How to build your RV waterproofing kit

1

Preparation

Choose amount of cleaners from step 1+2 to prep your surface.

2

Fabric Reinforcement

Treat any cracks wider than 1/4" or joints prior to waterproofing

3

waterproofing

Choose amount and color of SEMCO Liquid Membrane. The lighter the color, the more heat it will reflect.

RV ROOF WATERPROOFING

build your rv roof waterproofing kit

Start by selecting the setup that fits your roof surface and waterproofing needs. Then use the prep and application steps below to complete the job with confidence.

Step by step

How to use SEMCO Liquid Membrane on RV roofs

Follow these steps for prep, application and cure timing based on the pool surface you are coating. The goal is a clean substrate, even coverage and enough cure time before water exposure.

1

Prepare your space and Gather your materials

• For RV roofs we recommend our Preparation D in order to remove any mineral deposits or dirt from the surface. For this you will need the following cleaners : Nu-Lift Cleaner and Stone Soap
Ensure your surfaces are fully cleaned and dried. If you have any rust on your surface, use a water based rust primer first.

Helpful Tip

If you need assistance with which cleaners are needed for the Prep, feel free to use our live chat or call us!

2

Masking

Mask off areas that are not receiving any coating. Remove masking tape before material has fully cured.

3

Fabric Reinforcement

We strongly recommend using the Fabric Reinforcement on all the joints. Apply a generous coat of SEMCO Liquid Membrane™ on the joints. 3” on each side of the joint and while product is still wet, put the Fabric Reinforcement over the joint and press it flat. Once Fabric Reinforcement is on, apply another coat of SEMCO Liquid Membrane™ across the Fabric Reinforcement to encapsulate it. Let it dry completely before resuming to next step.

4

APPLYING COAT

Make sure any pre-treated areas are completely dry before using a 1/2-inch nap roller or brush to apply your first thin coat (about 0.015 inches thick) of SEMCO Liquid Membrane™ over the entire surface. Wait for this first layer to dry until you can touch it or walk on it without leaving a fingerprint or tracking any sticky residue. Once it is ready, roll on a second thin coat in the opposite direction—for example, if you rolled side-to-side first, roll up-and-down this time—to ensure solid coverage. Let this topcoat dry for about 1 to 2 hours at normal room temperature until it feels dry to the touch, keeping in mind that it will naturally turn a lighter color as it dries. Finally, inspect your work closely for any tiny pinholes, bare spots, or defects, and brush a little extra membrane over those areas so your finished, fully sealed surface reaches the required total thickness of 0.03 to 0.04 inches.

5

Curing Time

Curing time depends on temperature, humidity and airflow, however typically initial cure is within 6 - 7 days as per specific product recommendations. Avoid contact with water during the curing period.

6

Additional Information

• For clean up use warm water to clean brush or roller right after use.
• For optimal bonding we highly recommend preparing the surface as mentioned above for best results.
• Stir up the product well before use in order to mix up the color pigments.
• Avoid application in direct sun light in the afternoon or temperatures of over 85F as it might cause the product to dry too fast before it can adhere to the substrate
• It can not be applied to wet substrates or substrates still containing moisture, else it will not cure correctly and stay tacky. Max. rest moisture in substrate can be up to 3%. If you are unsure about the moisture content, have it measured prior to application.
• Application on non porous surfaces such as metal or fiberglass : Apply thin coats as this will allow for the product to cure faster.
• Cure times are displayed in our curing chart. However if coats have been applied too thick, the surface might feel tacky. This is a sign of trapped moisture. If you have left over product, apply a very thin coat over the entire surface. The surface needs to be fully cured and hard before being fully submerged.
• It is always advisable to apply a small test patch in an inconspicuous are to ensure adequate adhesion prior to full application.
• If you have multiple containers of SEMCO Liquid Membrane™, we highly recommend to either mix them together or use one container for the last layer to get color consistency.

SEMCO Liquid Membrane FAQ

Can I coat my RV, camper, or trailer roof with SEMCO Liquid Membrane™?

Yes — RV, camper, and trailer roofs are a popular use. Reviewers coat their RV roof with a 1/2" nap roller, use Fabric Reinforcement over the seams and around fixtures, and report an easy job with a watertight, durable result. Its high flexibility (up to 1300% elongation) and UV resistance suit a roof that flexes down the road and bakes in the sun.

How do I prep an RV roof before coating?

Wash the roof thoroughly to remove dirt, chalk, grease, and any loose or failing old coating, then let it dry completely — a clean, sound, dry surface is what the membrane needs to grip. Use the SEMCO cleaners for stubborn grime. Inspect and reinforce seams and around every penetration before you start.

How do I seal the seams and around vents, AC units, and skylights?

These penetrations are where RV roofs leak, so reinforce them. Embed Fabric Reinforcement into a first wet coat of membrane over seams and around vents, the AC unit, skylights, and any fixtures, then coat over the fabric. Reviewers credit the fabric-and-membrane combination for sealing the seams and fittings that caused their leaks. Take your time on these details.

Will SEMCO Liquid Membrane™ flex with the RV on the road without cracking?

Yes —that's a key reason it suits RVs. It cures into an elastomeric membrane that stretches up to 1300% and bridges cracks up to 1/4", so it moves with the roof as the RV flexes, vibrates, and expands and contracts, rather than cracking like a rigid coating. That flexibility, plus strong adhesion, is what keeps the seal intact over the road.

Is SEMCO Liquid Membrane™ UV stable for an RV roof that sits in the sun?

Yes — it's fully UV-resistant and made for exposed exterior use, so it doesn't need a separate UV topcoat. That matters for an RV roof in constant sun; customers in high-sun regions choose it for roofs after other products faded or peeled within a year. Reviewers report the seal and color holding up season after season.

How much do I need for my RV roof?

Coverage is roughly up to 250 sq ft per gallon per coat, so measure your roof (length × width), plan for at least 2 coats plus extra at seams, and add margin — a typical RV roof job uses a few gallons, and larger motorhomes more. Include the Color Activator for solid color and fabric for the seams. Tell support your RV's dimensions and roof type and they'll help you get the quantity right.