If you are an RV owner and your RV has a metallic roof made of aluminum, then you might have seen some cracks that need repairing. We will bring the best metallic sealant for aluminum RV roof that will help you fill those cracks.
When you are continuously traveling to different areas to discover nature's beauty with your traveling companion, your traveling buddy might face some harsh conditions. These conditions may include the hot deserts with more than 60 degrees temperature or the temperature far below the freezing point near the sky-high mountains, or a thundering shower in the forest.
These harsh and severe conditions can impart several effects on the roofing material of your RV and may lead to corrosion or dumps in the material. But no worries because you can overcome these damages by selecting the best sealant for an aluminum roof.
If we talk about the best sealant for aluminum RV roof, we will recommend the Dicor 501LSW-1 Epdm Self-Leveling Lap Sealant. This sealant by Dicor is the highest rated product by the people worldwide.
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#Table of Contents
Comparison Table: Best Sealant For Aluminum RV Roof
What Are The Best Sealant For Aluminum RV Roof?
01. Dicor 501lsw-1 Epdm Self-Leveling Lap Sealant-10.3 Oz. Tube, White, 10.3 Fluid_Ounces (Packaging May Vary)
Salient Feature
- Brand: Dicor
- Form: Liquid
- Thermoduric: Yes
- Water-proof: Yes
- Weight: 12.8oz
- UV resistant: Yes
- Color Match: Yes
If we talk about our product number 1, which we will review in our article, we first describe the sealant's company. The manufacturing company of this sealant is a well-known company, and it is known worldwide as Dicor. This company is manufacturing many types of adhesives, but this product is best for aluminum roofs.
This product is compatible with all types of surfaces. You can use it either on aluminum or any surface like mortar, galvanized metal, concrete, fiberglass, wood, or any rubber surface. It makes it an all-rounder sealant.
If we talk about the places where you can use this sealant, you will be glad to know that you can use this sealant on roof edges, vent pipes, and screw heads. It shows that you can use it without any hesitation or worries on your RV roof, and it will serve you quite long.
This sealant comes in fluid form. You just have to pour it on the surface that requires filling and repairing. The cracks and grooves will fill automatically, when you pour it on them. And you don't need to level it after pouring it as this sealant is self-leveling. After applying the sealant, you don't have to wait to balance it.
It is an easy to use product. It comes with an applicator gun that allows you to pour the sealant without any mess.Pros
Cons
02. Dicor - 551LSW-12 White Non-Sag Roof Lap Sealant - 10.3 Oz. Tube:
Salient Feature
- Brand: Dicor
- Form: Liquid
- Thermoduric: Yes
- Water-proof: Yes
- Weight: 10.3oz
- UV resistant: Yes
- Color Match: Yes
We will review our 2nd product of the list, which is Dicor - 551LSW-12 White Non-Sag Roof Lap Sealant - 10.3 oz. Tube. The Dicor Company also manufactures this product. It is also one of the best-selling products of Dicor worldwide.
If we talk about this product's fantastic feature that Dicor has introduced, it comes in white color. The best part of the white color is that you can paint it. Some people want the sealant to appear in their RV color because it looks strange when RV has a different color and sealant has a different color scheme. So, to avoid this, Dicor has used white color so that you can paint the adhesive with the color of your RV.
The second-best part of this sealant is that it can make water-tight seals. So, if you are going to camp in a forest with your RV, then go without fear. The molecules in this sealant are so closely packed that they don't allow the water molecules to pass through them.
If you are worried that it can cause stains to the area or leave a mark when you remove it, don't worry because it will not leave a single spot of its presence after its removal.
It is also UV radiation stable. It shows that it will not react with UV when you leave it under the bright shiny sun.Pros
Cons
03. Dicor 501lsw-1 Self-Leveling Lap Sealant, 4 Pack
Salient Feature
- Brand: Dicor
- Form: Liquid
- Thermoduric: Yes
- Water-proof: Yes
- Weight: 3.3lb
- UV resistant: Yes
- Color Match: Yes
It is also a worldwide acknowledged product of Dicor, which most RV owners have used.
Let's talk about the unique and wonderful features of this product. This product comes with 4 packs of the sealant. So, you can use it more if you need it. In the case of the double coating of the sealant, you can use the 4 packs. If you have a huge RV with an extended roof, then this product is best for you.
