In the same way that rashes, coughs, and fevers are the symptoms of a human sickness, water stains and soft spots are the harbingers of a leaking RV roof. If you learn what to look for, you can diagnose a failing RV roof before it brings the rest of your RV down with it.

Unfortunately, for many RVs this is a question of when, not if. Most travel trailers, 5th wheels, Class A’s, and Class C’s are covered with a membrane roof. Choices of membrane include EPDM, PVC, and TPO, but are all made of a thin plastic sheet no thicker than a dime! It only takes a single puncture or tear to rip through the membrane and expose the raw, vulnerable OSB underneath.

Let’s consider a few common signs of an RV roof leak. To borrow an old phrase, “Knowledge is power; knowledge shared is power multiplied.” 

• Visual inspection. A flashlight and 20/20 vision can tell you a lot! You have to get down on your hands and knees to properly inspect an RV roof, though. Use all five senses: Tap to listen for the sound of the underlayment. Stomp to feel the solidness of the roof structure. Look for tiny tears or pinholes. Recognize the odor of mold and decay. 
• Hose test: Some roof leaks will reappear with a rain test. You can mimic the effect of a strong storm with a simple garden sprayer. Might as well add soap and clean your roof while you’re at it.
• Pressure test. If all your efforts are coming up empty, you can take your RV to a service center and ask for a pressurized Seal-Tech test. In this test, your RV is sprayed with soapy water, and the inside is pressurized with an air pump. Any air that escapes out the RV sidewalls or roof will show up as soap bubbles.