10 Best RV Sealant Options for Roofs and Windows in 2024
LOOKING FOR THE BEST RV SEALANT FOR YOUR CAMPER?
You are in the right place because the 10 best RV sealant options are all featured here. How do we know they are the best? We have traveled in our RV since 2010 and bring you the best information, guides and products for your RV.
Understanding how to use the best RV sealant is an important part of owning an RV. RV owners often use sealants to keep their RVs from leaking water. Water damage can easily become a problem and can happen on new and old travel trailers. Doing this maintenance yourself makes RV ownership more cost-effective.
The best product you will need will depend on what you are looking to seal. If you are doing routine maintenance or if you are looking to seal a small or a significant leak in your roof material or motorhome, the best product might be a little different in each scenario.
Whatever your scenario, we have outlined the different types of materials you will need no matter what you are looking to accomplish.
Best RV Sealant Options
1. Xfasten Silicone Sealant
Xfasten silicone sealant is a great option when it comes to sealants. This sealant will seal your RV as well as your home sealing needs. This caulk is industrial-strength and offers great protection from extreme temperatures.
It can be used on almost any material. This includes metal, granite, stone, wood, and others. It is rated to protect for up to 15 years. It sets up quickly and does not shrink or crack.
Keep in mind when looking for a caulk the color of the caulk you are looking for. This particular sealant only comes in black. Other sealants can come in a variety of colors, such as white, tan, grey, or clear.
➡️ SHOP Xfasten Silicone Sealant
2. Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant
Dicor self-leveling lap sealant is one of the most common sealants and one of the top picks for your RV’s roof when looking for RV sealant. It does a great job and does not harden or crack. Dicor lap sealant is typically used for skylights, TV antennas, and around air conditioners.
Self-leveling sealant means that it will level off or “run” more than a non-self-leveling sealant does. Therefore, the self-leveling sealant is usually used for your RV’s roof applications but can be used in areas that are not on the RV’s roof.
This sealant does come in a couple of color options if you need something other than white.
3. Liquid Rubber Leak Repair Sealant
Liquid rubber multi-surface leak repair sealant is a liquid roof sealant and is the best option when you want to seal a little bit larger an area. It lasts for a long time, and this sealant is used to prevent leaks and to add extra protection around air vents, skylights, vents, roof edges, vent pipes, and areas that are prone to leaking.
This is a great product if you are not sure where the leak is and you want to seal an entire area.
One thing to keep in mind is that even though this is called liquid rubber over time, the sealant can be degraded by sunlight and the elements. This means you will periodically need to reapply. How often you do this depends on how much UV light and other outdoor exposure.
The last thing to remember is that keeping your camper covered or in a garage while not in use is a great way to extend the life of your camper and prevent issues during your camping trips.
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30-Day Free Trial4. Geocel Proflex RV Sealant
Geocel ProFlex RV sealant is another great sealant. This sealant will stick to any surface and can be used to seal just about anything.
You can use it to seal all of your recreational vehicles’ rubber roof ceiling needs, but you can also use it on any place you have a leak or need a great sealant. ProFlex can be applied in harsh weather conditions to stop leaks quickly. You don’t need to wait until things dry out.
If you have a leak and it is raining, ProFlex can seal it now.
5. Wellluck RV Roop Tape
When looking at sealants, we often look for an RV caulk or something we paint on or use a caulk gun, but sometimes that needs to be combined with an RV roof tape sealant. WellLuck RV roof tape is a great way to seal or fix leaks.
This heavy-duty tape and RV roof tape sealant is a sure way to ensure your travel trailer is sealed. The tape is very easy to put down and is far less messy than using an RV caulk.
RV caulk-type sealants can be messy and can attract dirt. If you have ever tried to get an RV caulk off your hands, you will be glad when the fix is an RV roof tape sealant.
6. Butyl Putty Tape Sealant
If you are looking for another universally used sealant, you should look at Butyl putty tape sealant. Butyl Putty tape is great for your roof, window, and the corners of your RV.
There is a chance you have not seen this type of RV sealant. Don’t let this deter you. This putty sealant is great. The tape application makes for an easy job with a lot less mess. I like to think of it as the best caulk sealant in tape form.
