Rubber And Fiberglass Roof Repair
Although most rubber roofs are guaranteed for 10-12 years and can easily last for 20 when well cared for, a snagged tree branch can tear the roofing membrane. Likewise, fiberglass roofs sometimes develop hairline cracks. The roof-to-wall and roof-to-cap transition joints are also susceptible to separation, and problems can crop up around roof vents, TV antennas and other accessories mounted to the RVs roof.
There are two products that make repairs to both rubber and fiberglass roofs a snap. EternaBond comes on a roll, like tape, and is easy to install. Clean the area thoroughly, roughing it up with a Scotch-Brite pad and clean the area with water. Then cut the tape to allow a 2-inch margin around the tear, press it into place, and use a small wallpaper-type roller to ensure the tape is affixed smoothly without any bubbles.
EternaBond tape can be purchased in many lengths, from 4 feet to 50 feet, for small tears to major roof/wall separations that run the full length of the RV. The tape shelf life, before application, is five years, so if you keep some on hand for emergencies, make a note of when you bought it.
If you need to replace the caulking around the vents and other accessories, use Dicor EPDM Lap Sealant. Simply clean the area of all dirt, particles and grease. Let it dry and then run a bead along the damaged area using a caulking gun. The sealant will flow and spread out. If it is cold, warm up the sealant before applying it so it can flow well.
Maintaining Fiberglass Rv Roofs
Fiberglass roofs need more maintenance and need the same cleaners used on an automobile or a boat. They also need to be waxed regularly to prevent oxidation. They also need to be waxed so that anything that comes into contact slides right off. If you are waxing your fiberglass roof yourself, make sure to use one with a UV protectant.
When waxing the roof yourself, work in small areas and be careful as the waxed roof can be a lot slicker than a wet roof.
Fiberglass roofs are sturdy and do not bend like metal roofs. If you have a fiberglass roof, it is vital to ensure that any old sealer that has become loose is taken off and replaced with a new one.
Mike And Jennifers Great Lakes Bundle 2 Ebooks
This bundle is our popular Upper Peninsula RV Adventure Guide PLUS our newest Adventure Guide The Great Lakes Shoreline Tour! Both ebooks will give you plenty of ideas and resources to enjoy this part of the US.
The Great Lakes Shoreline Tour One of our favorite RV trips has been driving the United States side of the five Great Lakes. It is a trip of over 4,000 miles and takes you to 8 states! And its filled with beautiful vistas, welcoming towns and villages, and fabulous places to camp, hike, and explore.
Upper Peninsula RV Adventure Guide Whenever someone asks us, Where is one of your favorite places in the US for RVing? Our answer is unquestionably, in unison, The UP of Michigan. The UP means Upper Peninsula, of course.
Don’t Miss: How To Measure A Roof With Google Maps
Can You Walk On The Rv Roof
Whether you can walk on your RV roof or not will depend upon the make and model of your RV and the kind of structural support the roof offers. You would go up on your RVs roof occasionally for fixing your air conditioner or for installing a tv antenna or for cleaning. Therefore it becomes crucial to know if your RV roof will hold without any issues.
An RV roof should be able to hold the weight of one person comfortably. So, a load of approximately 300 lbs should be bearable.
Nevertheless, you should avoid going on the roof of your RV frequently as it is not suitable for the life of its roof. You can do some of these activities without going up on the roof.
You can clean the roof by standing on the ladder and using a brush with a sufficient extension to reach everywhere on the roof. Many RVs come with built-in backside ladders and can be great for getting up there. If your RV does not have a ladder, you can add a portable frame ladder.
Avoid unnecessary roof walks and sitting. An old RV roof endures sunlight, snow, and its surface may not remain as good as that of a new RV. Moreover, materials like rubber also become soft and chalky over time, curtailing the capacity of your RV roof to hold heavy weights.
Clean The Rv Roof In Sections
For best results, start at the front of the rig and work your way back. This will make it easier for you to descend the latter without coming into contact with the wet surface.
We would recommend applying the cleaning solution in segments measuring about 3 by 3 feet. Use the medium-bristled brush to clean the surface in a circular motion. Dont apply too much pressure, or you may damage the rubber. As you work, rinse the brush regularly in a bucket of warm water.
You May Like: How Do I Install Rolled Roofing
Also Check: How Much Is A New Roof In Chicago
Before You Begin Your Rubber Roof Repair
First the following conditions should be met:
1. Ambient temperature MUST be 40 degrees F or higher otherwise the primer will either freeze or the bond will not be as strong as it is intended to be, thus your patch will leak prematurely.2. Repair surface MUST be dry when you apply primer and patch otherwise the patch will not hold.3. Before applying the patch, you must thoroughly clean the repair surface, remove any and all debris, dirt, any tar or other sealants / caulking that might have been applied.4. It is recommended in certain situations to also remove old lap caulk, before applying the new patch.
Also Check: How Often Do You Replace Shingle Roof
How To Treat Rv Roof After Cleaning
Treating your RV roof after cleaning is one of the most significant determinants of residue buildup. RV Roof Treatments protect against the sun and prevent oxidation. They also contain chemicals that resist contaminants like droppings from trees and animals, as well as dirt and grime.
