A new silicone roof means the end of the yearly caulk-and-patch cycle, but a little care still goes a long way. Good habits in the first few months keep the roof clean, keep small problems small, and make it easy to show the roof was looked after. Here is a simple care routine for owners who just picked up their RV.
Start with your paperwork
Before you leave the shop, you receive your 20-year workmanship warranty paperwork for qualifying full systems. Keep it with your invoice, and save a photo of each page on your phone.
Read the care instructions in that paperwork first. They are written for the system on your roof, and they come before any general tip, including the ones in this post. If something in your paperwork is unclear, call the shop and ask.
Keep the roof clean the gentle way
Desert dust, leaves, and bird droppings build up fast in Las Vegas. A clean roof is easier to inspect, and a light-colored silicone surface reflects sunlight best when it is not covered in grime.
When it is time to clean:
- Use mild soap and water. A gentle, non-abrasive cleaner and a soft brush or mop are usually all you need.
- Skip harsh chemicals. Avoid petroleum-based cleaners, solvents, and strong degreasers unless your paperwork says a product is safe for your roof.
- Go easy with pressure. A garden hose is safer than a pressure washer held close to the surface, seams, or edges.
- Rinse well so soap does not dry on the roof.
Be careful about walking on the roof
Not every RV roof is built to hold a person's weight everywhere. Before anyone climbs up, check your RV manual, use a stable ladder, and avoid soft spots, skylights, and vent covers. Never go up in high wind, when the roof is wet, or in the midday summer heat, when the surface can get very hot. When in doubt, do your checks from the ground or a stepladder at the side, and leave the roof walking to the inspection.
Do not add other sealants on top
If you notice a small issue, resist the urge to grab a tube of lap sealant or caulk from the store. Most other sealants do not bond well to cured silicone, and a patch of the wrong product can make a proper repair harder later. Call the shop instead. Our post on lap sealant vs silicone explains why the two do not mix well.
Plan ahead before adding anything new
New roof accessories mean new holes. Before you add a rack, antenna, satellite dish, ladder, or other roof-mounted gear, talk to the shop first so the mount can be placed and sealed the right way. Our guide to ladder and rack mounts as leak points shows why fasteners deserve extra care.
Remember that the A/C unit stays uncoated so it can be serviced. If an A/C tech or other technician needs to work on the roof, ask them to avoid damaging the silicone around the unit and let the shop know if anything looks off afterward.
A simple check routine
You do not need to inspect the roof every week. A few habits are enough:
- After each trip, look over the roof from a stepladder for branches, debris, or damage from low clearances.
- After wind or a storm, check for anything that hit the roof and look inside for ceiling stains.
- Twice a year, schedule a closer look, ideally before summer heat and again before winter.
- Inside the coach, watch for stains, bubbling, or soft spots on the ceiling and walls.
If you do see water coming in, our post on what to do if your RV roof leaks during a Las Vegas rain covers the first steps.
Storing your RV between trips
Where your RV sits matters. Covered parking reduces sun exposure and debris, while uncovered spots need more frequent cleaning. Our guide to RV storage in Las Vegas, covered vs. uncovered compares the options.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my silicone RV roof?
It depends on where the RV is parked. Clean it when dust or debris builds up, and before each inspection, following the care instructions in your paperwork.
Can I use any RV roof cleaner on silicone?
Not always. Avoid petroleum-based cleaners and solvents unless your paperwork says a product is safe. Mild soap and water is the safest place to start.
What should I do if I see damage on my new roof?
Take photos and call the shop. Do not patch it with another sealant, which can make the repair harder.
Can Sky Sealed check my roof at my storage lot?
No. Sky Sealed works only in the shop at 4416 Alderbaren Ave in Las Vegas. There is no mobile crew.
Book a shop check-up
Have a question about your new roof, or ready for a seasonal look? Bring the RV to Sky Sealed at 4416 Alderbaren Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103, along with your warranty paperwork and any photos. Call (702) 296-7300, email curtis@cbtbllc.com, or use the quote form.
Book a shop check-up and keep your silicone roof sealed for the long road.