Butyl Tape Application Tutorial
You apply the tape pressing down firmly, and then you will peel off the top paper layer and discard. This creates a firm seal.
When using Butyl tape, there are a few tips that can make it even easier. The first tip is to refrigerate the tape. Don’t stick it in the freezer. This makes the tape a little less sticky and easier to work with. You will want to refrigerate it for 2 hours.
The second tip is to make sure your hands are wet when using. This will help keep the tape from sticking to your hands, and third make sure the surface is clean. If the surface is not clean, you will stick to all the dirt or oil, and then all the dirt and oil will fall off along with your sealant.
7. Gorilla Clear Silicone Sealant Caulk
Many times when you need something for your RV, there are items very specific to RV applications that should be used. When it comes to sealants, you have some very good options that are not RV specific. This is because almost everything we live in needs to be sealed from water damage. Gorilla Clear silicone sealant caulk is a fantastic sealant.
This clear sealant is great for RV windows and is incredibly versatile. This sealant is 100 percent waterproof and creates a waterproof seal, it won’t crack, shrink, or yellow over time. It can be used for indoor or outdoor applications. Some people even use this to seal fabric on pop-up campers or awnings.
➡️ SHOP Gorilla Clear Silicone Caulk
8. Sikaflex RV Roof Sealant
For those of you in the construction world, you will know the name of Sikaflex. Sikaflex not only makes a great construction sealant but Sikaflex makes one of the best RV roof sealants. Sikaflex-221 is a fantastic polyurethane fast-curing sealant that can be used on many different RV surfaces. It can be used on wood, metal, paint, ceramic, and plastic.
Make sure to remember that it is important to apply this sealant to a clean and dry environment.
The great thing about the Sikaflex sealant is that it not only works great for sealing it also works great for bonding. If you want a top-of-the-line sealant, Sikaflex is a must-have
9. 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200
When you get into the sealant world, there are some really great products, and they are many different price ranges but remember, a sealant is very important, and a couple of extra bucks makes a big difference in quality. 3M Marine adhesive sealant 5200 is on the expensive side for sealants because there are not many, if any, sealants that seal as well as this does.
The 3M 5200 is waterproof and is a permanent bonding agent. This is made for above AND below-water applications. This product creates a permanent bond. This sealant resists weathering and saltwater.
It won’t crack or peel while staying flexible. It stays bonded during vibration, structural movement, or shock.
When using the 3M 5200, there are a few things to keep in mind. This product requires 5 to 7 days to completely cure, while your other sealants cure faster but might not be as effective. This product also should be used where it is shielded from the sun.
10. Rexoseal Roof Sealant
Rexoseal new roof and roof sealant is for repairing a full RV roof or significant RV roof repair. The Rexo seal kit has a 10-year limited warranty but with periodic recoating, it will last the entire life of your travel trailer, camper, motorhome, or RV. This is a complete replacement roof kit. It will cover the square feet of about a 40-foot RV. It comes with instructional videos and is made for a fairly significant repair.
If you find you are frequently getting leaks on your roof and you are frequently caulking and caulking with sealant, it could be a sign you are ready for Rexoseal.
RV Caulking Tips
Whether you have been sealing our RV for years or are new to recreational vehicle sealants, these tips will help you get professional-looking results.
Important Tools For Using the Best RV Sealant
Our first tip is to purchase a quality caulking gun. You can save yourself ten bucks on a cheap caulking gun, but those do not function as well.
A quality caulk gun is lighter, making it easier to use, and they do a better job at not letting the caulk leak out when in use. You should purchase a bottle of odorless mineral spirits. This will make cleaning up so much easier and will help with managing the caulk.
Another great tool that can help make your caulking look neat and professional is the silicone caulking tool. We use the tool almost every time we caulk. Many professionals say these tools are not needed since you can technically just use your finger as we describe below, but no matter how many times I use my finger when I use my caulking tool, it always seems to look better, be less messy, and it is easier for me to use.
One end has a flexible rubber for smoothing out the caulk, and the other end is for removing cracked or damaged caulk. This tool also works great for home caulk applications like bathroom and baseboard caulking.
Tips for Applying the Best RV Sealant
You should have two rags available. The first rag you will dampen with the mineral spirits and you will use it to clean the area you are going to be caulking. If the caulk looks old or is cracked you will want to use a razor blade or some scraper tool to remove the old caulk.
