We needed a few things done on our Airstream 8 years after Rodney and American Airstream rebuilt our 1960 Tradewind Landyacht. Two weeks after we brought it in, it was finished! We needed maintenance with a new rubber roof, switched out our sink from a double to single, and a few other things. We even got a wash and wax due to the dust storms that had come through in the time we had it with Rodney. Thank you!!

Your RV's Unseen Shield: Protecting Against the Elements
Imagine the clear skies of a perfect camping day, your RV standing proud under the sun. Now, picture the unseen: the relentless beating your roof takes from harsh UV rays, torrential rain, and fluctuating temperatures. This topmost surface is your RV’s primary defense, and even the smallest crack or compromised seam can lead to insidious water leaks, threatening everything below.
Without a robust, watertight roof, your mobile adventure can quickly turn into a costly nightmare.
At American Vintage Trailers, we specialize in expert roof resealing and comprehensive repair for RVs, travel trailers, and campers, including iconic Airstreams. We meticulously inspect, repair, and fortify your roof, creating an impenetrable barrier against water damage and preserving your rig’s integrity from the top down.
Why is Your RV Roof’s Integrity Crucial?
The health of your RV’s roof is paramount for its longevity, your comfort, and the safety of its interior. Proactive roof care offers vital benefits:
- Prevents Catastrophic Water Damage: The most critical benefit. A compromised roof allows water to seep into walls, subfloors, and cabinetry, leading to extensive rot, mold growth, and electrical system failures.
- Maintains Structural Integrity: A sound roof ensures the RV’s upper structure remains strong and stable, preventing de-lamination and protecting its overall framework.
- Eliminates Costly Repairs: Addressing small leaks and worn seals early on saves you from much larger, more expensive repairs down the line that hidden water damage inevitably causes.
- Preserves Interior Health & Value: A watertight roof means a dry, mold-free interior, safeguarding your furnishings, appliances, and your RV’s resale value.
- Enhances Comfort & Peace of Mind: Travel with confidence, knowing your RV is protected from the elements, allowing you to relax and enjoy your adventures, rain or shine.
Our Dedication: Building a Watertight Promise
Our approach to RV roof services combines thorough inspection with specialized repair techniques and the application of high-performance materials. We understand that a reliable roof is the foundation of a worry-free RV experience. In addition to individual RV owners, we also provide tailored solutions for commercial fleets, ensuring that their vehicles are well-maintained and protected from the elements. Our commitment to quality is evident in the comprehensive range of services we offer for businesses, allowing them to keep their operations running smoothly and efficiently. By choosing our expert services, clients can rest assured that their investment is safeguarded for the long term. Additionally, we offer airstream water system upgrades to enhance the functionality and comfort of your RV. These upgrades ensure a reliable and efficient water supply, contributing to an improved overall experience while on the road. With our expertise, clients can maximize their RV’s potential and enjoy extended journeys without worry. We also provide RV awning installation services to enhance your outdoor living experience, offering shade and protection from the elements while you enjoy your time outside. Our team ensures that each awning is installed with precision and care, allowing you to create a comfortable space to relax during your travels. With our extensive expertise, you can elevate your RV experience and make the most out of your adventures.
We believe every RV journey deserves a perfectly dry interior.
Ready to safeguard your RV’s roof and prevent costly water damage?
Give us a call today to discuss your roof resealing or repair needs. We look forward to protecting your classic from the top down.
Why Choose Us
For Your Roof Resealing & Repair?
- 13+ years of experience in vintage trailer repairs, remodels, and restorations
- 40+ years of electrical and mechanical experience
- Expert craftsmanship with high-quality materials
- Located in the heart of Texas
- Serving Airstream and RV owners across Texas – from DFW to Austin, Texas Hill Country, Brazos Valley, and beyond!
- Custom solutions for modern and classic RVs
Ready to repair your Airstream?
Call us today for a quote!

More About Roof Resealing & Repair
Your RV’s roof is its ultimate shield against the elements, constantly enduring harsh UV rays, torrential rain, heavy winds, and fluctuating temperatures. While often out of sight, this exposed surface is the most vulnerable point for water intrusion, leading to insidious leaks that can cause devastating and costly damage throughout your entire recreational vehicle. Expert roof resealing and comprehensive repair are not just about patching a hole; they are critical proactive measures that safeguard your RV’s structural integrity, interior health, and long-term value.
