Cracks and holes are a pain to live with! Although they are a natural part of the deterioration of any material, they can cause plenty of problems at home and, more commonly, in an RV. The most common problem produced by a crack or hole is a leak, as water can enter any gap.
Annoying leakage is more than a minor annoyance. Roofs, toilets, water heaters, entrances, and RV roofs can suffer from leaks and cause major problems.
They must be repaired immediately and efficiently, regardless of how big or tiny they are, to avoid higher costs later. Two sealing products, Rust-Oleum Leak Seal and Flex Seal, are available for speedy repairs, especially when traveling in an RV.
The question is which flexible sealant is best for you, as there are some significant differences between the two. In our guide, you can learn which is the best, be it to use around the home or on your recreational vehicle in an emergency.(Learn How to Prepare For Full Time RV Living)
Which is better, Leak Seal or Flex Seal?
As you’ll see below, both Leak Seal and Flex Seal are well-suited to specific applications.
If you’re concerned about longevity, though, there’s no doubt that Leak Seal is significantly more durable and long-lasting than Flex Seal. The rubberized sealant is extremely long-lasting and robust, so you won’t have to renew the seal for a long time.
What is Leak Seal?
The first product is Leak Seal and a very popular liquid rubber sealant among RV owners. This product is so popular that it can help quickly seal significant leaks and prevent moisture penetration in cracks occurring during a road trip.
Depending on the leak’s location, an individual can spray the liquidized rubber into the affected area, and then the magical powers of Leak Seal can get to work.
You’ll see this product works well in all many climates and environments, preventing any further leaks or cracks. (Read RV AC Fan Not Working – What To Do)
Leak Seal works on a range of compatible surfaces:
- Wood, metal, and glass
- Masonry, cement, and concrete
- Rubber, vinyl, and certain plastics
Pros
- A fantastic product for people not used to repairing leaks.
- Simple to use and dries quickly!
- Works in climates and environments, from an extremely cold or moist environment to a desert trip in the summer.
Cons
- Ineffective if not applied carefully.
- Not suitable for gas tanks as it can break down with gasoline exposure
Some RV owners note that getting the leak seal right the first time can be challenging, and this is down to positioning the can when used in confined spaces.
What is Flex Seal?
RustOleum Flex Seal sits at the other end of the competition and offers another liquid rubber sealant, proven to be an immediate solution to seal fractures or leaks. Flex seal is popular as it effectively prevents water from leaking from the applied area.
Extreme climates are not ideal for this product, as it works best when applied at room temperature. Flex seal application is easy, but it needs care and attention when applying. (Read Dometic RV Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air)
Surfaces Flex Seal is Compatible with:
- Wood, metal, and glass
- Masonry, cement, and concrete
- Rubber, vinyl, and certain plastics
Pros
- Flex Seal is ideal to stop further leaks, cracks, rust, and corrosion.
- This sealant is suitable for most kinds of surface.
- Flex Seal is a superb choice for RV owners as it is easy to apply and quick drying.
Cons
- It may need many coats of Flex Seal to deal with larger holes and cracks.
- Flex Seal products do not react too well to extreme environments.
What Product is Better Than Flex Seal?
Rust-Oleum is the closest to Flex Seal. It’s a liquid rubber sealant spray that does the same function. In addition, unlike the slower-drying liquid options, it dries to the touch. The spray cures in 24 hours, which is excellent if you need something quick.
Rust-Oleum Leak Seal vs. Flex Seal is faster to completely dry, so it is a better option if you need to apply multiple coats.
Leak Seal outperforms Flex Seal with temperature resistance. Flex Seal deteriorates quicker in extreme weather, although not the case for Leak Seal, which offers exceptional durability in cold and hot weather and UV resistance. (Read Recertifying Propane Tanks)
Leak Seal offers high efficiency like Flex Seal for water resistance, although it is a cheaper alternative. You will discover neither sealant is designed to face high pressure.
Can Rust-Oleum Leak Seal be Used On Wet Surfaces?
Rust-Oleum Leak Seal is an easy-to-use, rubberized protective utility coating designed to fill and seal leaks and cracks. It provides a water-tight, flexible seal that prevents moisture penetration, rust, and corrosion.
