DIY Network

RV Maintenance: Repairing a Roof Leak From "Weekend Mechanic" episode WKM-309

To repair a leaky roof, one of the RV's roof vents is replaced with this new one.

In this episode, Weekend Mechanic host Bruce Bonebrake demonstrates some important maintenance procedures that should be performed to get an RV ready for a trip. In this segment, water is sprayed on the roof to check for leaks. A leaky roof vent is removed so a new one can be installed. The new vent is installed and sealed. Assisting Bruce in this episode is automotive specialist Bobby Ray Adams.

Materials:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.), some of the specialty tools used in this episode include test light, torque wrench, caulking gun, wire cutters and wire strippers, heat gun, oversized socket attachment, bearing packer, cleaning brush, degreaser and latex gloves. An air-compressor and set of pneumatic tools will is optional, but may be very helpful for this project.

DIY Difficulty Rating for the Project: The procedures shown in this episode are all fairly routine or straightforward. Overall, we gave these projects a difficulty rating of 2 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. It took us about 8 hours to finish this job. Depending on your vehicle and it's condition, and the nature of any problems you might encounter, your work time could vary. Allow yourself a full weekend to complete these projects properly.

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Checking and Repairing a Leaky Roof Vent

• To check the RV's roof to ensure that it was watertight, we simply sprayed the roof down using a garden hose and checked inside for leaks. Right away we were able to detect a leak at the front vent (figure A).

• Since the exact source of the leak would be difficult to identify, the simplest solution was to replace the old vent with a new one. The new vent (figure B) is equipped with a hand-crank for raising and lowering the top and a screen to keep out leaves, insects, etc. The plastic trim piece mounts in the roof opening and serves as the receptacle for the vent itself. Our vent also comes with a louvered-vent cover that prevents rain from getting inside when the main vent is opened to let in fresh air.

• Note: Some RV roof vents come with built-in exhaust fans. The cost for replacing a fan may range from about $130 to $300.

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

• The RV roof is constructed of 1/4-inch plywood covered in a single sheet of rubber. Before doing any roof repairs, clean the roof thoroughly, but avoid using petroleum-based products as these could damage the rubber covering.

• To remove the old vent, scrape away the caulking around the existing vent screws that secure the vent flange (figure C).

  Note: Simply scrape away the caulk; avoid cutting through the caulk and into the rubber roof underneath.

• Once the screw-heads are accessible, unscrew and remove the screws.

• With the screws removed, cut away the caulking around the metal vent-flange (again, avoiding cutting into the rubber roof), and carefully lift the vent off the roof (figure D). It's best to lift the old vent out slowly to prevent tearing the rubber roof.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• With the old vent removed, use alcohol to clean around the opening.

• Apply caulking tape to the bottom side of the new vent flange. Press the tape into place, and remove the backing. The caulking tape provides an even, watertight seal.

• Position the new vent cover over the opening (figure E).

• Once the vent is in position, secure it with screws (figure F).

• Once all the screws are in, cover them with self-leveling caulk to make for a completely watertight seal. Self-leveling caulk flattens as it hardens to form a smooth and reliable seal.

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  Figure G

  Finally, add the vented rain cover to the top of the caulking (figure G) and secured with small bolts.

Important: Included in this segment are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

RESOURCES :

The Complete Idiot's Guideto RV'ing
Author: Brent Peterson
ISBN: 002864171X
Publisher: Alpha Books

The RVer's Bible : Everything You Need to Know About Choosing, Using, & Enjoying Your RV
Authors: Kim Baker, Sunny Baker
Publisher: Fireside
April, 1997
ISBN: 0684822679
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

The Rv Handbook: Essential How-To Guide for the RV Owner
Author: Bill Estes ISBN: 0934798664
Publisher: Trailer Life Publications