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30BR's avatar
30BR
Explorer
Jun 20, 2013

Rubber Roof Treatment

Well I did a search and read all the posts. It's about 50/50 on whether to treat or not treat. When my TT reached 9 years old, it leaked like crazy, both the caulking and rubber had cracked, leaked, made a huge mess.

Had it replaced front to back. The fellow that did the work said had I used the cleaner and treatment once a year, it would have never failed.

There was nothing in the Owners Manual when I bought it (new) that said anything about treating the rubber, but obviously I sould have done something. Can't afford to do this again, so what is the best treatment? Seems like cleaning should be straight forward.
  • I contacted Thor about what to do with my rubber roof. They said only to wash it once or twice a year with spic and span with a SOFT bristle brush. You don't want to use a stiff brush. They DID NOT suggest any "Treatment". They did say to inspect all caulking around vets, skylights, seams, etc and replace if required.
  • Treatments on EPDM rubber roofing is like polishing your sneakers. It not only does no GOOD it can easily do harm to your roof. They are DESIGNED to slough off rubber as they wear and they are almost always WARRANTED for at least 10 years and as long as 15 years (depending on the manufacturer). It is extremely rare for a rubber roof to ever LEAK within that warranty period. Nearly 100% of leaks reported are caulking or physical damage issues and treatment will do nothing to prevent either of these things.
  • I just light scrub regularly with water only.
    Tried a roof dressing once didn't really do anything.
  • 4 trailers with rubber roofs and have never "treated" any of them. Periodic gentle washes and regular seal/seam/caulk inspection - repair only.

    I don't care if it is spotless and sparkling white. It is a roof and as long as it doesn't leak I'm happy with it.

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