Pea-sized Hail (0.25′)<\/td> If your RV roof is in a good condition, this will not be a threat. Check after Storm<\/li><\/td><\/tr>Marble-sized Hail (0.50′)<\/td> No significant damage if your roof is in good condition. Inspect roof after hail-storm.<\/li><\/td><\/tr>Dime to Quarter-sized Hail (0.75′-1′)<\/td> Can dent skylights and vent caps. The size hurts too, shelter your RV and stay indoor.<\/li><\/td><\/tr>Golf Ball-sized Hail (1.75′-2.5′)<\/td> Rubber roof may be safe but other roof accessories may be significantly damaged. <\/li><\/td><\/tr>Baseball-sized Hail (2.75′-4′)<\/td> Can cause tremendous damage even to rubber roofs. Keep away and shelter your RV.<\/li><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Common Types of RV Roofs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nwelcomia via Canva.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBefore panicking about a hailstorm coming, you may want to check on the type of roof that your RV has. The impact of hail may also vary for each type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a comparison for you to compare all the four types of RV roofs in order for you to see if your roof would be fine, or if you want to change it up to something that you think may be better:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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EPDM RV Roof<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEPDM is considered the best roofing material for an RV. These roofs are made of an extremely durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane called ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM). These can typically last for 20-25 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\ninexpensive, easy to install and lightweight<\/li> does not dent, scuff or scratch easily<\/li> small repairs are easy as applying liquid roof membranes such as rubber shingles, latex tape or adhesives<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nDisadvantages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nnot visually appealing since it may look like a stretched-out inner-tube<\/li> absorbs heat quickly and retains sunlight<\/li> can be punctured easily<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nCan EPDM RV roofs withstand hail?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSince EPDM RV roofs are made of synthetic rubber, they can be very hail resistant. Hail might not be able to puncture it but may dimple or damage the insulation board under the membrane. Water could pool and over time cause wear on the roof. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Rubber TPO RV Roof<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTPO roofs are made of single-ply thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). This is not technically a true rubber roof but has many of the same properties. The coating is placed over a fabric backing. TPO RV roofs can typically last for 15-25 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nthe material is white, which can reflect heat you can choose the way of installation fastened<\/li> directly , glued or welded.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nDisadvantage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n thicker may not mean more durable requires an outer laminate cover for it not to develop<\/li> weakness and cracks easily<\/li> relatively small in width creating more seams that may contract and expand which cause<\/li> cracking and leaking in the roof<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nCan Rubber TPO Roof<\/strong> withstand hail?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe TPO roof is hail-resistant but not as much as the EPDM. However, hail can cause cracks to this type of roof, especially if it is older. If your roof is relatively new, little cracks will not cause leaks in your RV immediately. But as your roof ages, and as the crack develops, leakage may happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Fiberglass RV Roof<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA fiberglass RV roof is made by using a mix of synthetic materials and glass fibers made in large panels or individual sheets. The roof will be rigid and feel hard to the touch. Fiberglass is very durable but not flexible as you drive, so most newer rigs do not have this type. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\ndurable <\/li> rot- and rust-resistant<\/li> fire-resistant<\/li> lightweight<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nDisadvantage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\ninflexible and can crack under the stress of costant movement of RVs<\/li> when it gets damaged, repair is expensive making it more practical to replace the damaged section<\/li> not heat resistant and when exposed to extensive heat, thermal splits may form, which would require immediate repair.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nCan a fiberglass RV roof withstand hail<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\nSince these are durable, it is less likely to be damaged by small hail. However, the fiberglass can be dented and cracked from larger-sized hail. It also becomes more brittle over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Aluminum RV Roofing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn the past, RV roofs made of aluminum were commonly used due to their longevity. Aluminum is now mainly material for siding. Newer RVs are not made with aluminum roofs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Advantage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nresist tree limb piercing<\/li> less susceptible to holes caused by RV\u2019s motion friction<\/li> fire-resistant<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nDisadvantage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\ncan quickly lose its visual appeal<\/li> susceptible to seam failure<\/li> not heat resistant<\/li> must be fastened with galvanized nails to prevent rust and subsequent hidden leaks<\/li> can get rusty<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nCan aluminum RV roofing withstand hail?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAluminum roofing is very susceptible to hail because it\u2019s thin. Typical damages are dents and scratches. The materials under the aluminum will likely be damages as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Signs That Your RV Roof is Damaged<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nsshepard via Canva.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nIn order to avoid even bigger problems, you should make it a habit to inspect your RV. Having the damages detected early on can help you lessen the repairs that you may possibly need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You never want a roof leak to go unchecked and end up with water damage inside your RV. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can start by checking all the seams, flashings, skylights, roof air-conditioners, solar panels, antennas. Also, check any other accessories on your roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While you are inspecting, you may want to check for the following signs to see if your RV has potential roof damage:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Warped areas or sagging in your ceiling or fixtures, especially non-metal ones. Warping and sagging are usually caused by water damage.<\/li> Look if there is dripping water or water stains anywhere for these are signs of leakage that will allow water damage.<\/li> If you have laminated items on your RV, delamination may also be a sign that your RV roof is damaged and water is coming in.<\/li> You may also look for small spots or bubbles for these are an indication that your RV\u2019s roof membrane is no longer glued or fastened.<\/li> Most especially if your RV roof is made of Aluminum, you may want to check for rusting.<\/li> Cracks or holes can also be a sign that your roof is damaged. This is the usual damage that a hailstorm can cause.<\/li> Dents and scratches are also some of the usual damages from hailstorms.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
How to Handle RV Roof Damage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nImmediate after a storm, visually inspect your RV roof and accessories on the roof. If your RV roof shows signs of damage, contact your insurance company and take your RV to a reputable repair shop for inspection. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt’s better to have your RV repaired immediately to prevent further problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the damages are minor and you have the knowledge, you can repair it yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if the damage is extensive, it is better to consult professionals and let them do the repairs. The roof on your RV has multiple layers and even small dimples in the top rubber layer could indicate damage to the underlayers or the wood base. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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