Directions For Cleaning A Rubber Rv Roof
Use care when working on an RV roof to avoid falls. Be sure to follow manufacturer and warranty instructions for roof access and cleaning.
Rv Rubber Roof Q& a: Clean And Protect Epdm
One of the greatest things to happen to RVs was the introduction of the EPDM rubber roof. Leak-proof and UV-resistant, this long-lasting synthetic rubber compound can stand up to all kinds of weather, wear and tear. Most RV industry experts consider EPDM rubber roofing membrane the most dependable, cost-effective and easy to maintain roofing material there is.
Properly cleaning, repairing and maintaining any EPDM roof systemwhether on your mobile home or RVrequires a little know-how and the right materials. To help, weve compiled a list of our recommendations to some common questions:
How To Clean A Tpo Roof: A Step
When it comes to most makes and models, the warranty on your RV should last 10 years, assuming you take proper care of the vehicle. That goes for every component on the unit, including the roof. If you clean and condition the roof regularly, it should be under warranty should you experience any unforeseen issues. With that in mind, you should only need to clean your roof once a year to keep it in good shape. To help you figure out the correct way to maintain your rubber roof, Dave Solberg walks you through a step-by-step demonstration on how to clean a TPO roof.
In beginning to show you how to clean a TPO roof, Dave introduces some things you should be aware of when youre up on the rubber roof, including walking on wet spots near the corners of the roof. He explains which products he prefers to use, such as a rubber roof cleaner and conditioner you can pick up at a local store, and then teaches you how to clean a TPO roof with simple scrubbing motions.
Youll learn some easy tips for maintaining the areas around vents and antennae, as well as how to safely clean a TPO roof to avoid damage to the rubber. He also recommends keeping a close eye on cracks and indentations that might eventually lead to punctures and, in turn, leaks. With this quick walkthrough on how to clean a TPO roof, youll be able to thoroughly wash and condition your rubber roof to make it last much, much longer!
Also Check: Who To Call When Your Roof Is Leaking
Diy Window & Mirror Cleaner For Rv
Products like Windex are typically the cleaning supplies that an RV dealer will suggest you use for window cleaning. However, there are better, more natural ways to go about cleaning your travel trailer windows and mirrors without having to put in that extra elbow grease and expense.
This DIY mirror cleaner adds sparkle and shine to surfaces with smears and stains. Its also appropriate for removing bugs from the windshield that accumulate during long drives.
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
To make this natural cleaner for a car windshield or for the windows in your RV, mix the ingredients and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the mirrors and windows and wipe clean. Use a little extra pressure for hard-to-remove stains.
Unlike other RVing tips and tricks, this recipe doesnt have chemicals that are harmful to the skin. Also, using this recipe will eliminate streaking on all windows, and it smells nice, too.
Additional Rubber Roof Maintenance Tips
In addition to cleaning the roof of your recreational vehicle on a quarterly basis, it’s a good idea to treat the roof with a coating solution, like Dyco Shield and Seal or Dicor Roof Guard, that is designed to protect it from the damaging effects of ozone and ultraviolet rays on an annual basis. Doing this can help keep the roof from becoming stained, resulting in a more attractive appearance and easier periodic cleanings.
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Choose The Right Brush
Youll need a long-handled brush for this task. There are sponge mops with 5- to 12-foot handles that are designed to handle these projects. The extra length allows you to scrub from the ladder, so you dont have to risk slipping on the wet roof.
A medium-bristle brush is a great tool for basic cleaning. However, you should also have a soft-bristle brush on hand to remove the worst stains.
Inspect Your Roof And Repair Worn Out Seals
Inspect your roof several times a year. While youre up on the roof inspect all of your water tight seals. Then reinforce or re-seal as needed to protect from any potential water damage.
For big sealing jobs, I recommend you use Dicor Lap Sealant. I keep a tube handy at all times. For smaller patch jobs, exterior silicon or latex caulk works.
Finally, consider adding a strip of 4 Eternabond Waterproofing Tape over your main roof seams for an added layer of protection.
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Repeat The Technique Until The Rv Roof Is Clean
With regular cleanings, you should only have to clean your RV roof once. However, if you havent cleaned it in a while, it may take a few times. Although it can be a bit labor-intensive, it is well worth it in the long-term. Avoiding leaks and water damage is cost-effective and maintains the quality of your RV.
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
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How To Clean A Rubber Roof
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The most common place you will find rubber roofing is on the top of an RV. The most common material used for these roofs is Ethylene Propylene Diene M-Class rubber which creates some cleaning challenges. Keeping your rubber roof clean and doing it properly is the most cost effective way of preserving it and maintaining your warranty.
Why Do I Need To Recoat My Rv Roof
Recreational vehicles, or RVs, are notorious for leaks. Plus, the fact that these vehicles may often be sitting unused for weeks or even months at a time means that you may not realize that your RV leaks until it’s a big one that damages the interior of the structure.
If you own an RV, there are several things you need to know about inspecting the roof and ensuring that it can protect you, your family, and your belongings.
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Why You Need To Pay Attention To The Rv Roof
The reasoning is simple: time equals oxidization.
If the roof is allowed to deteriorate, water will begin to seep through the ceiling and down the walls. As if that werent enough of a deterrent, the moisture will cause damage to any electrical components it encounters, which is a costly and dangerous prospect.
