The main factor in preserving the life of your RV is to maintain its water tightness. Even a small leak can become costly if you have to replace the wall, floor, or roof. The best place to start is the roof. A tiny leak on the roof will turn into a major problem within the structure of the RV.
You should check the condition of your roof seal in the Spring and in the Fall. Closely inspect the roof sealant condition on every protruding fixture on the roof. If a factory installed roof rack and/or ladder are present, the roof has been reinforced. If you add an aftermarket roof rack or ladder, use extreme caution when on the roof.
Any cracks or thin spots can be touched up with the appropriate material. If the roof sealant is peeling or flaking in any way, then the old coating must be physically removed and replaced. Be sure to properly clean the area to be resealed. It is normal to see bubbles or small ripples appear in the rubber roof membrane. This is the roof breathing. You should not see large sections coming loose, but a bubble less than two feet is can be normal.
Keep your roof clean. Use the correct cleaner for rubber or metal roofs to prevent deterioration of the roofing material. EPDM rubber roofs may have a chalky surface after a few years. This is a normal process of age and, and even after 10 years, only 10 percent of the material is lost due to chalking. Regular cleaning will reduce chalk buildup and minimize white streaks on the sides of your RV. If you have a rubber roof you should periodically treat it with the correct UV protectant if recommended by the manufacturer. This UV protectant inhibits the sun from doing damage to the rubber membrane.
If you have any questions about your RV roof take it to a qualified RV service center.