Navigating the world of RV roof replacements can be challenging, especially when considering premium options like Flexarmor. As a spray-on polyurea coating system, Flexarmor has gained popularity among RV enthusiasts for its durability and lifetime warranty. However, the investment required deserves careful consideration. This comprehensive guide breaks down all costs associated with Flexarmor RV roof installations, comparing them with traditional options, and analyzing factors that influence pricing.
Cost Factor | Price Range | Notes |
---|---|---|
Basic Flexarmor Installation | $7,000-$14,000 | Depends on RV size |
Roof Preparation/Repairs | $500-$3,000+ | Based on existing damage |
Average Total Investment | $8,500-$16,000 | Lifetime warranty included |
Flexarmor is a specialized seamless RV roofing system that consists of spray-applied polyurea coating. Unlike traditional RV roof materials like rubber (EPDM) or TPO, Flexarmor creates a single, continuous membrane with no seams where water could potentially intrude. The material bonds directly to the RV roof structure, forming a protective shield against UV rays, extreme temperatures, and moisture.
The polyurea material used in Flexarmor installations is industrial-grade, similar to what’s used in truck bed liners and high-demand commercial applications. Once applied, it creates a hard yet slightly flexible surface that can withstand impacts from branches and debris that would damage conventional RV roofing materials.
Notably, Flexarmor is only installed by authorized dealers through their network of service centers across the United States. This is not a DIY product, as it requires specialized equipment and training to apply properly, which directly impacts its cost structure.
Average Cost Of Flexarmor RV Roof Installation
The cost of a Flexarmor RV roof is significantly higher than traditional roofing options, reflecting its premium positioning in the market. On average, RV owners can expect to pay between $7,000 and $14,000 for a basic Flexarmor installation. This wide range primarily depends on the size and type of your recreational vehicle.
For smaller travel trailers (under 25 feet), costs typically start around $7,000-$9,000. Mid-sized RVs and fifth wheels (25-35 feet) generally fall into the $9,000-$12,000 range. Large motorhomes and luxury fifth wheels over 35 feet can exceed $14,000 for the basic installation alone.
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It’s important to note that these figures represent base pricing. Many installations require additional preparation work, which can add substantially to the final cost. When budgeting, most RV owners should plan for a total investment of $8,500-$16,000 for a complete Flexarmor roof system.
Detailed Cost Breakdown By RV Type
RV Type | Size Range | Average Flexarmor Cost |
---|---|---|
Small Travel Trailer | Under 25 feet | $7,000-$9,000 |
Medium Travel Trailer/Fifth Wheel | 25-35 feet | $9,000-$12,000 |
Large Fifth Wheel | 35-42 feet | $12,000-$14,000 |
Class A Motorhome | 30-45 feet | $11,000-$16,000 |
Class C Motorhome | 20-32 feet | $9,000-$13,000 |
Factors That Affect Flexarmor RV Roof Cost
Several key factors influence the final price of a Flexarmor roof installation. Understanding these elements helps explain the wide price range and allows RV owners to better estimate their specific costs.
RV Size And Roof Complexity
The square footage of your RV’s roof is the primary factor in determining base cost. Larger RVs require more material and labor time. Additionally, roof complexity matters significantly – roofs with numerous protrusions such as air conditioners, vents, skylights, and antennas require more detailed work and additional materials for proper sealing.
Curved or unusually shaped roofs also increase complexity and cost. Fifth wheels with their multiple levels and motorhomes with their complex roof designs typically cost more per square foot than simple, flat travel trailer roofs.
Existing Roof Condition And Preparation Work
Before applying Flexarmor, your RV’s existing roof must be properly prepared. This often involves removing the old roofing material, repairing any water damage, and addressing structural issues. These preparation costs can significantly impact the total price:
- Basic preparation (minimal damage): $500-$1,000
- Moderate repairs (some water damage): $1,000-$2,000
- Extensive repairs (significant wood rot/structural issues): $2,000-$5,000+
In cases of severe damage, preparation work can sometimes cost nearly as much as the Flexarmor installation itself. This is why getting a thorough inspection before committing to installation is essential for accurate budgeting.