Your health and safety factor into the equation as well. Mold thrives in humid, moist environments, and its presence can cause respiratory issues. It also creates a foul odor that may linger for a while even after youve managed to resolve the issue.
Finally, cleaning the roof regularly will help you to protect your investment. The value of the RV will depreciate if its allowed to deteriorate in this way. Most RV insurance plans dont cover water damage, so its in your best interest to prevent it.
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.
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Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner For Rv
Unfortunately, carpets and upholstered seats tend to harbor the bad odors in every RV youre probably wondering how to create a homemade RV cleaner for such areas. In particular, youre probably trying to construct a recipe that is not necessarily chemically enhanced.
Carpet Cleaner Recipe for RV
- Baking soda
- Orange essential oil
Mix baking soda with 20-30 drops of orange essential oil, depending on how fresh you want the fabric to smell. Shake the ingredients together in a container and sprinkle it over areas youd like to clean. Leave the powder on for approximately ten to 15 minutes and then vacuum it all up.
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.
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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
Diy Camper Rubber Roof Cleaner Recipe
If youre thinking about washing your campers rubber roof and are wondering what to use, you probably already know that there are plenty of great camper roof cleaners out there that you can buy. Check reviews to find one that meets your needs. But if youre in a hurry or prefer a homemade option, you can make a cleaner with ingredients you probably already have at home.
We make our own roof cleaner and have tested a variety of ingredients and ratios that work best for us.
Dont forget to protect the sides and ends of your camper by taping up a sheet of plastic or tarp. You dont want all that grime ending up on your campers side panels or the oxidation from the peroxide to fade your paint.
Start with one gallon of water. Add 1/8 cup of liquid Dawn. Add one cup of ammonia OR two cups of hydrogen peroxide . The ammonia is an option if there is a lot of build up of dirt and organic matter . The hydrogen peroxide is useful in lifting dirt and brightening the surface. Test the cleaning solution on a small area of your roof by letting it sit for a few minutes then rinsing. If you find that the area got chalky, thats a sign that your roof is older and the rubber is breaking down. If thats the case, you should reduce or eliminate the ammonia or peroxide and you should probably apply a coat of liquid roof rubber after cleaning to protect your rubber membrane roof.
You can use a squeegee to speed up the drying process.
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Choose The Right Cleaner
Cleaning a rubber RV roof should be done four times a year if you keep your RV in a covered storage, more often if it is not parked in a covered location. Purchase a product that is specifically made to clean a rubber RV roof from a recreational vehicle supply store and, more importantly, one that is recommended by your RV manufacturer. Some RV owners recommend using a mild liquid laundry soap or dish soap to clean the roof. Avoid using harsh products that could damage the rubber such as:
- Petroleum or other solvents
RV rubber roof cleaners are available from Camping World, Amazon.com, and many other traditional and online stores that carry RV camping supplies.
Examples of RV rubber roof cleaner products include:
- B.E.S.T. Rubber Roof Cleaner & Protectant
- Camco RV Full Timer’s Choice Rubber Roof Cleaner
- Dicor Rubber Roof Cleaner
It’s important to note that EPDM is not all made by the same company. The actual length of time the roof on a particular RV is guaranteed to last will vary based on the warranty offered by the company that made it. Additionally, it’s important to check the guarantee documentation that came with your recreational vehicle so that you can be certain that you are following the recommended maintenance procedures for your particular unit.
Other Things To Remember When Cleaning A Rubber Rv Roof
After youve finished cleaning, you should treat the roofing with an EDPM and/or TPO protectant. This will give you increased UV protection and reduce the risk of oxidization. Most also have chemicals that will cut back on the amount of dirt and sap residue that build up on the surface.
These protectants can be found at any store that stocks RV supplies. Make sure theyre free of the corrosive chemicals we discussed earlier. Apply the treatment as soon as possible, making sure to cover the entire area. It will need at least 24 hours to dry.
From beginning to end, the cleaning process should take no longer than 2 hours. Depending on the size of the camper, you might be done even sooner. The time investment is well worth the hassle youll be saving yourself from down the road.
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What Can I Use To Clean My Rv Roof
Aside from commercial RV roof cleaners, you can also make and use a homemade RV roof cleaner. This option might be suitable if you are far away from the nearest hardware store but have the right components to make a homemade RV cleaner.
Here are the steps to make and use a mixture that might even be the best homemade RV roof cleaner for some scenarios.
Step 1: Fill a bucket with a gallon of water. Add one or two tablespoons of dish soap.
Step 2: Rinse the rubber roof to loosen and remove debris. The water will also help dampen and prepare the surface for the DIY roof-cleaning mixture.
Step 3: Use a long-handled scrub brush and dip it into the bucket. Scrub the rubber roof gently with the solution to remove dirt and stains.
Step 4: Rinse the roof again to remove the soap suds.
Kindly note that cleaning RV roof with bleach mixed into the solution is possible. But, you should only mix a decent amount of bleach as it is quite strong. Putting more bleach than intended may do more harm to your RVs rubber roof than good.
This process might take more time and effort than using commercial-grade RV roof cleaners. But, it is still a viable option if you cannot purchase a roof-cleaning product at this moment.
