Welcome to another Tech Tip Tuesday, brought to you by the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) – the largest hands-on RV training school in America. Today’s expert tip comes from Brenda, one of our instructors from the Certified Inspector Course. She’s here to shine a spotlight on one of the most overlooked – yet critically important – parts of your RV: the roof.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can I inspect my RV roof on my own?” or “Isn’t a dealer inspection good enough?” — this one's for you.
🧠 What’s Really Going on Up There?
At first glance, your RV roof might seem like a simple surface. But it’s actually a complex system with dozens of potential failure points that can lead to serious problems if ignored.
A professional RV roof inspection includes 30 to 50+ individual checks. That’s a far cry from a quick look or a drone flyover. Certified inspectors like Brenda don’t just glance — they climb, crawl, and closely examine every inch of your roof’s surface and structure.
🚩 Common Roof Problems You Might Never Notice
Brenda has seen her fair share of roof-related surprises. Some common issues that turn up during inspections include:
- Membrane Damage: Cuts, gouges, or scratches—sometimes from the factory, sometimes from branches or travel.
- Debris Under the Membrane: Things like screws or fasteners accidentally sealed beneath the roof surface.
- Loose or Detached Trim: This can cause large air pockets or “roof bubbles” that are invisible until they cause a real problem.
- Poor Sealing Around Fixtures: Vents, skylights, satellite dishes—these are all common spots for water to sneak in if not sealed properly.
Brenda recalls, “I’ve seen membranes completely lifted and flapping in the wind while someone drives down the highway—completely unaware. Then they stop, and it settles back down, hiding the damage.”
🛡️ Sealant: Your Roof’s First Line of Defense
The #1 thing your roof relies on? Sealant.
This isn’t something you can properly evaluate with a camera or from the ground. A professional inspection involves physically touching the sealant to check:
- Pliability – Has it dried out, cracked, or become brittle from sun exposure?
- Cracks or Pinholes – Even the smallest gaps can let water in.
- Coverage Around Every Opening – Vents, appliances, trim, and seams must all be tightly sealed.
Brenda sums it up perfectly:
“Anywhere a hole was made in the roof needs to be sealed. Even a pinhole can let in water and lead to expensive structural damage down the line.”
🛒 Buying an RV? Don’t Skip the Roof Inspection
Whether you’re buying a brand-new RV or a used one—especially if it’s from out of state—you may not get a chance to crawl up and see the roof for yourself.
Even current RV owners can go months without noticing something wrong up top.
That’s why a professional inspection is so valuable: NRVTA-trained inspectors will literally go the extra mile (and climb the extra ladder) to ensure your roof is sealed, secure, and road-ready.
🧰 DIY vs. Certified Roof Inspections
Sure, you can inspect your RV roof yourself. But unless you have the training, tools, and know-how, you’ll likely miss:
- Hairline cracks and UV damage
- Soft spots or membrane separation
- Signs of improperly installed trim
- Subtle roof warping or bubbling
A certified inspector knows exactly what to look for—and how to catch issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
💬 Final Thoughts from Brenda
“Your RV roof is the first line of defense between you and the elements. Ignore it, and you could be facing one of the most expensive problems in RV ownership: water intrusion.”
And that’s just one system a certified inspector looks at. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply trying to stay ahead of surprise repairs, a professional roof inspection is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
📍 Want to learn how to inspect RVs like a pro?
Check out our Certified RV Inspector training program and see how you can turn your curiosity into a career.
Until next time—stay safe, stay dry, and happy RVing!