Dealing with issues on your RV roof can be a real headache, especially after investing in a product like RV Armor, which is meant to provide long-lasting protection.
While RV Armor roofs are known for their durability and lifetime warranty, some users have experienced challenges like peeling and cracking in cold weather and difficulties with warranty support.
Adhesion problems or premature wear are also common concerns. This guide will break down the most frequent complaints and offer practical solutions to help you get the best performance from your RV Armor roof.
1. Poor Adhesion to Original Roof Material
A common complaint among RV Armor users is poor adhesion, particularly when the product is applied to certain original roof materials like TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) or older EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber roofs.
Even after following the application guidelines, some users found that the coating struggles to bond appropriately with their factory-installed roofs, especially if the roofs have experienced wear and tear or degradation from prolonged sun exposure.
The primary cause of poor adhesion often lies in inadequate surface preparation. Proper cleaning, removal of chalking, and application of a primer designed for challenging surfaces are critical steps to ensure the product adheres well.
If the roof surface has aged or been damaged by the sun, it can become harder for the coating to bond effectively. Without proper adhesion, the coating may begin to peel or bubble, allowing water to infiltrate and compromising the protection the product is meant to provide.
To prevent these issues, RV owners should thoroughly clean the roof before applying the coating, ensuring it is free from contaminants like dirt, oil, or chalking.
Using a primer designed explicitly for difficult-to-coat surfaces can also improve adhesion. In some cases, having a professional apply the coating may be beneficial, especially if the roof is older or in poor condition.
2. Cracking in Cold Weather
Another significant issue reported by RV Armor users is the coating’s tendency to crack when exposed to freezing temperatures.
This problem is especially prevalent in regions with harsh winters, such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Montana, where RVs are often stored outdoors during the colder months.
When exposed to freezing temperatures, the coating can become brittle and crack along seams or other weak points due to the expansion and contraction of the roof material beneath it.
This problem is often exacerbated if the coating isn’t given enough time to cure before exposure to cold weather. Like many similar products, RV Armor requires time to fully harden and develop its protective properties.
If the coating is applied too late in the season and exposed to freezing temperatures before it has cured, it becomes far more susceptible to cracking.
To avoid this issue, RV owners should apply the coating during warmer months, preferably in the spring or early summer, to give it plenty of time to cure before the onset of cold weather.
Inspecting the roof regularly during the colder months is important to catch any cracks early on. Small cracks can be addressed with touch-up applications to prevent them from worsening.
3. Discoloration and Staining
Discoloration and staining are common complaints from RV Armor users, particularly those living in areas with high UV exposure, such as Arizona and California.
Over time, the bright white surface of the RV Armor coating can turn yellow or gray, which detracts from the overall appearance of the RV.
This discoloration typically results from prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays, which can degrade the coating if it doesn’t contain enough UV-resistant additives.
Environmental contaminants, such as tree sap, bird droppings, or pollution, can stain the coating if not cleaned regularly.
While this discoloration is mostly an aesthetic issue, it can reduce the roof’s ability to reflect sunlight, increasing heat buildup inside the RV, especially during hot summer months.
Regular maintenance can help prevent discoloration. Washing the roof regularly with mild soap and water can remove contaminants before they cause stains.
Reapplying a UV-protective topcoat every few years can also help keep the roof looking bright and maintain its reflective properties, which is especially important in sunny climates.
4. Ineffective Warranty Support
One of the more frustrating issues reported by RV Armor users is the difficulty in accessing warranty support. RV Armor’s lifetime warranty is one of its major selling points, but some customers have experienced delays and challenges when trying to get their issues addressed under warranty.
Common complaints include long inspection wait times, customer service’s lack of responsiveness, and difficulties getting repairs covered for problems like peeling or bubbling.
Several users have reported that their warranty claims were denied due to not meeting specific maintenance or inspection requirements.
RV Armor’s warranty requires regular inspections to maintain coverage, and failing to provide records of these inspections can result in a denied claim, leaving customers to cover repair costs out of pocket.
Detailing all inspections and maintenance performed on the roof is essential to avoid problems with warranty claims.
Keeping a record of communication with the company can also be helpful in case there are disputes over warranty coverage. Proactive maintenance and addressing minor issues early can help reduce the likelihood of needing significant repairs under warranty.
5. Installation Issues
Many users have also reported issues with the quality of the installation process. Some customers experience problems with uneven or incomplete application of the RV Armor coating, which can happen when third-party contractors not certified by RV Armor are hired to do the work.
In some cases, parts of the roof were missed during the application, seams were not properly sealed, or the coating layers were applied too thinly, leading to inadequate protection.
These installation issues can result in water leaks, peeling edges, or a shorter lifespan for the coating. To ensure a proper application, it’s necessary to use certified RV Armor technicians who follow the company’s guidelines closely.
After the installation, RV owners should thoroughly inspect the roof to ensure the entire surface has been properly coated and sealed.
6. Long Curing Time
A final common complaint about RV Armor is its long curing time, especially in areas with high humidity, such as Florida or Louisiana.
In these regions, the curing process can take significantly longer than the standard time the manufacturer recommends.
This delays when the RV can be used or exposed to the elements, causing inconvenience for owners who need to travel or use their vehicle soon after the application.
During the curing process, the roof must be protected from water and moisture to prevent damage to the coating before it has fully hardened.
Planning the application for a dry, warm period with low humidity can help minimize the curing time and ensure the product sets correctly.
Conclusion
While RV Armor roofs, with their lifetime warranty, provide long-term protection and peace of mind, they are not without their challenges.
Issues like poor adhesion, cracking in cold weather, and discoloration have been reported, along with difficulties with warranty support and installation quality.
However, by thoroughly preparing the roof surface, choosing the right time for application, and performing regular maintenance, RV owners can avoid many of these problems and ensure their RV Armor roof lasts for years.