Purchase EDPM and TPO safe protectants either online or at your local RV supply store. Inquire about products that are free of corrosive chemicals to prevent any mistakes.
Apply the roof treatment just after cleaning your RV roof. You will need about 16 to 20 ounces to cover the entire area. Spray in 3-foot by 3-foot sections and spread with a clean, damp sponge mop. Continue this process until you coat the whole roof. It needs 24 hours to air dry completely.
RELATED READING: For info about how to clean the whole outside of your RV or Camper trailer check out our article How to Clean the Outside of a Camper Trailer.
Don’t Miss: What Are The Best Shingles For My Roof
What Are The Ingredients In Simple Green
If youre like most people, you probably have a cabinet full of cleaning supplies that you use to keep your home looking its best. But how many of those products are actually safe to use? Simple Green is one of the few cleaning products on the market that is safe for both you and the environment. But what exactly is in Simple Green that makes it so special?
The main ingredient in Simple Green is sodium hypochlorite, which is a type of salt. Sodium hypochlorite is a powerful oxidizer that can break down stains and dirt quickly. Its also safe for use on most surfaces, including metals, plastics, and fabrics.
Another key ingredient in Simple Green is glycerin. Glycerin is a natural lubricant that helps to prevent scratches and scuffs on surfaces. It also helps to keep Simple Green from drying out too quickly, so it can be used for longer periods of time.
Finally, Simple Green also contains citric acid. Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps to keep the product from going bad. It also gives Simple Green its characteristic citrus smell.
So, there you have it! The next time youre looking for a safe and effective cleaning product, reach for Simple Green. With its unique blend of ingredients, its sure to leave your home looking its best.
Whats The Best Way To Clean My Rubber Roof
Work on one three-foot-square section at a time. Using a mild laundry detergent mixed with water, scrub the entire roof with a medium bristle brush, then rinse thoroughly to avoid residue build-up on the roof or sidewalls. You can use household bleach for more difficult stains, but do NOT use cleaners that contain petroleum solvents or harsh abrasives, as these may cause irreparable damage to your roof.
You May Like: How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Tile Roof
Can I Use Simple Green On Rv Roof
You might be able to use Simple Green on your RV roof, but its not the recommended cleaner. Simple Green is mostly used as a degreaser and all-purpose cleaner, but its not necessarily the best option for cleaning your RV roof. There are a few reasons why Simple Green might not be the best choice for cleaning your RV roof.
First, Simple Green is an acidic cleaner, which means it can break down some of the materials on your RV roof. Second, Simple Green is not designed specifically for cleaning RV roofs, so it might not work as well as a cleaner thats specifically designed for that purpose.
If you decide to use Simple Green to clean your RV roof, make sure you test it on a small area first to make sure it doesnt damage the roof.
Furthermore, This cleaner is a safer option for you and your RV because it doesnt use harsh chemicals. It also wont leave behind harmful residue that can degrade your RV roofing.
Rinse Detergent And Repeat
As you progress from section to section make sure you are getting plenty of overlap between them. Repeat scrubbings as often as necessary, and make sure you rinse off the cleaner after each section. Dont forget to spray a little extra water over the edges to help remove any cleaner going down the sides.
After you have finished cleaning the last area, do a final inspection to make sure you havent missed any stains, sap, mildew, mold, or any other substance that needs to be cleaned.
You May Like: How Much Does A New Roof Cost Calculator
How To Maintain Tpo Rv Roof
A TPO roof is a type of roofing material made of rubber membrane. The material is commonly used on RVs because of its durability and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. To assure that TPO roofs remain in good condition, as with all roofing materials, they need to be adequately maintained.
How to maintain TPO RV roof is, therefore, a must-know factor for RV owners. When properly maintained, TPO roofs can last longers and will protect your RV from the elements. To ensure this happens, you should learn how to keep the roof properly.
The majority of people believe that the rubber roof does not require cleaning and there is nothing else to worry about. But TPO roofs need to be checked and cleaned regularly. Lets explore this in detail below.
Who Makes The Best Roof Coating For Rv
There are many brands of RV roof coating that you can choose from, but not all of them can provide your vehicle with the kinds of protection that you expect. However, in my years of maintaining RVs, I discovered that among the most trustworthy brands are Dicor, Hengs, HENRY, L R Store, KST COATING, Ziollo, Rubberseal, Liquid Roof, and Rexoseal.
If you happen to stumble upon any of the mentioned brand names while you are in Home Depot, Lowes, or when shopping online for RV roof coatings, I highly suggest that you check them out. These brands have not failed me yet.
Also Check: What Is The Average Cost Of Roofing Per Square
Clean Your Rv Roof Regularly
Cleaning is the foundational roof care step. Dirt and grime can accumulate on roofs, which will attract mold that can damage the roof. Tree sap and bird droppings can also degrade your roof over time, so its important to keep these substances off of it.
