Forum Discussion

grantcallahan's avatar
grantcallahan
Explorer
Sep 11, 2014

Rubber Roof Maintenance

2007 40' Jayco Recon Toy Hauler

I bought my toy hauler 2 years ago and love every bit of it. I consider myself pretty handy and like to do whatever work I can myself instead of paying someone else.

So, my rubber rough is rougly 7yrs old and have to assume (because I dont know) that there has never been any maintenance applied to it. I cleaned the roof this past fall with the Camco rubber roof cleaner and the roof appears to be pretty clean, white, and in good shape. But I understand roofs can be 'bad news' if you don't pay them the appropriate attention.

QUESTION: Should I seal my roof? Brand? If so, is this something I do every 3-5 years? Besides basic painting instructions, any specific tips on painting, cleaning roof prior to, etc? I periodically go up there and look around the seams to ensure the caulking is in good shape, etc.

10 Replies

  • RJsfishin's avatar
    RJsfishin
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2014
    This is the correct answer. Any dirty coating on the roof is nothing but a protector. Any cleaning other than a water hose, especially w/ any kind of a harsh soap, is just washing a little more of your roof down the drain (or on the ground)
    Yep. I had one for 15 yrs, never a problem.

    ScottG wrote:
    There's no need to even clean it, which will simply wear it faster. The only "Maintenance" is to make sure the sealant at the seams is in good shape.
    The material is meant to be ignored its whole life and requires no other maint.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Sep 11, 2014
    I use Spic & Span but ....

    Should you re-seal

    Only if there is evidence you need to

    What is evidence.. Leaks of course.. or visible cracking (Which you stated you did not have).

    The only chemical I use on the roof is Spic & Span, treat it much like the kitchen floor in my mother's house (Save I do not wax the roof)
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Sep 11, 2014
    There's no need to even clean it, which will simply wear it faster. The only "Maintenance" is to make sure the sealant at the seams is in good shape.
    The material is meant to be ignored its whole life and requires no other maint.
  • Sandia_Man's avatar
    Sandia_Man
    Explorer II
    Sep 11, 2014
    Roof material is pretty durable, my TH is of similar age and roof looks great. I am more concerned with caulking at the seams and other roof penetrations as we get lots of sun and cracking is an ongoing issue.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Sep 11, 2014
    No! Clean it and forget it. A little soap, bleach and water is all you need to keep it looking good for years. Every time you clean it check all the places where there is caulking. If it looks to be cracking or drying out, take steps to redo.
  • Campfire_Time's avatar
    Campfire_Time
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2014
    x2. So long as it looks good and you clean it a couple of times a year, you don't have anything to worry about. Our last trailer was 10 years old when we traded and the roof looked like new.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 11, 2014
    grantcallahan wrote:
    QUESTION: Should I seal my roof? Brand? If so, is this something I do every 3-5 years? Besides basic painting instructions, any specific tips on painting, cleaning roof prior to, etc?
    no ,no,no
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Sep 11, 2014
    No. Clean thoroughly twice a year. Inspect and seal seams as necessary. The roof material unless it is damaged should last 12-15 years.

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