Water on the roof

[Yavne]

Hello!

We purchased this pre-owned travel trailer (2017 Heartland Prowler Lynx 285) three years ago. Every time it rains or snows, I notice some water on the front part of the roof (image attached).

Everything appears fine both inside and out, and the trailer is parked/leveled next to our house. Is this a common issue? Is there anything we can do to address it?

Thank you.

 

[rvlifer]

Good eyes catching that. Same thing happens on mine. Perhaps others here will have a way to fix it. Make sure you keep your roof well maintained. Water has a way of working itself into places it shouldn't. I have never had a problem with leaks but I make sure that my roof is well maintained for that reason

 

[Yavne]

Thank you! I clean the roof and apply Dicor roof protectant twice a year. It feels like a scam to charge $50 for roof protectant, but I’m hoping it makes a difference in the long run.

Do you also have standing water on the roof (front) most of the time?

Good eyes catching that. Same thing happens on mine. Perhaps others here will have a way to fix it. Make sure you keep your roof well maintained. Water has a way of working itself into places it shouldn't. I have never had a problem with leaks but I make sure that my roof is well maintained for that reason

 

[gwinger]

Really no way to stop water from collecting there. The roof is slightly lower than the channel and sealant. Just make sure that seam is sealed with no cracks or bubbles. If you plan on sealing it again, remove as much of the old sealant as possible. Then clean and reseal with a self-leveling sealant. A plastic putty scraper works well. Just don't cut into the roof material.
The roof protector does not seal that seam. It is more to protect the rubber roof from dirt and UV. And to make it easier to clean.

 

[Kirk]

Do you also have standing water on the roof (front) most of the time?

Most RVs have a flat roof and when they do there will be a small amount of water standing there until it evaporates. There are a few models that have a crowned roof to prevent that, but that is not common.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

If you aren't actively using the trailer, raise the front or back a bit so that any standing pools of water run off better. An inch or so off-level is all it takes in most cases.

 

[Yavne]

Thank you all!

 

[Bearcatrp]

Just a question on this issue. Will letting the sun hit it direct dry that out? Or is it absorbed into the fabric that it will not dry out? I will be on the lookout on my roof every time I get up there. Thanks for posting the picture.

 

[rvlifer]

Roofs are designed to keep water out. It will evaporate or run off when you move the rv

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Just a question on this issue. Will letting the sun hit it direct dry that out? Or is it absorbed into the fabric that it will not dry out? I will be on the lookout on my roof every time I get up there. Thanks for posting the picture.

The fabric (probably EPDM rubber) is waterproof unless damaged (cut or tear). If there is a seam in that area or something that protrudes through the roof (e.g. a plumbing vent) then that opening must be closed with a roof sealant such as Dicor 501LSW. Drying by evaporation, e.g. sun or air drying, is fine.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Thanks Gary.

 

[Big Mark]

Is that area on a recaulcked spot. Unless I see it wrong it looks like a sloppy caulk area. Maybe just peel it up clean it and recaulck it. And like Gary said give it a tilt. But from stories I've read water on the roof gets everyone in scarry mode. Maybe get one of those long , good tarps from Amazon and just cover the roof . Cause now even taking all the good advice , your gonna think about it everytime you have bad weather. Sorry.