Rubber roof treatment

I did once. have not bothered since, Roof is now 11 years old and does not show any signs of issues, Some of the caulking is starting to show signs I need to re-do it (or have Rachel do it when I get back home, She's the RV-GIRL, Mobile RV tec). I do go up 2 or 3 times a year with a Mop (Well van wash brush, kind of a long handled car wash brush) Bucket, Garden hose/sprayer and Spic and Span.

I had an EPDM roof on a 1996 Jayco. The roof was not giving me any trouble, but I thought I would take a belt and suspenders approach. First I gave it a good washing with some dish soap, warm water and a soft broom. Got it clean as I could. Then I gave it two coats of Kool Coat from Camping world, and also used the primer first as directed. I just sold the rig after 16 years and the roof never leaked, nor did the Kool Coat peel or give any problem. A big bonus was it completely stopped the black streaking which the dandruff from the roof contributes to. I think I probably would of had to re-roof during that period without the Kool Coat. It worked great for me, but I followed the directions to the letter.

Thanks to all who replied. I think I will follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Even cleaning it isn't necessary and will only serve to shorten its life because the more you remove that white protective layer the shorter its life. But if it's something you see or it just bothers you then Spic and Span is what the mfgr suggests.

while the mfg say nothing else is needed other than cleaning, interestingly Dicor, which sells the membrane does sell both a cleaner and protector. Neither likely does any damage, but IMHO it's not clear that either does anything better than spic and span and no treatment.

what is clear is that the mfg, dicor and others all say do NOT use any products with petroleum distilates in them. watch the labels of what you use.

I follow the manufacturers guidelines which are, there is no additional treatment recommended beyond periodic cleaning with a non abrasive cleaner and medium bristle brush.

DutchmenSport wrote:
I simply do not understand why folks will go over-board attempting to put wax on the side of their campers, but when it comes to the roof, they say you don't need to do anything.

I could likewise argue that I "don't understand" why one would choose to treat EPDM rubber roof membrane when the company that manufactures it says it's not necessary, and in fact may be detrimental. :)

Triker33 wrote:
My EPDM roof is now 18 years 2 months old.

Looks like it will still be good for a few more years yet.

I said the same thing about the original roof on our 96 Southwind two years ago. It deteriorated quickly after that.
I just did some major repairs and coated the roof. Now it's good to go.

But, you probably don't get quite as much snow/ice in Homestead, Fl as we do in Pennsylvania. :M
That probably makes a difference.

This subject comes up every so often, and I almost always get shot down, but I'll continue tooting my horn because this works for me. I use this stuff ... click here ... because its made for RV rubber roof's, cleans well, and along with the conditioner will put a really smooth, slick, coat on top of the rubber. I simply do not understand why folks will go over-board attempting to put wax on the side of their campers, but when it comes to the roof, they say you don't need to do anything. Think of the "conditioner" step as a wax for your rubber roof, resealing it with a smooth, soft coat that repels water like glass.

Yea, it cost more than Spic-n-Span, but it is designed FOR rubber roof's!

My EPDM roof is now 18 years 2 months old. I only wash it 2 times a year with a 1700 PSI pressure washer. It sits outside 24/7 and I have never used any soap or any treatment on it.

Looks like it will still be good for a few more years yet.