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Geographic Location And Service Center
Flexarmor is only available through authorized dealers, and pricing can vary based on your location. Service centers in areas with higher costs of living or in remote locations might charge premium rates. Additionally, if you need to travel to reach a Flexarmor installer, factor in those transportation costs.
Some RV owners report traveling several states away to find more competitive pricing or to reach an installer with better reviews, adding hundreds or even thousands in travel expenses to their overall project cost.
Additional Features And Customizations
Basic Flexarmor installations include the coating itself and standard treatment around roof penetrations. However, many RV owners opt for additional services that increase the total cost:
- Custom colors (beyond standard white): $500-$1,000
- Additional UV protection layers: $300-$800
- Extended sidewall treatment: $1,000-$2,500
- Installation of new roof fixtures/upgrades: Varies widely
Some Flexarmor installers also offer packages that include interior ceiling replacement if water damage has affected the interior, which can add several thousand dollars to the project.
Comparing Flexarmor With Other RV Roofing Options
To understand Flexarmor’s value proposition, it’s helpful to compare its costs with traditional RV roofing alternatives. While the upfront investment is substantially higher, the long-term economics may tell a different story.
Roofing Type | Average Cost | Estimated Lifespan | Maintenance Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
Flexarmor Polyurea | $7,000-$16,000 | Lifetime (with warranty) | Very low (occasional cleaning) |
EPDM Rubber | $3,000-$8,000 | 10-15 years | High (regular inspection, cleaning, resealing) |
TPO Membrane | $3,500-$9,000 | 10-20 years | Medium (periodic inspection and seam maintenance) |
Fiberglass | $5,000-$11,000 | 15-20+ years | Medium (waxing and UV protection) |
Aluminum | $4,000-$9,000 | 20+ years | Low-Medium (checking for bent panels and sealants) |
The primary advantage of Flexarmor is its lifetime warranty and minimal maintenance requirements. Traditional RV roofing typically requires resealing every 1-3 years and may need complete replacement multiple times during the lifetime of your RV. These ongoing maintenance costs can add $300-$700 annually for traditional roofs.
Long-Term Cost Analysis
When evaluating Flexarmor’s cost effectiveness, consider this 20-year scenario for a mid-sized fifth wheel:
Cost Category | Flexarmor Roof | EPDM Rubber Roof |
---|---|---|
Initial Installation | $11,000 | $5,000 |
Annual Maintenance | $0 (minimal cleaning only) | $400 x 20 years = $8,000 |
Replacement Costs | $0 (lifetime warranty) | $5,000 (replacement at year 12) + $1,500 (repairs) |
Total 20-Year Cost | $11,000 | $19,500 |
While this simplified analysis doesn’t account for inflation or the time value of money, it illustrates how Flexarmor’s higher upfront cost can potentially result in long-term savings for RV owners who plan to keep their vehicles for many years.
Long-Term Value Considerations
Beyond the direct comparison of material costs, several other factors should influence your decision about whether a Flexarmor roof is worth the investment.
Warranty Protection
One of Flexarmor’s most compelling selling points is its lifetime warranty that’s transferable to subsequent owners. This warranty covers leaks and failures of the roof system itself, though it typically doesn’t cover damage from accidents or neglect.
The warranty’s transferability can significantly increase your RV’s resale value—something to consider if you don’t plan to keep your RV indefinitely. By comparison, most conventional RV roofing warranties range from 5-12 years and may be prorated after initial years.
Reduced Risk Of Water Damage
Water damage is among the most expensive and destructive problems facing RV owners. A single roof leak can cause thousands in damage to interior components, electrical systems, and structural elements. The seamless nature of Flexarmor substantially reduces this risk.
Insurance companies don’t typically offer premium discounts for Flexarmor roofs yet, but the protection against catastrophic water damage represents significant risk mitigation that’s difficult to quantify but important to consider.