When you cut the tip of the caulk tube don’t cut too much. You want the tip to be on the smaller side so less caulk comes out. This will help from using too much and making things messy. Before you apply the caulk wipe the area with your dry rag to ensure everything is clean and dry.
After you apply a small bead to the area you will use your damp mineral spirits rag by putting your finger on the damp section and then smoothly press the caulk smoothing it out. You will do this a few inches at a time each time wiping your finger on the rag with mineral spirits. If done properly you will get a great-looking seal.
Another detail that is missed at times when using sealants and caulks is that even though they are made to function under extreme temperatures they apply best when the temperatures range from around 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
If it is super cold and your sealant is cold it may not come out of the container properly. This can cause some frustration and make your caulking job much more challenging than it needs to be. If the temperature is too hot the sealant can run more than normal which is also not ideal.
FAQs About the Best RV Sealant
How do RV Caulks work?
There are a lot of different RV caulks and each has different properties and is made for different applications. Some caulk works better on your roof and some work better for your windows.
RV caulks work by creating a seal between your RV and the caulking product. The caulk is created to be a flexible sealant and to create a watertight seal.
How to Use RV Caulk?
When using RV caulk there are a few things you must do to ensure proper application. The first is to remove any large debris that the caulk might bond to. If the RV caulk bonds to debris the seal will be poor and will quickly fall off taking the caulk with it.
After you have removed large debris, you will need to clean the area where you will be applying the caulk. Some caulk you can apply while the area is wet but in general, after you clean the area you will want to wait till the area is dry. Using mineral spirits to clean an area is great because it cleans well and dries quickly.
It is important to read the instructions on your caulking product. Each product could have slightly different instructions on the application.
Next, you will apply a small bead so you do not create a messy caulking area. If you use too much caulk you could attract unwanted debris. You may need to make several passes to ensure the area is properly coated if you have a large area.
A “bead” is the size of the product that comes out of the caulk tube when you squeeze the product out using the caulking gun. The caulk tube will have a tip that is approximately 3 or 4 inches long. The closer you cut to the caulk tube the larger the bead will be.
One pro tip to remember is that after you cut the tip of the caulk tube you will need to break a seal that is in the tube by sticking a screwdriver or the caulk gun seal breaking tool down into the caulking tube tip. If this is not done the caulk will not flow out of the caulk gun when squeezed.
What sealant should I use on my RV?
There are multiple different sealants you can use for your RV. The most commonly used sealant is the Dicor Corp self-leveling lap sealant. This is a good product but it is not the end-all for RV sealants. If you are having trouble deciding or you’re an RV beginner, I would give this sealant a try and remember that self-leveling works best on horizontal surfaces.
If you are new to using RV sealants we would recommend starting on a small area and making sure you have mineral spirits available to help clean up extra. RV sealant is very sticky and does not come off your hands or clothes very easily. If you are unsure or hesitant you may want to visit your local RV dealer for professional assistance.
What can I use to Seal an RV Roof?
The majority of people will use RV sealant to seal an RV roof. RV sealants are not made to seal super large gaps. RV sealant tape can seal larger gaps but it is also limited to the size it will seal.
If you need to seal a large enough area you will need to have the entire roof replaced. This can be done by using DIY RV roof kits or an RV professional.
Is Your Roof EPDM or TPO?
The majority of RV roofs are made from TPO. TPO is a roofing that is made to reflect sunlight. This is why RV roofs are a white color. Because TPO roofing reflects sunlight it helps your air conditioner work better and more efficiently.
EPDM is typically black or darker color and because of this, it will absorb the heat. This is why it is not typically used in areas close to air conditioning units. These roofs are often seen on carports and sheds but EPDM has a wide variety of uses.
What is EPDM rubber roof mean?
EPDM means ethylene propylene diene monomer. This means that EPDM is mixed with different amounts of ethylene, propylene, and diene. Ethylene is the largest contributor and can account for up to 75 percent of the polymer.
EPDM is a shortened version because more people do not want to say ethylene propylene diene monomer. EPDM is similar to rubber, but the addition of propylene and diene creates a product that works better than rubber in harsh climates and lasts much longer.
