RVs commonly leak water where the AC meets the roof.
One of the most common areas for an RV roof to leak is from the seal around the roof mounted air conditioning, or AC, unit. ACs do not leak, but water can sometimes seep inside from underneath the unit. Fixing this type of leak is easy and inexpensive. Make the repair immediately after noticing the leak. Failure to do so may cause severe damage if water saturates structural supports or gets into electrical circuitry. This repair job is easiest with two people, but one should be able to complete the project within two hours. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove the interior AC vent cover for inspection to confirm the location of the leak. Allow the dampened area to dry completely. If rain persists for days, replace the vent to support a shallow pan for collecting water and pad the area with dry rags, pushing them firmly into the leaking area of the seam.
2. Walk onto the RV roof and remove the exterior AC cover. Place it out of your way while working.
3. Re-enter the RV, and with the AC vent cover removed, locate and loosen all nuts securing any long AC unit mounting bolts from the interior AC vent chamber.
4. Return to the roof, lift the front of the AC unit and support it approximately 3 inches above the RV roof with a couple of small cans or wooden blocks. Repeat this step for the rear of unit so that the entire AC is supported above your work area.
5. Thoroughly clean the perimeter under the foam seal around the AC unit. If mildew is present, use a mild bleach solution to remove mildew. Ensure the area is clean of debris.
6. Unroll a length of plumber's putty tape long enough to reach along one entire side of the seal. Remove its release liner (paper backing) and firmly place the tape along the AC perimeter directly beneath the foam seal. Crimp the exterior edge of the putty to form a tight seal along the roof, and repeat for all four sides of AC unit.
7. Lower the AC directly onto roof while ensuring that the foam seal aligns with the plumber's putty tape.
8. Return to the inside of your RV, and tighten all nuts onto long mounting bolts, creating a tight seal between foam and putty. Replace the interior AC vent cover.
9. Walk back up to the RV roof and replace the AC cover. Ensure that you've securely clipped all pieces together, if applicable.
Tags: foam seal, interior vent, vent cover, interior vent cover, leak water, mounting bolts
