What a Shop RV Roof Inspection Includes (and Why It Matters)

Before anyone puts silicone on an RV roof, someone has to look at it closely. A shop RV roof inspection is that first step: a careful check of the roof surface, the seams, every fixture, and the ceiling underneath, so the fix matches the real problem. In Las Vegas, where desert sun and heat age roofs quickly, a good inspection is the difference between sealing a sound roof and covering up damage that will keep leaking. Here is what the inspection covers at Sky Sealed and what it tells you.

Why the inspection happens in the shop

Sky Sealed is shop-only in Las Vegas, with no mobile crew. Inspecting in the shop means the roof is seen in one controlled place, with the time and access to look at every edge instead of a quick glance from a ladder in a driveway. It also means the person who writes your quote is looking at the same roof that will be sealed.

The roof surface

The inspection starts with the membrane itself. Common things to look for on desert roofs include:

• Chalking or heavy oxidation, the white residue that rubs off on your hand
• Cracks, crazing, or thin spots where UV has worn the surface down
• Tears or punctures from branches, storage covers, or foot traffic
• Ponding areas where water sits after rain or washing

Surface condition helps decide whether a full silicone system is a good fit and how much prep the roof needs first.

Seams, edges, and old sealant

Most RV roof leaks start where pieces meet. The inspection follows the front and rear caps, the side edges, and the seams between roof sections. Old lap sealant gets a close look too: is it cracked, shrinking, peeling, or stacked in thick layers from years of patching? Layers of old patches can hide gaps underneath, and they affect how the roof is prepared before sealing.

Vents, AC units, skylights, and other fixtures

Every opening in the roof is a possible leak point. A shop inspection checks around:

• Roof vents and vent fans
• Air conditioner shrouds and the gasket area below
• Skylights and their frames
• Antennas, satellite mounts, solar mounts, and ladder attachments

Cracked skylight lenses, loose screws, and failed bead around a vent are common findings. Some can be sealed as part of the job, while a badly cracked fixture may need replacement first. The inspection is where that call gets made.

Soft spots and the inside of the coach

A roof can look fine from above and still have water damage below. The inspection includes pressing for soft spots, which can point to wet or weakened decking, and checking inside for ceiling stains, sagging panels, or musty smells near fixtures. Those signs help trace a leak back to its source and show whether there is damage that sealing alone won't fix.

What you get after the inspection

After the inspection, you get a written quote based on what was found. Sky Sealed does not publish fixed prices because length, roof condition, and prep work change the job. The quote spells out what the work includes, so there are no surprises at pickup. Qualifying work is backed by Sky Sealed's 20-year workmanship warranty.

How to get ready for drop-off

A few simple steps help the inspection go smoothly:

• Note any leaks you have noticed, where they show up, and when (rain, washing, or AC running).
• Take photos of interior stains before you drop off.
• Clear the roof of loose items and covers.
• Bring any records of earlier roof work or resealing.

Frequently asked questions

Is the inspection required before silicone sealing?

Yes. The roof has to be checked first so the quote and the prep match its real condition.

Can you inspect my RV at my home or RV park?

No. Sky Sealed is shop-only in Las Vegas with no mobile crew. Inspections happen at the shop by appointment.

Will the inspection find hidden water damage?

It checks for the common signs, such as soft spots and interior stains. If damage shows up, the quote will say what needs attention before or along with sealing.

How do I get a price?

Request a quote. The final written quote comes after the in-shop inspection.