Resale Value Impact
RVs with Flexarmor roofs often command higher resale prices and sell more quickly. While you won’t recoup the entire cost of the roof in increased resale value, many owners report seeing $3,000-$5,000 premiums when selling their RVs with documented Flexarmor installations.
This resale advantage is particularly significant for newer, higher-end RVs where prospective buyers are more likely to value the premium roofing system and its transferable warranty.
Cost-Saving Strategies For Flexarmor Installation
If you’re interested in a Flexarmor roof but concerned about the high cost, consider these strategies to potentially reduce your investment:
Timing Your Installation
Some Flexarmor dealers offer seasonal promotions or discounts during slower periods, typically in late fall or winter. Scheduling your installation during off-peak times could save 5-10% off the standard price. Additionally, combining your roof installation with other service work might create opportunities for package pricing.
Planning ahead also allows you to save up for the significant expense rather than financing it, which can add considerable interest costs to the already substantial investment.
Addressing Roof Issues Early
The worse your existing roof’s condition, the more expensive preparation work will be. By addressing small leaks and maintenance issues promptly, you can minimize the preparation costs when you eventually upgrade to Flexarmor.
Regular inspections and maintenance of your current roof can save thousands in preparation costs, even if you’re planning to switch to Flexarmor in the future.
Shopping Multiple Dealers
While Flexarmor is a proprietary system with controlled pricing, individual dealers may have different labor rates and preparation costs. Getting quotes from multiple authorized installers—even if it requires traveling—may reveal meaningful price differences.
Some RV owners report savings of $1,000-$3,000 by obtaining multiple quotes and being willing to travel to a different service center. Just ensure you’re comparing equivalent service packages when evaluating different quotes.
Is A Flexarmor Roof Worth The Cost?
Whether a Flexarmor roof justifies its premium price depends on several personal factors that each RV owner must evaluate:
Ownership Timeline Considerations
Flexarmor makes the most financial sense for RV owners planning to keep their vehicles for many years. If you typically trade in your RV every 3-5 years, you may not recoup the investment through either use or resale value.
Conversely, for those who keep RVs for 10+ years or full-timers who live in their RVs year-round, the durability, peace of mind, and reduced maintenance requirements often justify the higher upfront expense.
Usage Patterns And Environmental Factors
RVs that experience harsh conditions benefit most from Flexarmor’s durability. If you regularly camp in areas with extreme temperatures, heavy precipitation, or your RV is stored outdoors in harsh climates, the protective benefits are more valuable.
Full-time RVers or those who travel extensively in challenging environments often find the investment more worthwhile than occasional weekend campers who store their RVs in garages.
Peace Of Mind Value
For many RV owners, the psychological benefit of never worrying about roof leaks is valuable beyond the pure financial calculation. The stress reduction from knowing you have a lifetime-warranted roof can enhance your overall RV ownership experience.
This intangible benefit is particularly significant for owners who have previously dealt with costly water damage or roof failures in RVs with conventional roofing.
Finding Reputable Flexarmor Installers
Given the significant investment, choosing the right installer is crucial for ensuring you get full value from your Flexarmor roof expenditure.
Authorized Dealer Network
Flexarmor is only available through their network of authorized installers. The official Flexarmor website maintains a current list of approved service centers across the United States. Using non-authorized installers will void warranty protection and may result in substandard installation.
When researching installers, verify their current status as an authorized dealer before proceeding with quotes or scheduling. Some former installers may still advertise the service despite no longer being authorized.
Evaluating Installation Quality
Before committing to an installer, research their reputation through multiple channels:
- Online reviews on Google, RV forums, and social media groups
- Better Business Bureau ratings and complaint history
- Ask to see examples of their completed work
- Request references from past customers with similar RVs
- Verify how long they’ve been an authorized Flexarmor installer
The quality of installation significantly impacts the performance and longevity of your Flexarmor roof. The most reputable installers will provide detailed documentation of both pre-work assessments and post-installation inspections.