Dicor has tried to put all the necessary features in its products. This one is also UV stable. It means no effect of UV on it at all. Hence it can fight with the bright dazzling sunlight of the burning sun.
If you are looking about this sealant's adhesion with aluminum, then we assure you that this product has a strong adhesive capacity with metals. Not only metals, but it can also bind with any type of surface that may be wood or fiberglass, or rubber.
It is highly flexible, so it will not break or crack when the atmospheric pressure applies to it, and it remains water-tight. This product will also not leave any scar or mark like previous items when you will clean your surface and remove this sealant.
Are you worried about the sites where you can use this sealant? Well, you can use this sealant on the edges, vent pipes, and screw heads. You can paint it with a resembling color or your RV.Pros
Cons
04. Eternabond RSW-4-50 Roofseal Sealant Tape, White-4" X 50'
Salient Feature
- Brand: EternaBond
- Form: Solid
- Thermoduric: Yes
- Water-proof: Yes
- Weight: 3.34lb
- UV resistant: Yes
- Color Match: No
The product we will review at number 4 is an adhesive tape, which acts as sealant. EternaBond manufactures this product, and it is also a famous company that has a history of providing the best products. This company has introduced this tape used by many RV users, and they have shown their trust in this product.
If we talk about this product's features, then we will come to know that this product comes in solid form. The previous items we have reviewed were in liquid form, but this product comes in solid form.
The adhesive side of this tape contains silicon, which is a strong binder. The silicon in the tape strongly binds with the surface. As silicon is also a water-repellant, it makes the tape water-proof, so water cannot detach it from sticking from the surface.
To compete with other companies, Eternabond has also followed the standards and included UV resistance in its sealant tape. Moreover, this tape's micro-sealing technology does not allow any minute particle to pass through it.
If we are going to describe about the dimensions of this tape so keep an eye on this point. The length of this tape is 50ft which is very long and the width of this tape is 4 inches. So, if you own a huge RV then this tape will be perfect for you.Pros
Cons
05. Fowong Butyl Rubber Aluminum Foil Tape 6" W, Leak Repair Tape For Metal Roofing, Gutter, Waterproof Tarp Tape For Plastic And Metal Repairs, Surface Crack, Pipe Rupture, RV Repair, Window Flashing:
Salient Feature
- Brand: Fowong
- Form: Solid
- Thermoduric: Yes
- Water-proof: Yes
- Weight: 14.2oz
- UV resistant: Yes
- Color Match: No
And we are going to present the honest review about the last product of our product review section.So, let’s go for the description. This product is just like our previous product and it comes in solid form. This sealant can stick with the damaged surface to cover the crack and grooves which are the results of harsh and unfavorable conditions.
This tape is also water-proof and does not allow water to pass through it. It is a thick tape and it has aluminum foiling at the external side of it. It is a heavy-duty tape and is long-lasting. It is made up of toxic free material that is not hazardous for the metal or for the person who is applying it on the roof.
Now we are going to move on the dimension of this tape. This tape comes in 16ft length but its width comes in variable measurement. You have to choose the tape’s width according to your requirement. The widths which we have in this tape are 1.2inch, 2inch, 4inch, 6inch and 12inch. Now it is up to you that which tape size you are going to choose.
It is temperature tolerant and can tolerate the temperature from 5 degrees to 113 degrees. And moreover, you can apply it without creating a mess and it is easy to use. There is no complexity in applying it on the surface. And it can stick to any surface but it has special binding capacity with metals. So, don’t worry this tape is fulfilling your criteria of selection.Pros
Cons
How To Choose The Best Sealant For Aluminum RV Roof?
Sometimes, people look for the best product without knowing the things that need to look for before selecting and buying the product. Due to lack of information and knowledge they choose the wrong product that leads to the waste of time and money.
So, to avoid such blunders we have included the section of buying guide. After reading this section carefully you will be able to select the best sealant fir aluminum RV roof. We have added all the necessary factors that you must know before buying the product. The factors that you must consider are as follow:
- Type of Sealant:
The first thing that you must look for is the type of the sealant that you are going to buy. There are multiple types of sealants that are available in the market. The reason behind considering the type of sealant is that the different types of sealants has different adhesive capabilities to different surfaces. Some has a good binding capacity with wood some has good binding capacity with the fiberglass and some are good binders with the metals. So, you have to choose those type of sealants that are good binders with the metals as aluminum is also a metal.
