soft areas.
3. Fix Small Cracks or Leaks (Temporary Repair)
For minor leaks or punctures:
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Clean the area thoroughly
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Apply EternaBond tape or self-leveling lap sealant
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Press firmly and smooth out edges
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Let it cure fully before exposure to rain
4. Replace Damaged Roof Sections (Permanent Repair)
If you find soft spots or rotted areas:
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Cut out the affected section of the roof decking
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Replace insulation if it’s soaked or moldy
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Install new plywood
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Apply new membrane or patch kit
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Reseal with adhesive and seam tape
⚠️ This type of repair can be complex. If you’re not comfortable cutting and resealing roof layers, Custom-way offers full roof rebuilds and section replacements.
5. Reseal the Entire Roof (Optional but Smart)
If your roof is aging, consider recoating the entire surface with a rubber or elastomeric RV roof coating. This provides a fresh waterproof barrier and extends roof life by 5–10 years.
Tools & Materials You Might Need
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Roof patch tape (EternaBond or Dicor)
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Self-leveling lap sealant
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Utility knife and scraper
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Replacement decking (if needed)
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Butyl tape or roof adhesive
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Seam roller and caulking gun
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RV roof coating (for full reseal)
When to Call the Pros
Call Custom-way if:
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You discover multiple soft spots or widespread rot
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Your roof is sagging or caved in
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You want to upgrade to a new roof coating
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You need custom vent resealing, AC unit resealing, or solar integration on the roof
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You want the job done right — with a warranty
Travel Trailer Roof Repair in California
At Custom-way, we handle all types of RV and trailer roof services, including:
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Leak detection and patching
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Full roof replacements (rubber, fiberglass, or metal)
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Roof membrane repair and reapplication
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Skylight and vent resealing
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Professional RV roof coatings for long-term protection
We offer mobile service and in-shop roof repairs across Southern California.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
A leaking trailer roof won’t fix itself — and the longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) the damage gets. Whether it’s a quick patch or a full rebuild, Custom-way is your trusted partner for roof repairs that last.