What Is The Best Sealant for RV?

Properly sealing and waterproofing your camper is critical to prevent leaks, drafts, and moisture damage as you travel and live in your motorhome or trailer. RV sealants fill gaps, joints, and openings exposed to the elements, providing a watertight barrier. Choosing the optimal sealant for each individual application on your trailer is important. Different sealants are formulated for specific materials and uses. Having the right products for the job, gives you leak protection you can rely on.

We'll explore the major categories of RV sealants, their unique properties and best uses, factors to consider when selecting products, and tips for effective application. Properly sealing your motorhome or trailer does require some investment of time and diligence upfront. With the right products and techniques, you can seal your camper to lock out water and airflow for more comfortable travels.

Types of RV Sealants

Lap Sealant

Lap sealant is a specific type of RV roof sealant designed for waterproofing and weatherproofing the seams around penetrations like vents, skylights, and antennas. It is applied by "lapping" over the edges of the roof fixture and roof membrane surface. Lap sealant levels out to a uniform thickness thanks to a self-leveling formula. Acrylic or rubber-based versions provide durable, flexible protection capable of withstanding intense UV exposure, temperature extremes, and weathering from rain, snow, and wind. Forming an impenetrable barrier around roof penetrations prevents leaks from compromised or damaged lap seams over time.

Butyl Tape

Butyl tape is an RV sealant product commonly used to weatherproof windows and doors during installation. It consists of a pliable, tacky ribbon of butyl rubber laminated between a release liner. Applied around the flange between the window frame and exterior wall, it creates a flexible yet watertight and airtight barrier. The putty-like consistency of butyl tape lets it easily fill gaps and irregularities for a tight seal. Once pressed into place, the tape adheres tenaciously. Resistant to heat, cold, and moisture, RV butyl tape seals out drafts and leaks around windows and doors for years.

Silicone Sealant

Silicone sealant is a type of RV sealant that can be used for various purposes, such as sealing gaps, cracks, or joints in trailer roofs, windows, doors, vents, or seams. Silicone sealant is a clear and elastic substance that adheres well to most surfaces and can withstand high temperatures, UV rays, and weathering.

Polyurethane Sealant

Polyurethane sealant is another type of RV sealant that can be used for various purposes, such as sealing gaps, cracks, or joints in RV roofs, windows, doors, vents, or seams. Polyurethane sealant is a strong and flexible substance that bonds well to most surfaces and can withstand low temperatures, water exposure, and abrasion.

How to Choose a Roof Sealant for Your RV

Surface Material

The specific material you are sealing is a pivotal factor when selecting an RV sealant. Different sealant formulations will adhere better to certain surfaces. Using a incompatible sealant that doesn't bond well to the target surface will result in seal failure. For example, if you are sealing a rubber RV roof, it's essential to choose a sealant formulated to get maximum adhesion on rubber surfaces and materials.

Common RV surface types include rubber, EPDM, metal, fiberglass, gel coat, wood, painted surfaces, plastics, and more. Inspect the gaps or joints you intend to seal and determine what materials need to be bonded. Then choose a sealant designed for optimal adhesion on those particular surfaces. This ensures a long-lasting, water-tight seal. Having an array of surface-specific sealants on hand gives you the right product for every sealing application that arises on an RV's variety of materials.

The Area of damaging

When choosing an RV sealant, inspect the size and location of the gaps, seams, or damage that needs to be sealed. The scale and position of the area needing repair will determine the appropriate sealant type and application method. For example, lap sealant is best for sealing the edges of roof fixtures, such as vents, skylights, or antennas. Butyl tape is best for sealing the gaps between the frame and the wall of windows and doors. Silicone sealant and polyurethane sealant are versatile and can be used for various purposes, such as sealing cracks, joints, or seams in roofs, windows, doors, vents, or seams.

Flexibility and Durability

When selecting the sealant for our campers, consider both the required flexibility and long-term durability depending on the specific application. For areas that will experience expansion, contraction, vibration, or shifting, the sealant will need more elasticity to prevent seal failure.
The seal still needs excellent durability to persist through years of weathering. The sealant must maintain integrity, adhesion, and waterproofing as the roof ages. Consider the expected motion and environmental exposure levels of the sealing area to choose the optimal blend of flexibility and lasting performance. High elasticity prevents cracks as the RV twists on the road, while durability ensures the seal won't deteriorate each season. The right sealant balances both.

Climate and Weather Conditions

Your travel destinations and typical weather conditions matter when choosing a sealant for your trailer. If you frequently venture into areas with extreme temperatures, such as deserts, mountains, or polar regions, you’ll need a sealant that can expand and contract without losing its integrity. Otherwise, the sealant may crack, peel, or leak over time. UV resistance is also crucial for sunny climates, as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause sealants to degrade and lose their effectiveness. Some sealants have UV inhibitors that protect them from the harmful effects of the sun. You should also consider the humidity and precipitation levels of your travel destinations, as some sealants are more resistant to water and moisture than others. Water can seep into the gaps or cracks in your camper and cause mold, rot, or corrosion.

