Forum Discussion

winger999's avatar
winger999
Explorer
Mar 27, 2018

Cleaning my roof

I have a rubber roof on my 2014 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 235FB which needs cleaning at least once per season. Is it safe to use a power washer on the rubber roof? Of course, I am asking after I did it last year. I used the lowest setting and it didn't seem to hurt anything. Just curious what others are doing and if I would be causing any unseen damage.

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  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2018
    I wouldn't use a power washer. I'm sure on low it will be okay. But, I would rather use a soft brush, take my time and inspect the roof while cleaning. Look for missing/loose caulk or other potential problems.
    A clean roof isn't necessary. A leak free roof is necessary.
  • tinstartrvlr's avatar
    tinstartrvlr
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2018
    2oldman wrote:
    I'm glad that new forum title is working.


    :B And you caught it before the moderator!
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 27, 2018
    I'm sure someone will say they do it all the time but I would never use one on any part of an RV.
    In regards to the roof, it could easily cause the membrane to lift.

    Unless it's a cosmetic thing, there's really no need to wash the roof. Doing so will only shorten its life and doesn't do anything for it.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Mar 27, 2018
    Personally I’d never use a power washer on the roof regardless of material, but others do. What I would do is get a two gallon yard sprayer and mix up a some detergent, cup or two of bleach, and the rest water. Spray the roof liberally with the mixture, using a brush gently scrub the roof, and then let it stand for 5-10 minutes so the bleach can work on any mildew, rinse the heck out of it. Touch up any areas you may have missed.

    This mixture is also good for cleaning awnings.

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