Safe to walk on roof to clean?

[cmac7203]

I have a 2012 Wildwood X-Lite 261. I want to clean the roof. No ladder installed on RV so I am assuming the roof may not be safe to walk on? Does anyone know? If not, do I clean it from a ladder?

Thanks!

[davel1971]

unless your a big guy, no reason you can't walk on it, but do it gently with soft sole shoes

[jeffnick]

And who is going to see a dirty roof? Only reason to go up there is to check integrity or patch a leak.

[davel1971]

Originally Posted by jeffnick

And who is going to see a dirty roof? Only reason to go up there is to check integrity or patch a leak.

everyone sees it, because it leaves streaks down the sides

[heavynlori]

Originally Posted by jeffnick

And who is going to see a dirty roof? Only reason to go up there is to check integrity or patch a leak.

Actually keeping the roof clean by washing it on a regular basis is the first step to keeping the whole rig cleaner

All that gunk comes off the roof down the siees

[WFD]

Yup the black streaks on trailers is a direct result of the roof, not the trailer itself. Whether you have the ladder or not does not impact the integrity/construction of the roof....totally fine to be up there.

[jeffnick]

I so apologize for my comment about not cleaning your roof...but then again, I've never had a 'streak'.

[cmac7203]

Thanks everyone. [emoji6]

[Bobh62]

With all that I have heard, read and seen I have to wonder if keeping the roof clean is a stipulation in the warranty that might void the warranty if it's not cleaned at least twice a year?

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by jeffnick

And who is going to see a dirty roof? Only reason to go up there is to check integrity or patch a leak.

Not necessarily true. If you have an EPDM or other rubber roof they need to be cleaned and treated a couple times a year at least.

[kayo]

Be careful! A wet rubber roof is like a hockey rink!

[MacDR]

Twice a year is good for both cleaning and inspection.. I use Dawn for cleaning.. plus I can see the 54ver roof from the 2nd floor of my house and the streaks bother me.

[WFD]

Ideally you may want to time your roof cleaning along with waxing, because as was suggested where Dawn is a good soap to use to clean the roof it will also remove the wax from the trailer.

[kayo]

Fantastic is also approved by Dycor to use on rubber roofs. Muchg cheaper than the "specialized" products sold by Camping World

[punkaccountant]

This has always been a question mark in my mind. The Forest River users manual states that if a manufacturer installed ladder is present then the roof has been reinforced and it's safe to walk on it. It goes on to say, if a ladder is not present then you should use boards across the roof for temporary reinforcement. As a result, I've erred on the side of caution and always put boards across my unit when doing maintenance. It's a pain in the neck too.

However, when we did our PDI, I went up there when they were checking the seals and we were all walking on it with no problem. I asked the guys then if it was ok and they said it's no problem but try to limit the time spent on the roof to a minimum. Again, I've since just put boards up as a precaution.

[jimmiejim]

Fantastic cleans the black streaks off easy.

Jim

[5er_tom]

If one cannot walk on the roof, you do not want the RV.

[joetab1977]

Originally Posted by punkaccountant

This has always been a question mark in my mind. The Forest River users manual states that if a manufacturer installed ladder is present then the roof has been reinforced and it's safe to walk on it. It goes on to say, if a ladder is not present then you should use boards across the roof for temporary reinforcement. As a result, I've erred on the side of caution and always put boards across my unit when doing maintenance. It's a pain in the neck too.

However, when we did our PDI, I went up there when they were checking the seals and we were all walking on it with no problem. I asked the guys then if it was ok and they said it's no problem but try to limit the time spent on the roof to a minimum. Again, I've since just put boards up as a precaution.

So after going up there without the boards, are you still using boards? Or do you think its unnecessary to use boards?

[Okie 265B]

Not sure how old this post is, but I have s FR 5th wheel without a ladder and FR says it has a 200lb weight limit. I'm a bit more at 300lb and am needing to check and clean my act unit. How does one go about using a "board" to make it safer? Sorry new to all this. Do I use a piece of plywood, 2x4's etc??? Thank you for your help

[youroo]

Okie 265B, at 300# you need to use Plywood regardless of what type of F/R product you have! I also use Pool Float Mats! Be careful and use a Ladder,NOT a Step Ladder! Place a folded towel at the Roof edge to prevent damage to Drip Rail also! Youroo!!