- Temperature Tolerant
The sealant must be temperature tolerant. When you take your RV at a place where the temperature is high then if the sealant is not thermoduric then it will melt. Or if you are taking your RV towards the mountains then it must resist the drop in the temperature otherwise the freezing temperature may lead to the crystallization of the sealant and can cause crack on the surface of the RV.
- Elasticity and Tear Resistance:
When you are considering the liquid or tape sealant type for filling or repairing the damage and groove on your aluminum RV roof then you must have to consider this factor. The elasticity is an important factor. It is the ability of the sealant to regain its original appearance, functions and form with losing its sealing properties. And tear is also the resistance in case of tape sealant when you apply force on it. It is the maximum capability of the sealant that it can tolerate some external force. A sealant that has elasticity and flexibility is perfect for using at the roof side of your RV.
- UV Resistance:
The UV light that is coming from the sun can cause the formation of new chemical products after the reaction. The redox reaction can lead to the formation of some toxic chemicals that can cause damage.
So, when you are going to purchase the sealant make sure that it is Ultra-Violet radiations resistant. If your sealant is absorbing the radiations then it will not be going to help you in sealing the groove and dumps on the roof of your RV.What Is A Sealant?
For those who are unaware about the term sealant and they don’t even know a what is the purpose of the sealant, we are including the definition of sealant. This will help them to grab the idea of sealant.
“A sealant is actually a material that is used to seal any opening or crack or groove that may appear in result of any external force or in case or corrosion in metals.” The sealant helps to fill those cracks and adhere at those sites so that the crack may not appear and the surface appears plain and steady.
What Is The Difference Between Waxing, Sealing And Coating?
These are the terms that are commonly used when we read something about the surface caring. And many people are usually confused between these terminologies. So, to clear their ambiguity and confusion we have included this part in our article so that they can grab the real concept about these terminologies.
- Waxing:
We have commonly heard this term but for those who are unaware about this term we are going to describe it to them. Waxing means to polish the surface to give it a shine. When we clean the metallic surface of the RV by using a sandpaper then it loses its shine. So, to impart the shiny and glossy effect on the RV roof we use oily material that helps in giving the shine to the product.
- Sealing:
We have described the term sealant above and now we are going to describe the term sealing. The process of hiding and masking the appearance of grooves, cracks and damages on the roof of RV by the use of sealants is called sealing. It is like healing the cuts by filling the stuff or by closing it with the help of sealants.
- Coating:
How Many Types Of Sealant Are Used On Aluminum RV Roof?
There are numerous sealants available in the market that can provide different kind of results. Some have a strong binding capability with the metals and some are poor to bind with it. Some are thermoduric and some are not temperature tolerant. So now we are going to discuss the major types that are commonly used as sealants on aluminum rv roof.
- Liquid Sealants:
Liquid sealants come in liquid form. They come in bottles having a nozzle and thus are easy to use. Or they may come in buckets and require a primer before use.Liquid sealants are water resistant. They are water repellant and are resistant to UV.
- Adhesive Sealants:
Adhesive sealants are usually polyurethane polymers and comes in rubber like form. They have high elongation strength but are weak in binding to the surface of the metal.
- Tape Sealants:
Tape sealants are commonly used to hide the cracks and grooves because they do not require any time to dry or they do not require any coating before. You can use them vertically as well as horizontally. The process is neat and tidy and there is no use of brushes.
- Self-Leveling Sealant:
How Do You Clean An RV Roof Before Sealing?
There are certain things that we have to take care before applying the sealant for the sealing of the roof. Cleaning is one of them. We have to clean the roof before applying the sealant on the roof. Some people are unaware and some find it difficult to clean the roof but it is not difficult at all nor tricky. You just have to follow the protocol for faster and efficient cleaning of the roof.
We are going to describe the procedure of cleaning before applying sealant so you might not make a mistake.
- 1st step:
In the first step, you have to climb up with the bucket of soap and all the necessary stuff that you will need during the process of cleaning.
- 2nd step:
Now the second step involves the rinsing of the water on the roof before washing it. You can use it with the help of bucket or hose.
