washing rubber roof
- Thread starter biker
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C Nash
Senior Member
Re: washing rubber roof
Welcome to the forum Neal. Ken from GTS that sells the SunnyBrook line will be able to tell you how best to do the Sunnybrook.
Here is info that might help
Rubber Roofs:
If your motor home, travel trailer or fifthwheel was made in the last few years, chances are it has a rubber roof. It's not the natural latex rubber we normally think of though. It's a material called Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) which is specially made for roofing. EPDM rubber roofing membrane is made to last 20 years or longer and usually has a 10 to 12 year guarantee, depending on the brand.
EPDM manufacturers advise that rubber roof membranes do not require the use of any protective roof treatment or roof protector product. The only maintenance recommended is cleaning the roof four times a year.
If you have owned a rig with an EPDM roof for a few years, you've no doubt noticed that the roof surface is chalky. Manufacturers say not to worry, this is a normal process of age and, and that even after 10 years, only 10 percent of the material is lost due to chalking. Plenty of roof is left.
Regular cleaning will reduce chalk buildup and minimize white streaks on the sides of your RV. The correct cleaning product is of great importance for your EPDM rubber roof. Never use cleaners or conditioners containing petroleum solvents, harsh abrasives or citric based cleaners on your EPDM roof. Using such solvents will cause irreparable damage and will most likely void your warranty. If you are uncertain about what is in the product, don't use it. Of course each EPDM manufacturer recommends using their own brand of cleaner, but all approve the use of mild laundry detergent.
While EPDM rubber roofing does not need to be protected from ultra violet rays (UV ) and ozone, the manufacturers do approve 303 Aerospace Protectant as a safe way to resist staining and make future cleaning easier.
To reduce the expense, you may want to treat the whole roof once a year and do only the part of the roof that can be seen from the ground the rest of the time.
After the roof is clean and before you climb down, be sure to inspect all the roof seams, around vents, etc., to make sure the caulking is still in good condition. While you1re up there you might as well check the condition of all vent covers, the air conditioner cover and the TV/satellite antenna, etc.
Welcome to the forum Neal. Ken from GTS that sells the SunnyBrook line will be able to tell you how best to do the Sunnybrook.
Here is info that might help
Rubber Roofs:
If your motor home, travel trailer or fifthwheel was made in the last few years, chances are it has a rubber roof. It's not the natural latex rubber we normally think of though. It's a material called Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) which is specially made for roofing. EPDM rubber roofing membrane is made to last 20 years or longer and usually has a 10 to 12 year guarantee, depending on the brand.
EPDM manufacturers advise that rubber roof membranes do not require the use of any protective roof treatment or roof protector product. The only maintenance recommended is cleaning the roof four times a year.
If you have owned a rig with an EPDM roof for a few years, you've no doubt noticed that the roof surface is chalky. Manufacturers say not to worry, this is a normal process of age and, and that even after 10 years, only 10 percent of the material is lost due to chalking. Plenty of roof is left.
Regular cleaning will reduce chalk buildup and minimize white streaks on the sides of your RV. The correct cleaning product is of great importance for your EPDM rubber roof. Never use cleaners or conditioners containing petroleum solvents, harsh abrasives or citric based cleaners on your EPDM roof. Using such solvents will cause irreparable damage and will most likely void your warranty. If you are uncertain about what is in the product, don't use it. Of course each EPDM manufacturer recommends using their own brand of cleaner, but all approve the use of mild laundry detergent.
While EPDM rubber roofing does not need to be protected from ultra violet rays (UV ) and ozone, the manufacturers do approve 303 Aerospace Protectant as a safe way to resist staining and make future cleaning easier.
To reduce the expense, you may want to treat the whole roof once a year and do only the part of the roof that can be seen from the ground the rest of the time.
After the roof is clean and before you climb down, be sure to inspect all the roof seams, around vents, etc., to make sure the caulking is still in good condition. While you1re up there you might as well check the condition of all vent covers, the air conditioner cover and the TV/satellite antenna, etc.
