Dear Dave,
We just had FlexArmor installed on our roof this summer. Now we would like to coat/seal the slides with Henry’s Tropi-cool. Is this possible? How would we work around the top rubber seals? We’ve read where people have used it on their RV roofs, but can it be used on the slides also? —Jane, 2019 Coachmen Brookstone Fifth Wheel
Dear Jane,
I have found good reviews on Henry’s. However, as I have posted a few times before, I am a fan of RV Roof Magic and have applied it a few times on units that are still holding up well, although I have not applied it to the roof of a slide room.
The only thing RV Roof Magic can not go on is PVC, which I believe is the same for Henry’s. So make sure the roof material is a rubber membrane.
Since it would be very difficult to get the product under the rubber flaps of the roof and sidewalls, as you indicated, I would use EternaBond or Flex Tape under those areas. You can lift the flap as you go and then peel off the upper plastic. Then you can apply whatever sealant you choose on the roof and cover the exposed tape, stopping at the flap.
The sides of your slideout are most likely fiberglass, and I do not see the need to coat them. Plus, I believe you will have an issue with the product running down the side and not coating well. If you get an uneven finish, the side flap will continually rub against it, and I doubt it will stay on. Plus, I feel the fiberglass skin is superior to any aftermarket application.
You might also enjoy these posts from Dave
- Should I put a coating on the roof of my brand-new 5th wheel?
- DIY resealing an EPDM roof on your RV. If I can do it, so can you!
- How to protect and maintain newly replaced RV roof. Plus, why new roof was needed
- What is your opinion of RV Roof Magic? Does it work?
- Can you use Flex Seal on an RV roof? If not, then what?
- Is UV protection required on all RV roof materials?
DAVE HAS ANSWERED MORE THAN 1,000 readers’ maintenance and repair questions. Read a directory here. There is so much to learn!
Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”
RVDT2730
Thank you for your response Dave. We did coat the slides as questioned, and to work around the rubber seals on the top, the slides were pulled in just enough to get a paint roller width applied from the inside of the RV. Once dried the slides were extended and the rest of the roof coated. Wanting to use the entire gallon, two coats were put on. We were happy with results.
Thank you for the discussion of this product that no longer is unknown to me, Dave! Have a great weekend and safe travels!