How Do You Apply RV Sealant?

1. Prepare surfaces - Clean/dry gaps for maximum adhesion

Before applying the sealant, you need to prepare the surface to be sealed. You need to clean the surface with a mild detergent and water, and remove any dirt, dust, grease, or old sealant. You also need to dry the surface thoroughly and make sure it is free of moisture.

2. Select the Right RV Sealant

You need to choose the right type of sealant for your trailer. There are different types of RV sealants available in the market, such as lap sealant, butyl tape, silicone sealant, and polyurethane sealant. Each type of sealant has its own characteristics, and is suitable for different purposes and surfaces. You should read the instructions and specifications of the sealant carefully and make sure it is compatible with your camper.

3. Apply adequate depth - Fill gaps fully

Then, you need to apply the sealant according to the manufacturer’s directions. You should follow the recommended amount and method of application for the sealant, such as using a caulking gun, a brush, or a spatula. You should also smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles in the sealant with a tool or your finger.

4. Follow cure times - Don't stress seals before fully set

Need to let the sealant cure and dry completely before exposing it to water or sunlight. The curing and drying time may vary depending on the type of sealant, the temperature, and the humidity. You should check the label of the sealant for the exact curing and drying time. You should also avoid touching or moving the sealant until it is fully cured and dried.

5. Clean up overspray - Use tape/tarps to minimize mess

Cleaning up any overspray or mess from the sealant quickly makes the job neater. Apply masking tape on areas adjacent to the sealing gap to create straight lines and prevent getting sealant where it's not wanted. Use tarps or drop cloths below the area being sealed to catch drips and overflow. Immediately wipe up any accidental smears or spills with a rag before the sealant cures and becomes difficult to remove. Taking precautions allows you to focus just on neat sealant application.

6. Check seals annually - Reapply if deterioration appears

It's important to check all RV seals annually. If any seals show wear, reapply fresh sealant right away to restore the watertight barrier. Addressing minor seal damage promptly prevents major leaks or rot down the road. Getting in the habit of checking seals and refreshing them at the first sign of aging prevents costly moisture damage and maintains your trailer protection.

How long does it take for RV roof sealant to dry?

RV roof coatings typically require 8-24 hours of drying time before being fully cured and reaching maximum strength. The drying process can take longer if applied during humid, dewy conditions or cold weather. Thick coats will also lengthen drying compared to thin even layers. Using a hair dryer on low can speed dry the coating once applied. It is important not to walk on the roof or disturb the fresh coating until fully hardened. Full curing where the coating bonds completely to the roof generally takes 24-48 hours after application. During this curing period, the camper should remain stationary with the roof undisturbed, and rain or dew avoided. Following the individual manufacturer's instructions for the specific roof coating product is recommended, as drying times can vary. But plan for up to 2 days before resuming normal trailer use after applying sealant or coating to the roof. Patience allows for thorough drying and curing.

RV Sealants Buying Guide - Kohree Different Types Of RV Sealants

Kohree Self-Leveling RV Roof Sealant

Strong Adhesion, Effective Sealing

Kohree Self-Leveling Sealant delivers strong, effective adhesion to seal a wide variety of surfaces found on RVs including aluminum, mortar, wood, vinyl, galvanized metal, fiberglass, and concrete. This allows the sealant to bind strongly across the many different construction materials used on motorhomes and trailers for reliable sealing in any scenario. The wide adhesion range makes this an ideal sealant for camper sealing needs. From minor everyday repairs to sealing major seams, the sealant forms tenacious bonds to create a waterproof, airtight seal on virtually any surface.

Fast Curing & Self-Leveling lap sealant for RV roof

Kohree self-leveling lap sealant to provide maximum coverage on broad horizontal roof surfaces. After the RV roof sealant is extruded, it will be self-leveling within 30 seconds, forming a flat surface from a linear shape to better cover and seal the gap. Outdoors in sunny conditions, the surface will dry after 2 minutes. It then continues to cure fully, reaching complete bond strength within 24 hours. This rapid set time allows the sealant to be spread, leveled, and begin protecting the roof quickly with minimal wait. However, the sealant's fluid consistency makes it ideal for flat roof applications rather than vertical surface repairs where sagging could occur before cure.

Durable, High Quality & Widely used

Kohree Self-Leveling RV Roof Sealant: The camper roof sealant is waterproof, anti-ultraviolet, anti-rainstorm and other severe weather, no need to worry about water leaking from the roof of the trailer or house. The flexible sealant adheres well to common RV roofing materials like EPDM and TPO sheets. Ideal applications include sealing roof edges, vents, exhaust pipes, antennas, screw heads, and anywhere else water intrusion may occur. By applying Kohree's RV roof sealant properly as a secondary barrier, RVers can feel confident their roof is sealed against leaks.