Grandview Trailer Sa
Senior Member
Re: washing rubber roof
Just washing with water will do a LOT. I usually don't use any cleaners for most of my roof cleanings. What Nash told you is correct, NO harsh chemicals. We have also had roofs so dirty that we have taken pressure washers to them. We cannot see where any harm is done, as long as you keep the wand 18" or so away and keep moving.
Just washing with water will do a LOT. I usually don't use any cleaners for most of my roof cleanings. What Nash told you is correct, NO harsh chemicals. We have also had roofs so dirty that we have taken pressure washers to them. We cannot see where any harm is done, as long as you keep the wand 18" or so away and keep moving.
RE: washing rubber roof
thanks hollis and ken, i will take your advice and begin taking care of my rubber roof, we want to make our baby last a long time, ken i also wanted to talk to you about our dish satelite, we want to put a roof mounted auto sattelite system on, can you make any suggestions, our tripop just doesnt cut it, want to flip a switch and watch tv,
you seem to be the man to talk to, thanks, neal and lorraine
thanks hollis and ken, i will take your advice and begin taking care of my rubber roof, we want to make our baby last a long time, ken i also wanted to talk to you about our dish satelite, we want to put a roof mounted auto sattelite system on, can you make any suggestions, our tripop just doesnt cut it, want to flip a switch and watch tv,
you seem to be the man to talk to, thanks, neal and lorraine
Grandview Trailer Sa
Senior Member
Re: washing rubber roof
Biker,
With Sat., no such thing as "flipping a switch and watching TV". You always have to scan your available channels when you set up in a new location. After you do that, yea, flip that switch.
The easiest system is an "In Motion", but it is not cheap. You can use a V Cube for about 1/2 the price and have the flexibility to place it where you get the most signal. If you are parked in a shaded campsite, a tree just might block all signals with a roof mounted dish.
Biker,
With Sat., no such thing as "flipping a switch and watching TV". You always have to scan your available channels when you set up in a new location. After you do that, yea, flip that switch.
The easiest system is an "In Motion", but it is not cheap. You can use a V Cube for about 1/2 the price and have the flexibility to place it where you get the most signal. If you are parked in a shaded campsite, a tree just might block all signals with a roof mounted dish.
Grandview Trailer Sa
Senior Member
Re: washing rubber roof
Tonight, after work, I worked harder than all day. I pressure washed my Brooksides roof, awning and the rest of the trailer.
Getting ready for a lot of Fall camping. Going this weekend (Labor Day), the middle of Sept, the M&G, the second and third weekends of Oct. and Halloween weekend. Whew...when am I gonna mow the grass??
Tonight, after work, I worked harder than all day. I pressure washed my Brooksides roof, awning and the rest of the trailer.
Getting ready for a lot of Fall camping. Going this weekend (Labor Day), the middle of Sept, the M&G, the second and third weekends of Oct. and Halloween weekend. Whew...when am I gonna mow the grass??
G
Guest
Guest
Re: washing rubber roof
GTS ,, do as i do ,, call it quits ,, when the temps hit the 50's ,, no fun camping then ,, IMO ,, after the M&G ,, my MH is gonna be winterized ,, then put up in it's garage for the winter ,, i am not gonna let it sit out this yr like i did last yr ,, it needs to be warm and happy like the summer we are still having here :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :approve: :approve: :approve:
GTS ,, do as i do ,, call it quits ,, when the temps hit the 50's ,, no fun camping then ,, IMO ,, after the M&G ,, my MH is gonna be winterized ,, then put up in it's garage for the winter ,, i am not gonna let it sit out this yr like i did last yr ,, it needs to be warm and happy like the summer we are still having here :laugh:
:laugh: :laugh: :approve: :approve: :approve:
Grandview Trailer Sa
Senior Member
Re: washing rubber roof
HECK NO ROD, your missing the best camping time of the year!! I don't like it over 75, I want to be comfortable. A roaring campfire on a chilly morning is the best time to lay back and relax.
HECK NO ROD, your missing the best camping time of the year!! I don't like it over 75, I want to be comfortable. A roaring campfire on a chilly morning is the best time to lay back and relax.
Grandview Trailer Sa
Senior Member
Re: washing rubber roof
I am headed to the M&G in 29 days....but who is counting!!!
I am headed to the M&G in 29 days....but who is counting!!!