Forum Discussion

chris_gaitan's avatar
chris_gaitan
Explorer
Aug 25, 2014

Rubber roof questions

I just purchased my first travel trailer. I'm not a beginner but I've always had motorhomes. All my previous rv's have had fiberglass or other type roofs. This is the first rubber roof. The trailer is an 04 Fleetwood wilderness 32'. Its in incredible shape but has sat the last 6 years. I want to clean the roof and make sure I keep it in shape since its had no care the past few years. I went to a local rv shop to get some recommended supplies. The gentlemen pointed me to a couple products then told me that if after I wash it to wait a day. After that to take my finger and if the roof gives off any white chalk to my finger the roof needs replaced. Now that just seemed a bit much to me. So I come here to ask the experts. Is this the case? Is a white chalk the death nail to my roof? It has zero leaks and I just can't imagine it would need replacing so soon. Is there a coating I can apply to the roof to make it last, and finally what should I really do maintenance wise to keep it healthy? Thanks in advance
Seeking Advice
  • chris_gaitan's avatar
    chris_gaitan
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2014
    Forgot to add that I live in the high deserts of southern California so not much rain and very little humidity. Don't know if it matters but thought I'd add it
  • hotbyte's avatar
    hotbyte
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2014
    Never heard that...but I can't imagine an RV sitting 6 years and not needing attention to the caulk, seams, etc. I'd plan on doing that also.
  • NCKZ_Camper's avatar
    NCKZ_Camper
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2014
    Scrub the roof with Spic & Span. Keep sidewalls wet when doing this! Dry for a day. Put new Dicor self leveling sealant around every place where there is existing sealant. Use non leveling sealant where roof meets sidewalls and then seal with a quality rubber roof treatment over entire roof after sealant has set for a few days.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2014
    It's normal for a rubber roof to Chalk.

    I have a 96 Southwind with a rubber roof. It chalks but, the roof is in good condition. I wash it one or two times a year.
  • MWJones's avatar
    MWJones
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2014
    Roof needs replaceing??????
    Those people are bad misinformed or they must be the biggest LIERS that I have ever heard !!!!
    Stay away from that shop, except to report him to his employer, which may have told him that.
  • harold1946's avatar
    harold1946
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2014
    Wash it with any mild soap that does not contain petroleum or citric acid. I use and recommend Murphys Oil Soap. If the roofing material is EPDM do not get too agressive.
    The chalking is the normal sluffing off of the top layer and not a major concern.
    Some of us apply a UV protectant such as Aerospace 303.
    There are several products available for coating the roof, Dicor rubber roof coating is one of the best.

    Welcome to RV.Net
  • chris_gaitan's avatar
    chris_gaitan
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2014
    I was pretty sure that just couldn't be correct. I know this place has had issues in the past with recommending repairs that are not necessary. I'll get some Murphy's oil soap and go to work. I just wasn't sure if a coating like dicor was needed or not. I inspected all seams vents and other leak areas and all looked in great shape but since I have no experience with the actual rubber roof material I felt like I needed the experts advice
  • wbrown62's avatar
    wbrown62
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2014
    Nothing dire with the chalk. Its just a form of oxidation. Wash with Spic n Span (actually recommended by at least one rubber roof manufacturer) and check very, very carefully all seams and seal as necessary. Dicor was a good recommendation.
  • restlesswind's avatar
    restlesswind
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2014
    Call Dicor and see what they recommend.(I think that Spic and Span will NOT be one of their recommendations.)
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Aug 25, 2014
    The salesman doesn't know what he's talking about. The roof will naturally chalk as it ages. About the only time it won't is right after you clean it.
    BTW, you don't have to clean it or do anything except inspect the sealant on it every year. It's a commercial roof and designed to be ignored its whole life.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,101 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 14, 2025