Kohree RV Sealant Tape

Weatherproof & UV-Resistant

Kohree sealant tape for camper provides a powerfully waterproof barrier thanks to its strong, thick butyl rubber adhesive. This makes it ideal for outdoor use by forming a complete moisture barrier against rain, snow, and humidity. The tape's robust adhesion prevents water from seeping through seams or around fasteners. It also holds up to UV rays, resisting sun damage and degradation after years exposed to sunlight. The tape stubbornly sticks to surfaces while remaining flexible, sealing out drafts. Even in freezing temperatures, its butyl rubber construction maintains an airtight, protective seal.

Easy Installation & Long Lifespan

Kohree's RV sealant tape is engineered for quick, easy application thanks to its flexible butyl rubber construction and tenacious adhesion. The malleable tape conforms smoothly to flat, curved, or corner surfaces, sealing irregular gaps. Just peel off the backing paper and firmly press the tape down to create an instant watertight seal on the RV roof or sidewalls. The premium butyl rubber compound sticks fast to a variety of materials while remaining pliable instead of hardening over time. This ensures the powerful self-priming seal lasts for many years rather than cracking or splitting. Once applied properly, the tape's butyl rubber maintains its sticky, protective sealing properties through all weather extremes.

Wide Applications

Specially designed and made for the camper repair, easy to get your roofing, windows and doors well done and prevent them from leakages. It sticks tenaciously to common surfaces including metal, EPDM rubber, PVC, Hypalon, and TPO. RVers can rely on this tape to address leak points on motorhomes, travel trailers, camper vans, and other RVs. It is available in three versatile sizes, giving RVers flexible options to seal small gaps or larger seams and surfaces. The multiple sizes ensure the tape can tackle a wide variety of camper sealing and repair jobs.

Two Color Options

Kohree RV sealant tape comes in basic black and white colors, allowing it to seamlessly blend in with RV exteriors of any color scheme. Choosing the shade that suitable for your trailer to prevent patched and sealed areas from looking jarring or out of place, while still allowing you to define trim lines and accents for a polished look. With black and white, you get the best of both worlds - durable weatherproof protection and aesthetic integration.

Kohree White Butyl Seal Tape

Dependable Leak Prevention

Kohree Butyl Sealing Tape creates flexible yet durable seals that resist weathering and wear. The pliable butyl rubber compound conforms to any gap or joint seam, forming an airtight and watertight barrier. UV and corrosion resistant, it provides reliable seals for RV exteriors exposed to sun, rain, and temperature extremes. Smooth and permanently tacky, the tape is easy to apply. Kohree butyl sealing tape prevents damaging leaks around windows, doors, vents and fittings - perfect for sealing RVs inside and out.

Easy to Use

One of the advantages of this tape is that it is easy to use and apply. You don’t need any tools or skills to install it. All you need to do is to make sure that the surface where you want to apply the tape is clean and dry. You can use a cloth or a brush to remove any dirt, dust, or moisture from the surface. The tape has a strong adhesive that can bond well with most materials and surfaces. It can also conform to tight corners, unusual curves, or textured surfaces without any problem. Smaller width of this tape can be more suitable for small leak or crack.

Suitable for Different Surfaces

Kohree Butyl Seal Tape has a super sticky and flexible feature that allows you to apply it on most of surfaces, such as glass, wood, metal, concrete, vinyl, marble, tiles, bricks and plastic. The tape can adhere well to these surfaces and create a strong and durable seal.

Professional Grade RV & Mobile Repair

Kohree's butyl sealant tape enables DIYers to achieve professional-grade sealing repairs on RVs, vehicles, and boats. The tape's portable roll design allows sealing jobs to be completed anywhere, any time - no prep work required. It can be used for repairing trailer , windows, marine seals, EDPM rubber roofs, etc.

How long will RV Sealant last on?

The longevity of RV sealant depends on several factors, such as the type of sealant, the quality of application, the weather conditions, and the maintenance. Generally, sealants for camper can last from two to five years, but some may last longer or shorter depending on the circumstances. Adverse conditions like intense UV rays, temperature swings, and physical stresses accelerate breakdown while ideal applications last towards the maximum rated lifespans. Regardless of sealant, we need to have annual inspections and always check the label of the sealant for the exact lifespan and instructions. You should also inspect the camper regularly and look for any signs of wear and tear on the sealant. If you notice any cracks, peels, leaks, or damages on the sealant, you should repair or replace it as soon as possible to prevent further problems.

Conclusion

Taking the time to properly seal your camper using the right products for each application is one of the most valuable preventative maintenance measures you can perform. Utilizing RV-specific sealants designed for longevity against elements like water, sun, dirt, and extreme temperatures provides maximum protection for your investment. The small effort involved saves you from dealing with much larger moisture damage, rot, and deterioration down the road. Maintaining the integrity of your seals keeps the inside of your trailer protected season after season.