Is roof cleaning really required? so much missinformation going around

[yankeeslover]

first off i want to apologize for starting this on a new thread.. figure be easier to get responses this way. I am getting on my roof for the first time ever this weekend on my camper at my seasonal site.. i want to sweep off all the pine needles and just a quick looksee on my tracer 2670. I have read sooooo many different epinions on roof washing. Some people say that epdm roofs do not require any type of washing and that frequent washing may in fact shorten the lifespan.. I have spoken to dicor and they advised that if i dont clean it then that will shorten that lifespan and that i am required to scrub it off 3-4 times per year... I just dont know what to do.... the girl from Dicor did advise to just get up there with Ultra dawn soap and a medium bristle brush and clean it...im assuming that i should listen to the girl from dicor over the internet community? im confused..thanks

[Cypressloser]

Good question,
I believe it largely depends where you are.
We for instance are in a very dry climate with hot summers and cold winters and I am more concerned about the seals than cleaning the roof. A rubber roof might also require more care than a fiberglass roof, but under no circumstances should a roof be ignored.

[dcheatwood]

Did mine this morning. I hate it. Getting ready for Goshen.

[TURBS]

Minimum twice a year. Period.

[VinceU]

X2- All mfgs of my 5 units called for roof cleanings periodically. If for no other reason cutdown on the streaking, esp on paint surfaces below.


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[LittlePM]

I was advised that every few times that you wash your RV you should wash the roof, because what good is washing with sides if all the stuff washes down off the roof onto the sides. I would think that if you have a lot of pine needles you would want to wash that off so it doesn't eat the roof.

[Arefbee]

Hate how crummy it looks since the trees have been leaving all kinds of dirt on the roof since spring but also been too busy to get it done. Thought about doing it in a thunder storm last week but then realized if I got hit by lightning my wife would kill me.
\
(Hate doing it, love the results!)

This weekend it shall be done!

And yes at least three times per year - Spring, Summer, Fall (under cover in Winter). I have UV protectant to apply next time.

[wmcclay]

Getting up on a roof to wash it means much more than just washing. As you wash it you will be inspecting it for bubbles, open spots and seals around penetrations. So wash it at least twice a year.

Good luck
Wayne

[rockfordroo]

3 years on my Roo. Haven't washed anything yet. Don't know when I will. Most CG's don't want you washing while camped. TT isn't stored at home, so really no place to do it.

[sail2liv]

Use the cleaner/treatment that the dealer uses ..... twice a year....spring just before summer and fall just before winter.... its about $ 50 for gallon....I think you are required to clean/treat it once a year to keep warranty in effect.....good luck I get 4 washes out of the gallon.....is quick and easy to do.....save sales slip in file and put date you clean/treat in case of any warranty work required.....

[Wiscampsin]

I've always washed the roof of all our campers twice a year. Hate doing in but love the way it looks when I'm done.

[dcheatwood]

Seems I remember reading or being told that the 10 yr roof warranty required proof of annual rubber treatment. Not sure.

[dfskinner]

we have one of those car wash bays on base near where we store our trailer and the last stall is higher than most, maybe for oversized trucks or trailers. I use that along with a spray bottle with a mixture of 2 ounces of mild laundry detergent to one gallon of water and the soap from the spray wand at the car wash. Roof looks good, continues to be nice and white and has no stains. I'm doing this twice a year, I also bring along my 8 ft latter to help with the cleaning. I figure the $20 spent twice a year will hopefully prevent me from spending $1000's later on in the life of our trailer.....

[Campin Cajun]

Always listen to the manufacturer!!! I can not stress this enough. Especially when warranties are involved. If you have a problem in the future they will ask you what you did. Give them the answer they recommended to you or you will be sorry.


Ask me how I know this.


2013 Berkshire 390 BH

[sc_cmpr]

Just cleaned the roof of our 2007 RKBS today. It was full of dark spots and dirt. Used a product I got from Lowes called JOMAX. Mix with bleach and water in a garden sprayer. Sprayed the camper sides very well first, sprayed the edges of the top second, went up on the roof and sprayed away. It got white before my eyes. After through rinse I washed it with rubber roof cleaner and treatment. It looks absolutely like new. Product has no petroleum. Make sure you wash the camper sides after you finish the roof.

[Phil57]

Be very careful using bleach. It is a very caustic chemical and will damage plastic and rubber surfaces over time. It looks good for now but every time you use it damage is done to the surface.


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[mdalb20]

I did mine last weekend. Used the rubber roof cleaner. Ran out towards the end and used Dawn to finish.Didn't seem like much of a difference so I may use Dawn the next time

[mud yapster]

I just cleaned my roof today I used the 2 step cleaner conditioner and second step is the UV protectant. Wasn't that impressed with the cleaner. Oh it cleaned it but didn't take all the stains out from the a/c unit and left most if not all of the little black spots. My roof is less than a year from manufacture date. Going to apply the UV stuff this evening. This stuff is called Pro Tec. It does look better but heck the roof is new. Hope the UV stuff works better.