How to remove Silicone From Roof?

[Eclipse1825]

Well on our last trip had a place on the roof where the superflex sealant came off and we had a big rain coming and I put some silicone caulking on the spot just for a quick fix. I know it probably wasn’t the smartest move but it is all I had.

My question is how is the best way to get it off along with he residue without damaging the roof membrane?

[drc343]

Bad news is nothing sticks to silicone, not even new silicone. You must remove all of it. I do not know how your going to get it all off without roof damage. Sorry not helpful, I do hope you find something that works to remove it without problems.

[mwdilday]

How wide is the bead of silicone?

[john5646]

Saturate a micro fiber towel with lighter fluid and place it on the globe of silicone, keep it saturated for several minutes then using manual labor continue to work the silicone. ( as far as damaging the roof from lighter fluid , I’m comfortable it won’t happen)
Lighter fluid will remove stickers from newspaper without damage. FYI.
I it’s a great item to have on hand for countless uses.

[crunchman12001]

Cover the silicone with Eternabond tape.

[Scrapper]

When you mention lighter fluid, you might want to say whether your talking about charcoal lighter fluid or cigarette lighter fluid. I know which one you are talking about, others may not. Ronson or Zippo brand, doesn't matter.

[rsdata]

Cover the silicone with Eternabond tape.

X2

get some 4" width...

do your edge seams while you are at it...

[Joseph Carozzoni]

Visit Amazon and search on "silicone caulk remover". I need to remove some from our countertop after installing a backsplash. The one I chose was SILICONE CAULK RMVR 3OZ by MCKANICA MfrPartNo 0354 after a friends recommendation. However, there are other brands. I haven’t used it yet, it just came in the other day.

[PenJoe]

Try De-Solv-It Contractors Solvent. It has a satisfaction guarantee and states specifically on the label that it removes silicone. The back label for directions:

Tougher: For tougher challenges that have started to set up, yet are still pliable, or moist such as fresh liquid foam insulation, Silicone sealant, etc.
1. Apply, let set up to 5 minutes. 2. Peel, scrape or wipe. 3. Rinse.

Toughest: For almost impossible challenges such as _____, _____, dried silicone,etc. (will not harm cured or dry paint) 1. Apply & let set up 8-12 hrs 2. Peel, scrape, or wipe 3. Rinse.

Depending on how thick the silicone is on there, you may have to keep it moist with another application during the set period. Or do it in layers. Best to remove as much as you can before applying.

It's an option. We keep it around the house and a little goes a long way.

[ronandpat]

I have heard of using mineral spirits but then wash the residue off immediately afterwards with soap and water.

[AlanZ]

I've used 3-m general purpose adhesive remover about 30 bucks at any auto paint supply store- a little goes a long way
I cut old towel in 4 inch squares
removed as much of silicone as i could before wetting
saturated cloth only
rub and it will come off-washed with soap afterwards just to be sure
had an older unit that required extensive resealing
will remove almost anything slowly
did a great job

[Wolverine 1945]

If you are going to use De-Solv It,,, be very careful,,, use only what you need !!!

[Lappy]

You can use GOOGONE or Prake cleaner spray can. You put it on a rag and use elbow grease. Do a small part at a time .

[Wolverine 1945]

Years ago our TT spring a roof leak,,, it was new & all I had was Silicone,,, we were deep in the forest so I patched the leak with the Silicone,,, when we got home I took it to the dealer,,, they would not work on it until I removed the Silicone !!!

[NMWildcat]

I guess I'm one of the few that travels with a tube of dicor and a caulk gun? I would do temp patch of duct tape before using silicone on the roof. I'm with the guys who said just put eternabond over the silicone, assuming it's just a small amount of silicone

[jrowe0521]

a wire brush on a drill will shred the stuff quickly with hurting anything.

[arkie4bu]

Originally Posted by Lappy

You can use GOOGONE or Prake cleaner spray can. You put it on a rag and use elbow grease. Do a small part at a time .

I second the GooGone recommendation. I used it to remove a sticker on the side of our trailer. Unfortunately, it dripped down the side and dissolved some of the silicone caulking below the sticker. I replaced the caulking but I can assure you it will take it off.

[jrowe0521]

once you remove the bulk of it with a wire brush on a drill, you can use solvents such as goof off. to remove the rest

[NCBBA11043]

I still would stay away from any petroleum based solvent (I think a lot of the ones mentioned are).
From what I remember, rubber roofs and petroleum solvents don't mix.

[rsdata]

From what I remember, rubber roofs and petroleum solvents don't mix.

This is correct, but the membrane roof takes a little time to soak up the solvent before harm is done. This time is measured in minutes... The roof membrane will begin to stretch and bubble... so be sure to use something like soap and water or IPA alcohol to wipe off the solvent as quickly as possible.

However, I agree with this...

I'm with the guys who said just put eternabond over the silicone, assuming it's just a small amount of silicone

This will seal the damage without having to remove the silicon...