Leak Seal dries to a semi-smooth and firm finish. It won’t sag or drip, and you can topcoat it with latex-based paints and oil-based paints, making it ideal for an RV roof.
The revolutionary product is suitable to fix gutters, flashing, PVC, masonry, home roofs, and your RV roof as it is tough, flexible, and UV resistant.
LeakSeal creates a water-tight finish; it isn’t recommended to be applied on a wet surface. The moisture traps underneath and can cause corrosion. The same is said for Flex seal on car rust, it can stop new rust, yet when applied over rust, this will increase but at a slower rate.
Is Flex Seal Really Good?
Many individuals search for Flex Seal alternatives, and that is why Rust-Oleum sells its products. When you compare Leak Seal vs. Flex Seal, Flex Seal is pretty good; besides, the strong smell and can take a few coats.
Leak Seal has the only downside of it needs mixing based on certain products.
Both manufacturers offer sealing product formulas like sealing tapes and glues and liquid can seals and sealants. (Learn How To Level A Travel Trailer On A Permanent Site)
For Rust-Oleum, you have a regular Leak Seal, a spray sealant, and the Leak Seal Brush, a liquid sealant. Flex Seal products are Flex Seal Liquid and Flex Seal Spray.
Rust-Oleum Leak Seal comes in size options such as
- Rust-Oleum LeakSeal Flexible Rubber Coating Spray, 12 oz
- Rust-Oleum LeakSeal Flexible Rubber Coating Spray, 12 oz
As for Flex Seal, it offers size options:
- Flex Seal Spray Rubber Sealant Coating, 14-oz
- Flex Seal Spray Rubber Sealant Coating, 14-oz
The sealant color can make a difference on your RV and the treated surface.
- Rust-Oleum Leak Seal offers the following colors: black, aluminum, white, brown.
- Rust-Oleum Leak Seal Brush: black and clear for both size options.
- Flex Seal offers the following colors: black, white, and clear.
- Flex Seal Liquid comes in black, white, gray, and clear.
The two sealants have much the same material compatibility and application method.
Clean and dry the surface before applying sealant. Manufacturers recommend you smooth the surface with sandpaper or a wire brush to help adhesion.
- Spray cans: Shake well and hold the can at 8 – 12 inches from the surface as you spray.
- Brush sealants: You can brush, dip or roll and even pour either sealant onto the surface.
It is best to apply multiple coats to get the best results, ensure each coat is dry before applying the next.
Temperature resistance is less for Flex Seal and more suited to indoor use or temperate climates. Leak Seal will perform better in winter cold and summer heat.
Both leak seals can hold normal hydrostatic pressure yet are not intended to resist extreme pressure. Water-resistance is much the same, and both can endure rain and moisture yet not be used for continuous water submersion.
Rust-Oleum Leak Seal spray and liquid sealant will dry to the touch, and you can re-coat in 20 to 30 minutes. Full curing is around 24 hours for both sealing formulas. Flex Seal can take up to 48 hours to cure. (Read Camper Propane Tank)
It seems Leak Seal has the upper hand for application and curing; however, the curing time will be based on the surrounding air temperature, humidity, and thickness of application. Painting over the sealant can be a crucial consideration for any projects where aesthetics are important.
Neither coating is supposed to be heavily covered in paint, yet you will find Leak Seal products can be painted over easier.
One area where the Flex seal comparison is identical is food safety and food and water containers. Both leak seal products are unsuitable for this use and should be kept away from water or food containers as neither is food safe.
Rust-Oleum Leak Seal vs. Flex Seal Conclusion
When you look at rust oleum leak seal vs flex seal, they are much the same in all departments; however, you can find one slightly better than the other depending on your use case.
If you are sealing containers or areas, you will find Flex seal suitable. Does Flex Seal work as well as Leak Seal for outdoor use? No, it doesn’t, as it can’t withstand extreme temperatures.
If you are in your RV and you need to seal inside or on the side, then Flex seal could suffice. One your RV roof, then it will be Oleum Leak Seal vs. Flex Seal every time.