Common RV Roof Issues & The Threat of Leaks
Even a seemingly minor roof issue can escalate quickly into widespread damage if left unaddressed. Recognizing these common problems is the first step in preventing costly internal repairs:
Cracked, Shrinking, or Missing Sealants:
- Problem: The most frequent culprit behind RV leaks. Over time, the sealants around roof vents, skylights, air conditioners, and along perimeter seams degrade due to UV exposure and temperature cycling.
- Threat: These compromised seals create direct pathways for water to infiltrate the RV’s structure, leading to rot, mold, de-lamination, and electrical shorts.
Membrane Tears, Punctures, or Bubbling:
- Problem: EPDM or TPO rubber roofs can develop tears from tree branches, punctures from sharp objects, or bubbling due to adhesive failure beneath the membrane.
- Threat: Any break in the membrane’s integrity allows significant water ingress, compromising the sub-roofing and internal components. Bubbling can indicate trapped moisture or poor adhesion.
Corrosion, Pitting, or Failed Rivets (Airstreams):
- Problem: For aluminum Airstream roofs, prolonged moisture exposure, trapped debris, or age can lead to oxidation, pitting, and compromised rivets.
- Threat: These issues can weaken the aluminum skin itself, create leak points, and reduce the overall structural integrity unique to Airstream construction.
Compromised Vents, Skylights, or Covers:
- Problem: Plastic vent covers become brittle and crack with UV exposure, while plumbing stack covers can degrade, allowing water to enter.
- Threat: These direct openings become entry points for water, insects, and cold air, even if the main roof membrane is intact.
Consequences of Unaddressed Leaks:
- Water damage is often hidden and pervasive. It can lead to rotted subfloors and wall studs, de-lamination of interior and exterior walls, mold and mildew growth (a health hazard), and electrical system failures. These internal repairs are far more extensive and expensive than fixing the initial roof issue.
Our Comprehensive RV Roof Resealing & Repair Process
Our expert technicians employ a meticulous, multi-step process for RV roof resealing and repair, tailored to your specific roof type (EPDM, TPO, fiberglass, aluminum) and the extent of the damage. Our goal is to create a durable, watertight seal that stands the test of time:
Thorough Roof Inspection & Moisture Detection:
- We begin with a detailed, hands-on inspection of your entire RV roof, carefully examining all seams, sealants, vents, skylights, and components.
- Using advanced moisture meters, we detect hidden water saturation within the walls and ceiling, allowing us to pinpoint all areas of water damage and potential ingress points, even those not visible to the naked eye.
Deep Cleaning & Surface Preparation:
- The entire roof surface is meticulously cleaned to remove dirt, grime, oxidation, and any loose debris. Proper cleaning is absolutely crucial for new sealants and coatings to adhere effectively.
- For rubber roofs, specialized cleaners are used to prepare the membrane. For aluminum, the surface is prepped for optimal adhesion.
Old Sealant Removal:
- This is a highly critical and labor-intensive step. All degraded, cracked, or ineffective old sealants around every penetration and seam are carefully and completely removed. Leaving old, compromised sealant behind is a common pitfall in DIY repairs that leads to recurring leaks.
Structural Repair & Decking Replacement (If Needed):
- If the inspection reveals water damage to the underlying roof decking (plywood or luan) or structural framing, these damaged sections are precisely cut out and replaced with new, sound materials. This ensures a stable base for the roof repair.
Patching & Repair of Roof Membrane/Skin:
- Tears, punctures, and worn areas in EPDM or TPO rubber membranes are professionally patched using manufacturer-approved materials and techniques to create a strong, flexible seal.
- For aluminum roofs (like Airstreams), minor damage may be repaired, and compromised rivets re-sealed or replaced.
New Sealant Application:
- High-quality, flexible, and UV-resistant RV-specific sealants are meticulously applied to all seams, around every vent, skylight, AC unit, antenna, and any other roof penetration. We use self-leveling sealants for horizontal surfaces and non-sag lap sealants for vertical edges, ensuring a complete and durable seal.
Optional Roof Coating Application:
- For added protection and longevity, especially for rubber roofs, we can apply a liquid rubber or acrylic roof coating over the entire surface. This provides an additional layer of waterproofing, enhances UV resistance, and can significantly extend the lifespan of your roof membrane.
Final Water Testing & Inspection:
- Upon completion of all repairs and resealing, a thorough water test is conducted (e.g., using a controlled hose-down method) to confirm that the entire roof is completely watertight and leak-free.
- A final inspection ensures all work meets our rigorous quality standards.
