Forum Discussion

DiskDoctr's avatar
DiskDoctr
Explorer
Apr 03, 2017

Cleaning Brite-Ply EPDM Roof?

Oxyclean? Dawn? Bleach? Spic-n-Span? Thetford Premium Rubber Roof Cleaner & Conditioner?

The roof was in a coastal wooded area, not directly under trees.

It is the white EPDM and feels a little "slimey" with a little green tint, especially on the edges.

No cuts, holes, or leaks.

I'm thinking maybe algae? A little mildew?

I've read a wide range of opinions about cleaning EPDM/Rubber roofs. Generally "leave it alone but keep it clean, unless you have to"

I am thinking I need to kill off any of the growth, but prefer not to hard scrub our 12 yr old roof. I plan to reseal and possibly replace a vent or two, but not much else since there aren't any active leaks that we've found.

We were considering oxyclean or bleach to kill the growth, but will that be any problem for the fiberglass sides or the Dicor sealant or plastic roof parts, like vent cover, fridge vent cover, etc?

It's on our 2005 Keystone Cougar 304BHS Bumper Pull.

Opinions and ideas? Favorite products?
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Apr 03, 2017
    The growth does no harm to the roof and as you know, aggressive cleaning only shortens its life.
    The manufacturer recommends SpicNSpan. Anything with bleach does a great job (I once spilled some Tylex up there and it was the whitest spot on the roof!) cleaned but probably isn't very good for it.
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Apr 03, 2017
    I cleaned my rubber roof 2x a year wih rubber various suggested roof cleaners that did not contain petroleum distillates'

    Its been advised NOT to use on rubber roofs : Petroleum distillates are hydrocarbon solvents produced from crude oil. These solvents include mineral spirits, kerosene, white spirits, naphtha, and Stoddard solvent. Petroleum distillates are good for removal of heavy oil and grease, tar, and waxes.

    http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-how-to/trailer-tech/keeping-an-rv-roof-in-tiptop-shape/
  • DiskDoctr's avatar
    DiskDoctr
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2017
    ScottG wrote:
    The growth does no harm to the roof and as you know, aggressive cleaning only shortens its life.
    The manufacturer recommends SpicNSpan. Anything with bleach does a great job (I once spilled some Tylex up there and it was the whitest spot on the roof!) cleaned but probably isn't very good for it.


    I'm not sure if the growth will hurt the roof or not? I could believe either way ;)

    I've read bleach is okay...but...it is still bleach, so too much for too long is detrimental to most things. I'm hoping it would be okay to use one of the hydrogen peroxide products instead to kill off the growth.

    Then there is the fiberglass sides and plastic trim, over which whatever used on the roof will drain as it is rinsed. Will it hurt or leave marks?

    Aggressive cleaning? Yeah, trying to avoid that. My goal isn't "whitest whites" rather preserving the roof. I do not intend to get into a roof cleaning routine, except maybe hose and rinse, maybe use some dawn to keep the sticks and leaves and residue off it on occasion.

    I appreciate your thoughts on it, trying to do the right thing here.
  • DiskDoctr's avatar
    DiskDoctr
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2017
    bobndot wrote:
    I cleaned my rubber roof 2x a year wih rubber various suggested roof cleaners that did not contain petroleum distillates'

    Its been advised NOT to use on rubber roofs : Petroleum distillates are hydrocarbon solvents produced from crude oil. These solvents include mineral spirits, kerosene, white spirits, naphtha, and Stoddard solvent. Petroleum distillates are good for removal of heavy oil and grease, tar, and waxes.

    http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-how-to/trailer-tech/keeping-an-rv-roof-in-tiptop-shape/


    I read that exact article, thanks ;)

    What did you use to clean the roof? Was it just a cleaner or also conditioner?

    How old was your roof?

    I'm not sure about the Murphy's Oil Soap suggested in the article? We thought it a bit odd suggestion, didn't you? We've used that indoors on wood with good results.

    After the roof, we're planning on a full wash and then some kind of wax. I use a cleaner wax on my vehicle, maybe the same for the camper?

    I've read automotive wax is good for the fiberglass, but also read about marine gelcoat stuff?

    Whatever we finally use, it's good to take care of the roof first, otherwise the runoff could strip the wax we just put on :E

    I'm going to have to setup a place to host pics....

    Thanks ;)
  • bobndot's avatar
    bobndot
    Explorer II
    Apr 04, 2017
    It was a new roof and i used "Protect All rubber roof cleaner" then a conditioner to finish it off. I was told that was to help with the UV.
    "Protect All rubber roof Treatment".

    I have also used Murphy's soap with ok results. I thought the rubber roof cleaner cleaned it a little better (less work, easier to work in)

    I have used marine wax and oxidation remover on the filon with good results.
    I have had good results using Mequiar's cleaner/wax that was real easy to use.

    Yes, do the roof first.
    On the filon sides i first cleaned it with marine wash n wax and for more stubborn black streaks either Simple Green or Korkay spray cleaner.
    The Mequiar's does a very good job on the streaks as well but requires a little rubbing than the Korkay or SG.
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Apr 04, 2017
    DiskDoctr wrote:

    I'm not sure about the Murphy's Oil Soap suggested in the article? We thought it a bit odd suggestion, didn't you? We've used that indoors on wood with good results.


    I've used it many times on roofs and it works well.
  • DiskDoctr's avatar
    DiskDoctr
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2017
    proxim2020 wrote:
    DiskDoctr wrote:

    I'm not sure about the Murphy's Oil Soap suggested in the article? We thought it a bit odd suggestion, didn't you? We've used that indoors on wood with good results.


    I've used it many times on roofs and it works well.


    Yeah? What does it do to the fiberglass sides? Do you then wash them off and wax or whatever...or do you use Murphy's Oil Soap on the sides, too?
  • 2012Coleman's avatar
    2012Coleman
    Explorer II
    Apr 05, 2017
    I bought the Camco roof cleaner at Walmart. Spray on in sections and use a soft brush with a long handle from an 8ft ladder. When my roof dried it was very white. Try it, you will be amazed.
  • LarryJM's avatar
    LarryJM
    Explorer II
    Apr 05, 2017
    DiskDoctr wrote:
    Oxyclean? Dawn? Bleach? Spic-n-Span? Thetford Premium Rubber Roof Cleaner & Conditioner?

    The roof was in a coastal wooded area, not directly under trees.

    It is the white EPDM and feels a little "slimey" with a little green tint, especially on the edges.

    No cuts, holes, or leaks.

    I'm thinking maybe algae? A little mildew?

    I've read a wide range of opinions about cleaning EPDM/Rubber roofs. Generally "leave it alone but keep it clean, unless you have to"

    I am thinking I need to kill off any of the growth, but prefer not to hard scrub our 12 yr old roof. I plan to reseal and possibly replace a vent or two, but not much else since there aren't any active leaks that we've found.

    We were considering oxyclean or bleach to kill the growth, but will that be any problem for the fiberglass sides or the Dicor sealant or plastic roof parts, like vent cover, fridge vent cover, etc?

    It's on our 2005 Keystone Cougar 304BHS Bumper Pull.

    Opinions and ideas? Favorite products?


    I recommend you do the same as the commercial roof folks .... NOTHING ... attempting to clean will IMO only shorten the overall life of the roof due to abrasion and removing the naturally occurring residue that forms over time.

    Larry

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