Do you want to know how much it costs to replace a roof on an RV? Doing research ahead of time will help you prepare. Luckily for you, we have already done the research. Below we listed what we found about the cost of replacing an RV roof.
The cost of replacing an RV roof will be around $300-$325 per linear foot. If your RV is 36 feet long, it would cost between $7,000 and $12,000 to replace the roof of your RV.
As we told you in our article on RV roofing types, there are several types of RV roofing materials. Click here to read the article. Because of those differences, your price estimate will vary depending on the type of roof you choose to replace the old roof.
Still not convinced? Let us explain further.
Types of RV Roofing
Recently we shared with you our research on four different types of RV roofs.
- EPDM
- TPO
- Fiberglass
- Aluminum
We even went in-depth researching on forums to get first-hand accounts of what the cost and overall experience of getting a roof replaced might be. To learn more about these, check out the full post about Types of RV roofs.
What Do Those With First Hand Experience Say?
Coach Specialist
Coach Specialist in Tyler, Texas gives a great list of the costs, working hours, and estimated time frames to replace an RV roof. According to them, the average cost to replace an RV roof is around $300 per linear feet. This is due to how labor-intensive replacing a roof is.
Click here to see Coach Specialist's in-depth breakdown cost estimate.
RV.nets Open Roads Forum
On RV.nets Open Roads we found some quotes for different length roofs.
A roof for our 33 foot RV after a ice storm it was about 7 grand.
33' motorhome 3 years ago - insurance paid $6,000 for roof replacement
I know a guy that got an estimate of $8k to RV armor roof his 42’ fifth wheel.
...due to a tree limb. 28' TT with one air conditioner, one bath fan, two plumbing vents and the TV antenna - $5,200.
Source
In comparison, RV.Net Open Roads forum has a thread for newbies. Where someone posted a question about the cost of RV roof replacement, click here to see the full thread.
$7200 which included new fans, covers, new refrigerator vent, & skylight. They remove every thing from the roof & spray. No seams & they overlap the front cap to seal that seam.
I had my failed rubber roof replaced with RV Flex Armor 4 1/2 years ago. My rubber roof membrane was failing at 4 1/2 years old.
I will put Flex Armor on my next RV before I move into it. I won't trust another rubber roof for one day even if brand new.
Source
Bowsite.com Forum
Similarly, Bowsite.com has a thread asking about the cost of replacing an RV roof.
35 foot aspen trail ...travel trailer..6000.00
Somewhere in the $5000-$7000 range is realistic dependent on what may be damaged underneath of the rubber roof.
Source
What is the Cost of Replacing the Roof of a Fifth Wheel?
After digging around some forums, we found a few first-hand responses.
Roof replacement, talking either metal or rubber roof is one thing. To repair damage to wood underneath, a whole nother story. May have to to take some of the siding off to get to the top part of the walls to repair/attach the new wood .
Just a guess, anywhere from $3000 to $5000 and that could be parts alone, and maybe be more. The rubber material would be $1000 or so, plus labor. Not knowing the extent of the wood damage, hard to even guess, but don't be overwhelmed by the price.
Source
Possibilities of More Interior Damage
When discussing replacing an RV roof, it is important to realize and look for additional damage to your structure caused by water leakage.
The dealer said it would be a mess to try and replace the plywood, so they just removed the rubber and overlayed it with new plywood and rubber. Materials were less than $1,000. Labor was over $5,000. I had 3 similar estimates.
Source
Can I Replace The Roof Myself?
According to Do It Yourself RV that is precisely what one RVer did. Click here to see the full story.
The owner of this fifth wheel used Line-X to make a DIY spray-on roof. Using a Bedliner to build an RV roof seems like a pretty good idea to us. What about you? Leave us a comment with your thoughts.
Replacing an EPDM Roof DIY style
It is possible to replace an EPDM roof yourself. Helpfully bestmaterials.com shares a link for a brochure explaining best practices, and how to return an RV EPDM roof. Click the link here to view the brochure.
pplmotorhomes.com has kits available on their website; the link is right here. The options include rolls of EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), Rolls of TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin), roofing membrane rolls, installation kits, and adhesives.
How Important Is Roofing Membrane?
If you recall from our post on the different types of RV roofs, the roofing membrane is the final fail-safe on your RV roof. From top to bottom, you have the roof cover layer, the roof decking layer, and then the roof membrane.
The membrane is a final seal to keep water out of your RV, regardless of whether you decide to repair, or replace it yourself, or ask a professional to do it for you. Be sure to request a membrane layer on your new RV roof.
Time Will Tell
As a rule, time is money. One common theme in all of our research on this topic is that no matter your decision on repair vs. replacing the roof, it will take time. It will take time if you decide to replace it yourself or to hire a contractor to do it for you.
It takes time to remove all the rooftop accouterments — time to inspect the inner parts of the RV for damage. In most of the first case accounts, we found there was additional damage that isn't seen before removing the old roof.
Consequently, it also takes time to replace all of the vents, and AC units, and plumbing covers once the roof is redecked, and ready for its covering.
Can I Repair Instead of Replace?
After looking at the prices or the time investment of replacing an RV roof, you might have cause for hesitancy. You might be asking can I repair the roof instead of replacing it?
In some cases, yes, you can repair the roof instead of replacing it. Here is a list of considerations in making the decision to repair instead of replacing the roof.
- Amount of damage
- Time until upgrading the RV
- Cost of materials plus time
- Level of confidence in your handyman skills
- The waiting list for roof replacement
LazeDaze has a list of the processes and materials involved in repairing a rubber or fiberglass roof. Here is the link.
Prevention The Best Protection
The best weapon against having to replace your RV roof is prevention.
RV Roof Covers
Ideally, the storage of your RV should include a roof over your RV. This will go a long way in keeping the RV roof from being damaged. However, since that isn't always an option. RV covers are an excellent way to prevent the elements from working their magic. A cover will protect your RV from moisture, wind, dirt, and ultraviolet light.
No matter what type of roof you have on the RV, you should check it routinely to prevent missing a leak, and getting left with significant water damage. Even a pinhole leak left unchecked can cause mildew, mold, and water damage.
Here is a list of the best sealants to use for your RV roof.
- Dicor 501LSW-1
- Eternabond RSW-4-50
- Geocel GC28100
- Geocel GC 24200
- Proguard F99911
- ToughGrade 502-LSW
- Proguard F99911-4
Enjoy Your Newly Replaced RV Roof
Make no mistake about it a new roof will go a long way to the enjoyment, longevity, and durability of your RV. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Replacing your RV roof is a significant investment, financially and in quality of life in an RV. As we stated earlier, our research has shown the types of RV roofing materials that are out there. Each one requires a different level of inspection, and repair or maintenance to upkeep.
Please don't forget that once your RV roof has been replaced a cover will go a long way in protecting your RV roof from damage.
We wish you good luck with replacing your RV roof. Leave us a comment and let us know how much your roof replacement cost, and what type of new roof you have.
Suggested Reading
Interested in the costs of renovating a used RV? You may find these posts interesting too -
Replacing an RV roof costs a lot. So why not repair your RV roof with a chosen product that will last for years? RV Roof Magic has helped thousands RV enthusiasts get a new roof for a fraction of the cost of roof replacement.
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