Roof Cleaning

[Huntsvillian]

So tonight I finally got around to tackling the roof. I started then stopped as I have never cleaned a rubber roof before and it occurred to me that I could scrub to hard.

I used some soapy water and a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I have attached a few pics of the roof with the part that I cleaned.

I noticed that were there was black marks that when I "cleaned" the roof there was little red dots left. Is this normal or am I just expecting it to be too clean?

Also, should I put a wax or sealer on afterwards? I am guessing with how dirty the trailer is that it is the first time the roof has been tackled. It is 3 years old and we are the 2nd owners.

[krackeer]

I clean mine with Spic and Span per the instructions that came with the TT. First time I used liquid, and wasn't really thrilled with the results. The second time I used powder(difficult to find) and still wan't thrilled with the results. I too could not remove the black dots. I asked my dealer about it, and he told me that I would never get them off, and not to worry about them. Since I don't see the roof except when I clean or inspect it, went with what he said.

[tlhdoc]

I use Protect-All's 2 part rubber roof cleaner and conditioner. It works better than anything else I have tried. For a quick cleaning I use Thetfords one step rubber roof cleaner.

[Derek700]

I did mine this weekend and used Thetford rubber roof cleaner and conditioner and it worked well. Plan on touching up the caulking next weekend.

[Macrosill]

I use Spic and Span as per the manufacturers directions. I am happy with the results I get.

You do not need to clean and scrub the roof to make it look like new. The white layer of the roof is designed to oxidize off over time. That and dirt is what causes the streaks coming down the side of the rvs. Its a normal process.

You only need to clean off the dirt and grim to make the streaking less. You will never get it to look like a new roof, do not waste your time. Just get up there, give it a good clean twice per year and enjoy camping.

[Bigmike1461]

I have to clean mine,should I use a stiff brush or a soft brush ?????? I have a two part clean and protect system to use not sure about what kind of brush to use.

[Macrosill]

U se a soft car washing brush.

[Knickerbocker]

My dealer told me to use roof conditioner. Jayco says use Spic n Span. I use Spic n Span.

[Huntsvillian]

I went to the Hardware store this afternoon and bought a Simoniz soft wash brush with a 5ft handle, and some Full Timers wash and conditioner. I sprayed the roof first with a little water, then sprayed the cleaner on in 3ft squares. Went to town softly, then hosed off the foam. Did the whole roof then went back with a towel and dried the roof to wipe off the excess water and soapy solution.

I've posted the before and after. The after picture is not the greatest as there was a lot of shade when I was finished. When you are on the roof there are still some black spots but I get the feeling I could spend an entire day up there and they would still be there. From the house it looks like a new roof.

Not in the least bit intimidating, and as usual lots of useful info on Jayco Forums!

[Huntsvillian]

I meant to add this link of roof cleaning that I found on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpikk2LTr_c

[Siamese]

Another Spic n Span user here. It's actually my go-to cleaner for all sorts of projects where I need a mild cleaner that doesn't make bubbles.

I use a slightly stiff brush on a stick, but I don't get very aggressive with it.

And, I'm another that doesn't worry too much about what the roof looks like. All I care about is regular inspections, touch-ups as needed, and getting the worst of the dirt off.

I've been know to use 303 protectant on the roof, but don't necessarily recommend it, as I don't know if it has a positive effect.

I save my OCD for my sailboat...that thing shines.

[FeatherFam]

I use Murphy Oil Soap (vegetable derived). Remarkably, Dicor technical support told me to use a non-petroleum based cleaner. When I asked about their cleaner, the tech told me, "You can use our cleaner, but a non petroleum based product is best." When I asked if theirs is petroleum based, she said yes it is.

So I clean it a couple of times a year, but I do not get real involved with it. I just keep it "surface" clean. I did try a Dicor roof cleaning and protecting application (prior to speaking with Dicor). I was not at all impressed with the result. It was no better than the Murphy Oil, and it was a lot more money.