Forum Discussion

LVJJJ's avatar
LVJJJ
Explorer
Dec 18, 2017

Cleaning EDPM (EPDM) roofs

So, I can fix leaks, rebuild floors, change out fridges & toilets & furnaces & HWT's, and repair brakes, pack bearings, rewire things, etc., but I know nothing about trailer roofs.

(I remember reading a thread about this recently but I can't find it).

Got an '05 Trail Cruiser 26, which looks like it has one of those EDPM or EPDM or... rubber type roofs. It's got a bunch of black spots but doesn't look all that bad, no green grunge that we get a lot here of in NW Washington. In a recent heavy rain, black streaks have been forming on the sidewalls, so I figure the roof is plenty dirty and I should probably wash it. I've read where you shouldn't do that, and also where you should do that. If I should do it, what soap should I use?


The roof can be walked on cause the TT is made out of those laminated panels that are pretty strong.
  • Weldon's avatar
    Weldon
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2018
    Years ago when I bought my RV Dicor reccomended washing with Dawn concentrate. Since the many companies including Dicor have new products to sell you. I would like to know what people in the business have to say about cleaning the EPDM roof. I wash mine twice a year with Dawn.
  • NMDriver's avatar
    NMDriver
    Explorer
    Dec 18, 2017
    I only clean my roof when I am going to re-apply a EPDM paint, not every year. This happens to be a year that I needed to do some re-coating so I washed the roof last week. Tide laundry soap worked very well and washed off with no residue.

    Be careful if you are going to stand on the roof while cleaning. A wet roof, especially with a soap product added, becomes like ice-Very slippery. I got most of it clean by staying on a ladder and using a long handle brush. I did around the AC, vents, etc. first, staying on my hands and knees with as little water and soap as possible, then hit the big areas from the side with the brush, soap, and hose.
  • 352's avatar
    352
    Explorer
    Dec 18, 2017
    Everybody is going to say OMG don't ever do that. I use Acetone when the spots get out of hand. Just don't let it drip down the sides. What does Eternabond Company recommend to prep for application??? Acetone
  • NanciL's avatar
    NanciL
    Explorer II
    Dec 18, 2017
    What works for me:
    Wash it with liquid spic and span (following the directions) using a not to stiff brush.(the type with the long handle that you was your car with).
    Then use a conditioner that is made just for that. You get it a any RV dealer.
    I spray it on and then wipe it out with a sponge.

    I do it once or twice a year. New trailers recommend every 90 days.

    Jack L
  • jerryjay11's avatar
    jerryjay11
    Explorer
    Dec 18, 2017
    Roof Care

    You may want to check out these videos. What product you decide to use is up to you, though I found Dicor products worked great for me.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Dec 18, 2017
    George has a lot of good info. I add Clorox bleach to the Dawn. Brush it on and let it sit a bit before you rinse it off. Go over any stubborn spots. The same mix works for cleaning an awning.
  • George_H's avatar
    George_H
    Explorer
    Dec 18, 2017
    Dawn dish wash soap is recommended, I use Ivory and a long handled car wash brush. If stained a scrub brush will help. In our environment spring and fall cleaning works well.
    As for black streaks, if they are below the ends of so-called rain gutters add the extended tips and get the runoff off of the sidewall. I put on a set of flexible tips 10 years ago and they are still working great, NO STREAKS.

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