Before you start messing with any repairs, it’s a good idea to give your RV skylights a thorough once-over and a good cleaning. Seriously, you don’t want to go through the trouble of replacing the whole thing only to find out the cloudiness was just some stubborn pollen or that ‘crack’ was actually just a stray cobweb. So, grab a soft rag and some mild cleaner, and gently wipe down both the inner and outer parts of the skylight. Get rid of any dust, dirt, or grime that’s built up. This initial inspection and cleaning can sometimes reveal that the problem isn’t as bad as you thought, or at least give you a clearer picture of what you’re actually dealing with.
Don’t forget to check the area around the skylight on the roof itself. Old sealant might be hiding there, and you’ll want to get a good look at its condition too. Sometimes, the roof material around the skylight can also show signs of wear or damage that needs attention.
Remember, a clean skylight is easier to inspect properly. It’s the first step in figuring out if you need a simple fix or a full replacement.
So, your RV skylight cover took a hit. Bummer. If you’re in a pinch and need to stop leaks or prevent further damage before you can get a proper fix, a temporary patch using silicone sealant and strong tape can do the trick. It’s not pretty, but it’ll keep the rain out for a while.
This temporary fix is really about preventing immediate water intrusion and stopping existing cracks from getting worse. It’s not a permanent solution, so plan on a more robust repair or replacement down the line.
Remember, the goal here is to keep water out and prevent the damage from spreading until you can get to a more permanent fix. It might not look like much, but it can save you a lot of headaches on the road.
Alright, so you’ve cleaned things up and maybe even done a temporary patch. Now it’s time to get a closer look at what’s really going on with that skylight. This means we need to carefully remove the inner liner. It’s usually held in place by a few screws around its edge. Grab your screwdriver – a manual one is probably best here to avoid accidentally stripping the screws or cracking the plastic. Just take them out nice and slow.
Once the screws are out, the liner should just drop down. Be ready to catch it, though! You don’t want it to fall and damage anything further, especially the seals. It’s a good idea to have a soft cloth or towel ready to place it on once it’s out.
Take your time with these screws. They’re often small and can be in tight spots. If they feel really stuck, don’t force them too hard. Sometimes a little gentle wiggling can help. Remember, the goal is to get the liner out without causing more damage.
Once the liner is free, handle it with care. You’ll be examining it closely in the next step, and you don’t want to add any new cracks or bends to it. Lay it down gently on your cloth or towel.
This step is all about careful disassembly. Think of it like taking apart a delicate model – patience is key to avoiding unnecessary damage.
Now that you’ve got the inner liner out of the way, it’s time to really look at the main part of the skylight – the outer shell. This is the piece that takes all the abuse from the sun, rain, and whatever else the weather throws at your RV. You want to give the inside of this shell a good once-over.
First off, grab a soft cloth and wipe down the entire interior surface. You’re looking for any signs of trouble. Think cracks, even tiny ones, or any spots where it looks like water might have gotten in and caused damage. Sometimes, you might see some cloudy spots or discoloration on the inside, which could mean the plastic is starting to break down.
It’s also a good idea to check for any leftover sealant or debris from the previous installation. Sometimes, old sealant can be stubborn, but try to get as much of it off as you can. A plastic scraper can help with this, but be gentle so you don’t scratch the plastic.
Remember, the goal here is to get a clean, clear view of the shell’s condition. Any damage you find now will help you decide if you need to replace the whole outer shell or if a repair is possible.
Now that you’ve got the liner out, it’s time to really look it over. Grab a soft cloth and give the inside of the clear dome a good wipe-down. You’re looking for any cracks, deep scratches, or areas where the plastic might be getting brittle. Sometimes, you’ll find that the liner has come loose from the frame it sits in. This is pretty common, especially if the adhesive has dried out over time.
If your liner has separated from its frame, don’t panic. You’ll need a razor knife, some rubbing alcohol, and some good quality double-sided mounting tape. Carefully use the razor knife to peel away the old, dried-out tape from both the liner’s edge and the frame. Get off as much of that old adhesive as you can. Then, clean both surfaces with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue. This is important for the new tape to stick properly. Once clean, apply the new mounting tape to the frame, peel off the backing, and then carefully position the liner back into place. Press down firmly all around to make sure you get a good, solid bond. This step is key to preventing leaks and keeping the liner securely in place.
For small cracks, you might be able to use a clear, flexible sealant designed for plastics. Apply it thinly and evenly over the crack, both on the inside and outside if possible. Let it cure completely according to the product’s instructions. If the cracks are larger or more extensive, or if the liner is significantly damaged, it might be time to consider replacing the entire liner. It’s better to replace it than to try and patch something that’s too far gone, as that can lead to bigger problems down the road.
Remember, the liner is what keeps the elements out and provides a clean look from inside your RV. Taking the time to properly repair or re-secure it will save you headaches later.
So, you’ve gone through the steps, cleaned things up, maybe even done a temporary fix. If your skylight’s outer shell is really beat up – cracked, yellowed, or just plain falling apart – it’s time for a new one. This is the most involved step, but totally doable if you’re patient.
First things first, gather your supplies. You’ll want a putty knife, maybe a scraper tool that won’t wreck your RV’s roof material (like a 6-in-1 painter’s tool), mineral spirits for cleaning up old sealant, a caulk gun loaded with good RV roof sealant (Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant is a popular choice), and your trusty screwdriver or drill. Don’t forget rags and gloves!
Head up to the roof, but be careful. You need to get rid of all the old sealant around the edges of the skylight. Use your putty knife to scrape away the sealant around the screws first. You’ll find screws at the corners, and likely more spaced out around the perimeter, often hidden under extra sealant. Once those screws are out – and a power drill makes this way easier – you’ll need to break the seal holding the shell to the roof. Gently work your scraper under the edge. If you have a rubber roof, be extra gentle to avoid tears.
Once the old shell is off, you’ll see a mess of old sealant. Scrape off as much as you can with your putty knife. Mineral spirits can help with the residue, but use them carefully, especially on non-fiberglass roofs. The goal is to get the roof surface as clean and flat as possible. It’s tough to get every last bit, but do your best.
Before you put the new shell on, run a bead of sealant around the edge of the roof where the old skylight sat. This helps seal up those old screw holes. Line up your new skylight shell. Some new ones might have different screw hole placements than the old one, so you might need to drill new holes. When you screw the new shell down, don’t overtighten! You don’t want to crack the new plastic. Just snug enough to make a slight dimple is usually good. Finally, apply another generous bead of sealant all around the edge of the new shell and over each screw head. This is your main defense against leaks.
If you’re ever unsure about working on your RV’s roof, especially if it’s a material you’re not familiar with, it’s always better to take it to a professional. A damaged roof is way more expensive to fix than a skylight.
After the new shell is secured with screws, the very last step is to apply a thick, continuous bead of sealant along the entire outer edge of the new skylight. Make sure this bead overlaps onto the skylight shell itself and the RV roof material. Also, go back and put a dab of sealant over each screw head. This creates a watertight barrier and protects your work from the elements.
So, you’ve tackled that cracked RV skylight. Whether you went for a quick patch or a full replacement, you’ve hopefully stopped any leaks and kept your rig dry. Remember, these things happen with RVs, and a little preventative care can go a long way. Keep an eye on your skylight, and don’t hesitate to do a quick inspection now and then. If you’re ever unsure or just don’t feel like getting on the roof, there are always pros who can help out. Happy trails!
