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RV Tips #002: Seal Your Roof or Replace Your Floor

Category: RV Tips

Vibe: Funny, traumatic, and educational

Location: Alabama



There are things people tell you before you become an RV tech.

Then there are things you learn because you almost fell through someone’s kitchen.

This was one of those.


🛠️ The Call


They said the roof was “kinda leaking.”

And the ceiling had a “small issue.”


Okay, cool — I figured it was a few seams, maybe a little dicor and a brush, and I’d be back on the road with Kala by lunch.


So I show up.

Grab my gear.

Step into the rig to check it out…

And the floor almost collapses under me.


🌊 The Reality


What they thought was a “ceiling issue” was actually:

  • A long-term roof leak

  • That ran down the walls (which arguably needed to be done right then as well, they were moist and smelled)

  • Soaked through the insulation

  • Saturated the floor padding

  • Rotted the subfloor

  • And nearly swallowed me whole


Gravity doesn’t play.

Water finds the lowest point — and if you give it time, it’ll bring the whole rig with it.


🔨 What Actually Got Replaced


That “roof patch job” turned into:

  • Removing the island kitchen

  • Moving furniture

  • Pulling carpet and padding

  • Cutting out rotten subfloor

  • Rebuilding and sealing from the ground up

  • and a lot of "I need you to come see this"


In short: way more than anyone budgeted for — emotionally or financially.


💡 Takeaway


Seal your roof before it becomes a floor problem.


This should be regular maintenance, not a disaster surprise.

Once a season, get up there.

Check every seam, skylight, vent, and edge.

Use the right sealant — not duct tape or prayers.


🧰 Tools I Recommend (Affiliate-ready)


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💬 Have your own “kinda leaking” story?

Send it in. If it ends with duct tape, wet socks, or mold — it belongs here.





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