Types of Best RV Sealant
There are multiple different types of RV roof sealant. Some are very similar, some are for specific uses and some sealants work best when used in conjunction together. The majority of sealants are silicone. This is because silicone is very adhesive, and it does not shrink or crack over time.
Some sealants are self-leveling. This means if you were to squeeze out a large amount in one spot it would flatten or run. These sealants are typically used on your roof. If applied on a vertical surface the sealant would run down the surface.
Non-sag sealant is made to not level once applied. This means if you apply it on a vertical surface it is made to not run down the surface. This type of sealant great and they both work equally well but some areas, like the sides of your RV or windows, can seal better with a non-sag sealant.
Eternabond is a brand-name sealant tape. It is used to tape off or seal large areas. If using this sealing tape, it is common to cover the edges with your preferred RV caulk sealant.
Butyl Tape is a great product that is a bit of a combination between sealant tape and your sealant. It is not as messy as a sealant, and it is applied like your sealant tape.
Features of the Best sealant and Caulk
Rv caulks and RV sealants are both important to your RV. The terms are often used interchangeably. They are both similar products. They both fill cracks or gaps or can be used to bond things together, but sealants are more often used to seal or prevent leaks than your caulks.
Caulking is often made from acrylic and latex or a mixture of the two. This makes a caulk a bit more rigid than your sealants. Sealants are made from silicone and have much more elastic properties to prevent cracking.
Silicone works well in changing and extreme temperatures while keeping its airtight and watertight seal and this is why it is often used for outside applications, bathrooms, and kitchens.
UV Resistant
Ultraviolet light resistance is important when working with RV sealant. Not all RV sealant is equally UV resistant. Some caulk is much more UV resistant than others. Some even have limited UV resistance while others have lots of UV resistance.
The amount of UV resistance often pertains to where you are going to be placing the caulk. If you are sealing the roof of an RV UV resistance is important. If you are sealing the sides or areas that do not get as much sunlight UV resistance is not as important.
When thinking about UV resistance it is important to remember that most things deteriorate eventually when placed in the sun. This is why the best thing is to keep your RV covered or in covered storage if possible. This will prolong the life of your RV immensely. Your RV will leak much sooner if not stored in a location that is covered.
Benefits of Using the Best RV Sealant
There are many benefits of using RV caulk on your RV. Many people think the only time they should use RV caulks is when their RV has a leaking roof or a similar problem. This is not correct. RV caulks and sealants need to be replaced over time.
By doing routine maintenance on a regular basis, replacing or adding additional caulk the roof of your RV or your RV, in general, will look and perform better. This maintenance will prevent leaks from happening, it will prevent mold growth, and seal out insects and debris.
Even small leaks can cause mold issues. If maintenance is not performed regularly, you might not see or notice small cracks or leaks. This can slowly create a major problem.
Even though the sealant says it does not crack over time everything has a life span and towards the end of the life span of caulks and sealants, they will crack and eventually leak.
How to Repair Cracked RV Caulking
For the best results when repairing cracked RV caulking you should remove the cracked caulk first before you repair or add additional caulking. After you have removed the caulk you need to clean the area and then apply the caulking or sealant.
If you are caulking a larger area you may need to caulk a little to the sides also to create a sufficient waterproof seal around the needed area. By caulking one-half inch to an inch on either side of what you are sealing.
This helps ensure a proper seal and that a little spot was not missed. This is used when fixing the larger issues or around vents, skylights, and other similar areas.
When caulking smaller areas you do not want excess caulk. You want it to fill the space. If you add extra sealant this can later become a problem and become dirty. This may seem like a contradiction but because smaller cracks are easier to seal the bonding will hold better in the small areas.
Conclusion: Best RV Sealant
In conclusion, the best RV sealant depends on where you are sealing your camper and the type of value you are looking for. If you are sealing your RV and want a self-leveling sealant your best value will come from the Dicor self-leveling sealant. If you are looking for a nonself-leveling sealant your best sealant would be the Sikaflex 221.
Don’t forget that if you are sealing larger areas or are not sure where the leak might be coming from your best sealant would be the liquid rubber roof sealant or sealant tape. When using the sealant tape it is best to use caulk around the edges to ensure a seal that will be waterproof for years to come.
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