Pressure Washing

[LuFowler]

I have a Jayco Jayflight TT. Roof is a rubber and in great condition. Is it safe to use a pressure washer to clean the roof. The electric pressure washer I have has a working PSI of 1100 out of the nozzle. Thanks.

[Marcm157]

Many different answers / opinions will follow this question. I have used a pressure washer on all my campers including the roofs. Common sense needs to be applied. I use a wide angle tip, I never have the gun pointed directly at any surface, and I always start the stream pointed away from the surface I am going after. I never spray up at the aluminum siding and and I don't spray into vents.

The combination of a foam cannon and a pressure washer have always made the job of washing my campers a bit easier.

[muckinfuss]

I too have used a foam cannon for a few years now and just two years ago picked up a Ryobi product, link below, that makes things way easier yet after the foam is on roof and sides. Pressure washer or hose rinse afterwards. Good luck.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ON...4500/311738437

[LuckyDuck]

Originally Posted by LuFowler

I have a Jayco Jayflight TT. Roof is a rubber and in great condition. Is it safe to use a pressure washer to clean the roof. The electric pressure washer I have has a working PSI of 1100 out of the nozzle. Thanks.

I have a pressure washer and I would never use it on my TT — especially the roof. Even being careful, I’ve had the spray turn to a needle jet when I wasn’t thinking or paying attention. That will etch concrete — I hate to think what it would do to a rubber roof.

I use bucket of water and some Dawn and a soft boat deck brush when I wash the roof. It works great and if it isn’t snow white, who cares? No one sees it but me when I climb up. For the aluminum trailer sides, I use Meguiar’s car wash, the same brush and a gentle hose rinse, trying not to blast it into vents or places it might leak.

[TaftCoach]

I owned a power wash company for a few years. 40° nozzles are your friend. Chemical cleaners are your friend. I use one on my TT but I learned from the crews I hired and know to avoid caulk and other easy to damage surfaces.

Using just pressure to clean leaves little room for error. A good cleaner perhaps agitated with a brush then pressure washed off is usually the best approach.

[CAG]

Most RV manufacturers suggest a soft brush and dawn to clean roofs. I am not sure there is a real reason to subject a roof to pressure washing.



If you check your owner's manual I think you will find that solution listed, if not it is common with most maintenance suggestions for RV roofs. A power washer might just void a warranty.

[norty1]

I have used an electric pressure washer, 1100psi and a 40* wide angle nozzle. Never had a problem. At my age, it's hard to hand wash.

[Randel J]

I agree with norty1, it is too hard for me to hand scrub my roof. I use a gas driven 3,200 psi pressure washer with the 40* nozzle keeping the wand about 2 feet above the roof surface and I have never had a problem cleaning my rubber roof.

[LuFowler]

Thanks. Glad you mentioned a foam cannon. I just got one for my cars and thought it would be great for the camper. Roger on not spraying up on the siding and in vents.

[LuFowler]

Thanks for the tip on the RYOBI. I hadn’t seen that tool yet. Looks great and could be handy.

[muckinfuss]

5 reports so far of using one correctly and no problems. zero reports of damage after using one. problem solved.

[CAG]

Originally Posted by muckinfuss

5 reports so far of using one correctly and no problems. zero reports of damage after using one. problem solved.

LOL, I am glad that most tests go beyond 5 before putting the OK stamp on them.


https://www.rvandplaya.com/pressure-...v-rubber-roof/

[LuckyDuck]

Originally Posted by muckinfuss

5 reports so far of using one correctly and no problems. zero reports of damage after using one. problem solved.

I’m guessing the folks who accidentally tore a hole in their TPO with their new pressure washer won’t be posting about it. So yeah, batting a thousand after 5 posts.

[Rustic Eagle]

LuFolwer,

Originally Posted by LuFowler

snip........Is it safe to use a pressure washer to clean the roof........snip

IMO pressure washing an RV roof does come with some risks of compromising the TPO/EPDM material, seams, caulking, etc.. Not all roof conditions are created equal, which means the operator of the pressure washer has to be cognizant of operating the pressure washer accordingly.

Originally Posted by LuckyDuck

I have a pressure washer and I would never use it on my TT — especially the roof..........snip........I use bucket of water and some Dawn and a soft boat deck brush when I wash the roof........snip

X2

Bob

[joe w]

Originally Posted by LuFowler

I have a Jayco Jayflight TT. Roof is a rubber and in great condition. Is it safe to use a pressure washer to clean the roof. The electric pressure washer I have has a working PSI of 1100 out of the nozzle. Thanks.

I use the Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Telescoping Power Scrubber with medium bristle head along with Camco rubber roof cleaner/conditioner. Works great, roof likes like brand new afterwards. I wet the roof first and then dip the head of the scrubber in a bucket with the solution doing 1/4 at a time before rinsing. I use the same tool for the vertical parts of the camper with the soft bristle head.

[Skyline]

If your going to pressure wash your roof I have some additional advice. I found a 4” tear on my roof, not from pressure washing, from a branch I think. I bought the wide roll of Gorilla Tape and cut a patch about 2” wide and 6” inches long. I cut the corners so they were rounded. I used a wallpaper seam roller to get good adhesion. It’s been holding up great for two years now.