Stop Resealing Your RV Roof and Do This Instead!

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Sealing and resealing your RV roof every few years is a frustrating part of RV maintenance. But there’s a method many swear by that could help reduce the hassle significantly: covering all seams and roof components with EternaBond tape.

This method isn’t new, but it has grown in use among RVers who want a more set it and forget it approach.

Of course, it’s not without controversy. While many have had success with it, some, mainly RV techs and repair professionals, have raised concerns. Here’s a closer look at how it works, how to do it right, and what to be aware of before making the switch.

What This Method Involves

EternaBond is a thick, pressure-activated tape used to seal roofs and other surfaces. When applied correctly, it creates a waterproof barrier over seams, vents, skylights, and edges. The idea is to cover all exposed lap sealant and screws with the tape to help prevent water intrusion and reduce regular resealing.

Materials Commonly Used

Many RV owners who apply this method use different widths of EternaBond depending on the area being sealed. A common setup includes:

• 6-inch wide EternaBond tape for seams and roof components
• 2-inch wide tape for side edges
• Optional: 4-inch tape for smaller areas
• Surface prep cleaner (ie, mineral spirits)
• Roller or blunt tool for applying pressure

Some RV owners also apply a thin bead of self-leveling lap sealant along the edge of the tape to help protect against wind-driven water.

How to Apply It

1. Clean the Roof Thoroughly

Tape adhesion depends on surface prep. Use soap and water to clean the roof membrane, then follow with isopropyl alcohol or mineral spirits to remove oils or residue. Do not use acetone near plastic skylights or vent covers, as it may cause damage.

2. Remove or Go Over Lap Sealant

You can apply EternaBond directly over cured lap sealant, but for a cleaner finish, some choose to remove the old sealant first. If applying over existing sealant, it should be at least 60 days old and fully cured.

3. Apply the Tape

Start at the rear of the RV and work forward, overlapping tape edges away from the direction of travel. Press each section firmly using a roller or the handle of a tool. On curves or corners, rounding the tape edges can help reduce the chance of peeling over time.

Use 2-inch tape along the sides, extending slightly down the edge of the roof. The wider 6-inch tape is commonly used for vents, skylights, and long seams.

Common Benefits

Many RV owners report that this method has kept their roofs sealed for years without issue. For example, Ross, from RV Tips & Travels, showed off his roof 3 years after applying Eternabond in this video, and he seemed pleased with the results. Many of the comments on that video echo the same sentiment.

It can eliminate the need to reapply lap sealant every few seasons and offers a patch-friendly solution if it gets damaged later.

If the surface is cleaned and prepped properly, EternaBond has a reputation for staying well-adhered and lasting for many years. Some users have gone ten years or more and say it still looks like new.

Concerns Raised by Professionals

While plenty of RVers have seen good results, many RV technicians caution against using EternaBond as a full-roof sealant solution.

Key Concerns

• Removal difficulty: Once EternaBond is exposed to heat and sun over time, it can become very difficult to remove. This can make repairs or replacements of skylights, vent caps, or other roof components more time-consuming.
• Application over uneven surfaces: Roof tape performs best on flat surfaces. Around screws, curves, and non-flat areas, the adhesive may not bond fully, especially if the surface wasn’t cleaned properly. This can lead to water finding its way under the tape, which weakens the bond further.
• Improper installation: Professionals often see failures caused by poor prep. Even small wrinkles can act like channels for water. In these cases, tape intended to prevent leaks ends up hiding them.
• UV exposure: Some long-time users have reported the top casing of the tape breaking down after several years, although the adhesive underneath often remains intact.

What If You Need to Replace Something Later?

If you need to replace a vent or skylight, you can cut along the tape with a razor knife, make the repair, and apply new tape over the original. EternaBond will adhere to itself. Heating the area with a heat gun may help with removal if the tape has hardened with age.

Tips from the Field

If you plan to give this a try, a few practical tips from experienced RV owners can make a big difference. Proper cleaning, careful application, and ongoing inspections are key to getting the most from this method.

• Use mineral spirits or alcohol, not acetone
• Round off the corners of each tape piece
• Apply sealant along the edges if wind-driven rain is a concern
• Inspect the roof regularly, especially before and after travel
• Clean regularly with a soft-bristle brush and mild soap

Should You Do It?

Many people, reportedly, have had great success using this method and haven’t touched their roof sealant in many years. Others have found that it adds complications down the line. This approach can work well if done carefully, but it requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of the potential trade-offs.

Before moving forward, consider your comfort level with the install process, your future maintenance plans, and how long you expect to keep your RV. If long-term simplicity is the goal and you’re confident in your prep work, this may be worth considering. If you’d rather keep roof repairs as easy as possible down the road, traditional lap sealant might be a better fit.