Questions To Ask Before Installation
When getting quotes and evaluating Flexarmor installers, ask these important questions:
- What preparation work is included in the quoted price?
- How do you handle existing damage discovered during preparation?
- What is your process for sealing around roof penetrations?
- How long will the installation take?
- What thickness of polyurea coating do you apply?
- What documentation will I receive for warranty purposes?
- Do you offer any guarantees beyond the manufacturer’s warranty?
Thorough documentation is essential for both warranty purposes and potential resale value. Ensure your installer will provide detailed before/after photos and complete warranty registration with Flexarmor’s corporate office.
Customer Experiences With Flexarmor Roof Costs
Real-world experiences from RV owners who have invested in Flexarmor roofs provide valuable perspective on the cost-to-value ratio. Based on numerous owner reports, several common themes emerge:
Positive Cost-Benefit Outcomes
Many RV owners report high satisfaction despite the initial sticker shock. Among the most frequently cited benefits that justified the cost:
- Complete elimination of leak concerns, even in heavy rainfall
- Significant noise reduction during rain compared to standard RV roofs
- Better temperature regulation inside the RV
- No more regular cleaning and resealing maintenance routines
- Improved resale transactions when selling the RV
Full-time RVers especially tend to report that the investment paid for itself through peace of mind and elimination of maintenance costs within the first few years.
Common Concerns And Complaints
Not all customers found the high cost justified. The most common criticisms include:
- Final bills exceeding initial quotes, sometimes by thousands
- Preparation costs that were significantly higher than expected
- Difficulty finding service centers for warranty work when traveling
- Installation quality inconsistencies between different service centers
Several owners noted that unexpected preparation work substantially increased their total cost. This underscores the importance of getting a thorough roof inspection before committing to installation.
Financing Options For Flexarmor RV Roofs
Given the substantial cost of Flexarmor roof systems, many RV owners explore financing options rather than paying the entire amount upfront.
Direct Financing Through Installers
Many authorized Flexarmor dealers offer financing plans, typically through third-party lenders specializing in RV improvements. These financing options usually feature:
- Terms ranging from 12-84 months
- Interest rates from 5.99-15.99% depending on credit score
- Minimal or no prepayment penalties
- Often no down payment required for qualified buyers
While convenient, dealer financing tends to carry higher interest rates than some alternatives. Always calculate the total cost including interest before committing to financing plans.
Home Equity And Personal Loan Options
Many RV owners leverage existing assets to finance their Flexarmor roof at more favorable terms:
- Home Equity Loans/Lines of Credit: Often feature lower interest rates (3-7%) and potential tax advantages
- Personal Loans: Banks and credit unions may offer better rates than dealer financing for those with excellent credit
- RV Loan Refinancing: Some owners refinance their entire RV to include the roof upgrade
For substantial investments like Flexarmor, comparing multiple financing sources can save thousands in interest costs over the repayment period. Consider consulting with a financial advisor about the most tax-efficient method for your situation.
Cost-Benefit Timing Considerations
When evaluating financing, consider how the payment timeline aligns with your ownership plans:
- Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but less total interest paid
- Longer terms reduce monthly impact but increase lifetime cost
- Financing should ideally be paid off before you plan to sell the RV
If you’re financing over 5+ years, ensure you’re confident you’ll keep the RV long enough to justify the investment. Otherwise, you might end up making payments on an improvement that’s benefiting the next owner more than yourself.
How to Get the Best Roofing Quotes
- Prioritize Workmanship
A roof is one of your home’s most important investments. Always choose a contractor based on experience and reputation — not just price. Poor installation can lead to expensive problems down the road. - Compare Multiple Estimates
Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. It’s always a smart move to compare at least three bids from local roofing professionals. You can 877-801-4315 to get local quotes from roofing contractors in your area, available across the United States. - Use Negotiation Tactics
After selecting a trusted roofer, be sure to use our proven tips — How to Negotiate with Roofing Contractors — to secure the best possible final price without cutting corners.