Understanding Roof Resealing & Repair Costs & Value
The cost of RV roof resealing and repair varies significantly, depending on the type of roof, the extent and severity of the damage, and the specific repair or replacement methods required. It’s a critical investment that directly protects your RV’s structural integrity and interior health.
Factors Influencing Cost:
- Type of Roof Material: Rubber (EPDM/TPO), fiberglass, or aluminum roofs each require specific materials and techniques, influencing cost.
- Extent of Damage: Simple resealing of existing seams is less costly than repairing large tears, replacing sections of the membrane, or addressing hidden structural rot.
- Number of Penetrations: More vents, skylights, or accessories on the roof mean more areas to reseal.
- Hidden Water Damage: The discovery of extensive sub-roofing or wall damage during the repair will add to the scope and cost.
- Optional Coatings: Application of a full roof coating adds to the overall price but provides significant long-term protection.
- Labor Hours: Meticulous cleaning, old sealant removal, and precise application are labor-intensive tasks.
Investing in professional RV roof resealing and repair is a highly cost-effective preventative measure that safeguards your entire RV from pervasive, destructive, and expensive water damage. It preserves your RV’s structural integrity, prevents mold and mildew, enhances its lifespan, and protects its value, ensuring your travels are dry, comfortable, and worry-free.
FAQ: Your Roof Resealing & Repair Questions Answered
1. How often should I have my RV roof inspected and resealed?
- We recommend a professional RV roof inspection at least once a year, ideally before your main travel season.
- Sealants typically need to be inspected every 6-12 months and may require resealing every 3-5 years, depending on climate exposure and material type.
- Proactive inspection and resealing are the best defense against insidious water leaks and costly internal damage.
2. What are the most common signs that my RV roof has a leak?
- Look for water stains or discoloration on your RV’s interior ceiling, walls, or even flooring.
- A musty odor is a strong indicator of hidden moisture or mold.
- Soft or spongy spots on the roof membrane itself, or on the interior ceiling/walls, suggest underlying water damage.
- Cracked, peeling, or missing sealant around roof vents, skylights, or AC units on the exterior is a direct sign of a potential leak.
3. Can a damaged RV roof be repaired, or does it always need full replacement?
- Not always! Many RV roof issues, especially if caught early, can be effectively repaired without needing a full roof replacement.
- Small tears, punctures, or localized sealant failures can often be patched and re-sealed by a professional.
- However, if there’s widespread membrane deterioration, extensive hidden structural rot, or multiple, pervasive leaks, a full roof replacement might be the most durable and cost-effective long-term solution.
4. What types of RV roof materials do you work with for repair and resealing?
- We have expertise in repairing and resealing all common RV roof materials.
- This includes EPDM (rubber) and TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) membranes, which are very common.
- We also work with fiberglass roofs and, specifically for iconic units like Airstreams, we handle aluminum roof repairs and associated resealing challenges.
- Our techniques and materials are specific to each roof type for optimal results.
5. Is applying an RV roof coating worthwhile after repairs or resealing?
- Yes, absolutely! An RV roof coating is often a wise investment, especially for rubber or fiberglass roofs.
- A high-quality roof coating provides an additional layer of waterproofing and significantly enhances UV protection.
- This helps extend the lifespan of your roof membrane and sealants, reducing future maintenance needs.
- It can also help reflect sunlight, potentially keeping your RV interior cooler in warm climates.
Have more questions about protecting your RV's most exposed surface?
Call us at (254) 248-1186Happy Customers
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Related Services
The integrity of your RV’s roof is paramount, and its condition often impacts other vital areas of your vehicle. As you ensure your roof’s health, consider these closely connected services that further protect your RV, camper, or Airstream from top to bottom:
Trailer Subfloor Repair & Replacement
Why it’s related: A compromised roof is one of the leading causes of subfloor water damage and rot. Addressing roof leaks directly prevents future deterioration of your RV’s foundation, making subfloor repair a common co-occurring need.
Exterior Repairs & Restoration for Vintage Trailers & RVs
Why it’s related: Your roof is an integral part of your RV’s overall exterior shell. Maintaining a watertight roof complements bodywork, siding repairs, and overall exterior restoration efforts by ensuring water doesn’t infiltrate from above.
RV, Camper, & Vintage Trailer AC Installation & Repair
Why it’s related: Air conditioning units are typically mounted on your RV’s roof. Their seals are crucial for preventing leaks, and any AC installation or repair often involves meticulous roof sealing to ensure a watertight connection around the unit.