I Hit the Gas Station Awning. Now What?

MPT Autobody handles RV roof repair after awning strikes for drivers in Murrells Inlet, SC. A 12-foot clearance can look generous until an RV sits a little taller than expected. One wrong turn beneath a low overhang can leave the roof scraped, torn, and unfit for the next long drive. We check the areas that are hard to see from the ground, including the cap, trim, and roof seams. A light mark on the outside can hide damage several feet farther along the roofline. And yes, awnings catch more coaches than most drivers expect.

What happens after an RV hits an awning?

Photos come first, right after the impact. Then we take a close look at the impact point and the surrounding roof structure. We check the exterior skin, joints, trim, and roof sections that may have shifted when the coach struck the overhang. An upward hit can crack fiberglass, bend metal edging, or leave a narrow opening where rainwater can get in.

• Roof cap: Fractures, crushed corners, and gaps where the front or rear cap meets the roof all get a close look.
• Exterior panels: Damage sometimes runs down the sidewall, well below the spot where the awning first caught the coach.
• Seams: Lifted sealant or a split joint may look minor now, then let moisture creep inward later.

Hidden damage can grow after the impact

After a heavy rain, a tiny split near the roof edge can turn into a stain inside a cabinet or along the ceiling. Under a lifted section, we may find broken backing, pulled fasteners, or insulation that has started holding moisture. We follow the path of the strike instead of stopping at the highest gouge. If a panel moved, a compartment door bent, or the body picked up marks too, we can handle RV collision repair along with the overhead damage.

At attachment points, a cracked surface doesn’t tell the whole story. We inspect the surrounding material too, then build the repair around what is actually damaged rather than the mark that is easiest to spot.

We rebuild the roofline for the road ahead

A scrape from a fuel-station awning can look like one small spot, but the repair often spans several roof sections. Once we map the damage, we fix weakened substrates, rebuild damaged exterior areas, and reseal the roof barrier. Our RV roof repair work centers on solid structure and tightly sealed transitions, helping keep one overhead strike from becoming a leak during the next rainstorm.

1. Assessment: We inspect the impact area, nearby roof parts, and any seams that may have shifted.
2. Repair work: We repair damaged fiberglass, panels, trim, and the material beneath them as needed.
3. Final inspection: Before the coach leaves, we check repaired edges and seams one more time.

Two inches of lifted trim can be enough to start trouble. We want your RV back on the road, not sitting parked while a small issue spreads.

At MPT Autobody, we take the awkward awning moment off your plate and lay out a clear repair plan. We’ll explain what we found, what needs attention now, and what the work involves. Contact us at (843) 353-2659 to get started.