- 3rd step:
No use the brush or scrapper or sandpaper and start scrubbing the floor so that any crack or damage becomes visible. You have to scrub it until the metallic surface appears.
- 4th step:
You have to wash it by using the cleaner. The cleaner may not contain citrus ingredients or petroleum solvents.
- 5th step:
After cleaning the roof with the cleaner, rinse the water again to wash the cleaner properly.
Note: You may perform the cleaning process 3-4 times a year.How Do You Seal An RV Aluminum Roof?
If you are looking for the ways to apply the sealant to your RV roof then we are also here to guide you. We have tried to include everything in this article just to lower your burden so you don’t have to struggle about anything. This article is an all in one package for you. So now we are going to describe the procedure briefly of how to apply the sealants to seal the cracks.
- Cleaning:
The first step of applying the sealant to fill the cracks is cleaning. You have to make the roof clear and dust free. You can use a cleaner as we have described above.
- Look for the type of Damage:
After the cleaning process you have to look for the type of damage if it is one the edge of the roof or if it is in the form of cracks or grooves. The type of the damage will help you in deciding what type sealant is required at the hour of need.
- Decide the Sealant:
If the roof needs repair in the form of fillings then you have to choose the liquid sealant which you can apply easily. And if the damage is at the edges or at pointed ends then you can use the tape.
- Application:
You have to apply the sealant on the area. If you are using the tape then avoid to touch the sticky end because some companies have used hazardous binding chemicals. And if you are using a liquid sealant then you have to apply it by applicator or gun
- Dry:
How Do You Apply Aluminum Roof Coating?
When you scrubbed the roof for cleaning, the coat was also removed. So, to bring the shine back, you have to apply aluminum coating on the roof top. If you don’t have the idea about coating the roof then don’t worry. Leave it to us. We are going to guide you that how you can coat the roof without any external help.
We are going to provide you the procedure please follow it carefully otherwise you will not be able to coat the roof properly.
- Step 1:
The step 1 involves the proper cleaning of the roof with cleaner, scrubber and water. This will help to remove the dust and stains from the roof.
- Step 2:
You have to fill the grooves and cracks on the roof by using a sealant and then have to wait until the sealant dries.
- Step 3:
Now you have to coat the primer on the roof so that the coat can bind to the roof strongly. If you will not use the primer then the coat may not stay long
- Step 4.
Open the bucket of the aluminum coat and mix it well with the help of machine or with the help of mixer or you can do it manually.
- Step 5.
Pour the coat on the roof by using a sprayer or just by pouring it directly from the bucket.
- Step 6:
Conclusion
So that is all from our side. We have tried to provide you a complete platform where you can find all the stuff related to your search. We hope so that you are now completely aware with the best sealant for aluminum rv roof , how to select them and how to use them for your best travelling companion on long drives.
But still if you feel any query and question related to the article or any question related to the product you can definitely ask us. Don’t feel shy or hesitant in asking the question. We are here to serve you 24/7. You can leave your question in the comment section or you can ask the query by emailing us without any hesitation. We will try to answer your question as soon as possible. It will be an honor for us to help you.
FAQs
Can you caulk aluminum?
Yes, we can caulk the aluminum. We just have to locate the tiny holes, grooves and cracks on the surface
Can you seal polished aluminum?
No, we can seal the polished aluminum because it will be difficult to locate the groove and cracks. We have to scrub the aluminum and after sealing we will again coat it.
Can you use silicone on aluminum?
Yes, we can use silicon on aluminum but it is a poor sealant and detaches from the surface very quickly.
How often should you seal RV roof?
We should have to seal the roof after 3-4 months. This is because of the climatic change and due to change in atmospheric pressure the dents may appear. So, we have to seal it after 3-4 months.
What is a good primer for aluminum?
Rust oleum profession primer is the best primer for aluminum. It prevents the peeling of paint and rusting of the metal.
What is fibered aluminum roof coating?
It is weather resistant roof coating that remain intact in all weathers and provide the surface a pure metallic mirror shine.
What is the best sealant for metal roofs?
Dicor and Titebond sealants are the best sealants that are available in the market for the sealing of the metallic roofs.
What kind of paint do you use for aluminum?
We will recommend you to choose acrylic or latex formulated paints for aluminum as they are water-resistant.