When cleaning your RV roof, its best to use a ladder rather than climbing onto the roof to clean it. Even if your travel trailers roof is designed to support weight, wet roofs are slippery and can be dangerous. Clean your roof at least twice a year, and if you live in a humid climate, at least four times a year.
Begin by sweeping off all debris from the roof. Since grime can embed into the roof fixtures, give particular attention to these areas. While youre sweeping, inspect the roof for cracks that youll address in a later step, and note where they are. Next, rinse the roof with a garden hose.
Best 55048 Rubber Roof Cleaner
A reasonable price, fungal growth prevention, and protection against UV rays these are some of the first-rate traits this camper roof cleaner has to offer.
Lets face it, mold is a problem experienced by many RV owners. The thought of mold growing on the roof of a camper and scrubbing it off can make anyone cringe in disgust. Thankfully, this RV rubber roof protectant removes and prevents that filthy substance from growing. Aside from mold, this product can also eliminate other substances like grime, dust, dirt, and black streaks in one cleaning session.
Also, this variant solidifies its place in the best RV roof cleaner and protectant products list as it protects rubber camper roofs from harsh UV rays. Thus, it extends RV life, especially for trailers that stay under the sun for long periods.
Then, it is found with a reasonable price tag. I did not have to break the bank to purchase this product. This characteristic also makes this roof cleaner an ideal choice for fairly strict budgets.
Additionally, it is quite versatile. I used it on different types of RV roofing, such as rubber, EPDM, TPO, and membrane. Each material that underwent this experiment did not show signs of visual or structural damage.
- Has a reasonable price tag
- Usable on different RV roofs, such as rubber, EPDM, and membrane
- Incompatible with fiberglass resin
Don’t Miss: How Long Do Roof Solar Panels Last
How Often To Clean Your Rv Roof
If your RV lives in a field or driveway away from trees, you should only have to clean the roof every six months or so. Having said that, it wouldnt hurt to pop up the ladder and inspect it more frequently and six months is the longest I would go between cleanings.
If youre under trees a lot, its pollen season, or you live where its often humid, youll probably want to clean the roof every three months instead. Trees drop leaves, bugs, sap, and hold birds that drop poop. Pollen will turn everything yellow, and constant humidity is a recipe for mildew and mold. As long as you use a safe cleaner, you wont hurt your roof by cleaning it more often.
Can You Use Bleach On The Rv Rubber Roof
Bleach is deemed effective at killing molds on the RV roof. When mold forms on the rubber roof, remove it quickly to stop it from causing long-term damage to the RV roof.
Rubber is porous, and the mold can penetrate the surface of the rubber, and over time, causes the rubber to fall apart. Bleach can kill the mold faster but can also be damaging, resulting in discoloration and weakening of the rubber.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Shingle Roof
Choose Your Brush According To Needs
A long-handled sponge mop is preferred to remove dirt and grime. This extension gives you the option to stand on the ladder, so you do not have to worry about slipping off the roof top. Use a medium bristle brush for general cleaning, as it will remove most of the filth. For tougher stains, use a soft bristle brush to scrub the specific area.
Thetford 32513 Premium Rv Rubber Roof Cleaner
I can contentedly say goodbye to oxidation, dirt buildup, and bird droppings on my RVs roof with this product. Most of the unclean elements on the surface of my RV were gone after one application of this cleaning agent.
It is also quite easy to use with its 4-step cleaning process. The first step is to sweep or wipe loose dust and dirt off of the roof. The next step is to spray the surface with this roof cleaner. Then, users can use a mop and a brush to deep-clean their RVs. The last step is to rinse the roof and call it a day.
Still, I should give a fair warning to interested users of this product as the cleaner makes surfaces slippery after application. Hence, make sure that there will be something to hold on to when exiting the roofs premises.
Aside from removing tough stains, this roof cleaner also acts as a conditioner and protectant. It makes the rubber material more durable than before by preventing damage from harsh UV rays and other harmful elements.
- Prevents potential damage from harsh UV rays and other elements
- Nontoxic, non-flammable, and 100% biodegradable, safe to animals and people
- Protects against fading and discoloration
- Makes surfaces slippery
Recommended Reading: What Is Architectural Roofing Shingles
You May Like: How To Put In A Roof Vent
Only Use Approved Non
When choosing a rubber roof cleaner, remember that petroleum distillates destroy latex and may void the warranty. Swelling, sections of uneven thickness, and loose spots occur following direct contact. These effects happen because the chemical loosens the adhesives, which causes the roof membrane to swell. Using any other abrasive cleaners and acidic or citrus solvents increases the likelihood of corrosion, as it strips the rubber.
Only use cleaning chemicals that are free of petroleum distillates to maintain the integrity of the roof. Refer to the owners manual or manufacturer to find the best soap to clean your RV. Examples of safe chemicals include high-quality cleaning brands or mild laundry detergent diluted with water.
For sap residue, add mineral spirits onto a soft bristle brush and rub it into the area. If you spot mold or mildew, dilute bleach or vinegar with water and scrub.
