Forum Discussion

yankeeslover's avatar
yankeeslover
Explorer
Mar 20, 2014

Dicor rubber roof Protectant-Is it waste on EPDM roof?

I own a 2014 Primetime tracer. I believe its a EPDM roof. I purchased new last year.. I will admit I never once went on the roof my first year of ownership.. my dealer offers two free roof inspections per season so I have them go up there twice a year and they have a bottle of dicor if theres any cracks..
This year I want to go on roof and clean it, I will probably purchase the Dicor rubber roof cleaner and use that, but I see Dicor also has a rubber roof protectant. I have read that EPDM does not need any type of protectant added...is this true? what advantage does this dicor product have then if I do use it? is it a waste of money and time? thank you
  • pwrplay's avatar
    pwrplay
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2014
    Why do you want to clean the roof? I just make sure there is no debris collecting anywhere with a garden hose sprayer twice a year when I check the sealing and for any tears. I don't care if its dirty.
    The only time I ever cleaned it with anything was when I applied he Eternabond to seal a small tear from a branch.
    I wouldn't apply anything to my roof unless the manufacturer says so.
  • therink's avatar
    therink
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2014
    goducks10 wrote:
    Goldstalker wrote:
    Dirty roof = black streaks.


    Gutter extensions.


    Dirty roof still means black streaks, extensions or not. My pad at home is located near overhead trees. Debris lands on roof, gets into gutters and can at times clog the gutters rendering the downspouts useless. For me, it is part of my PM to regularly wash the roof with mild detergent and blast out the algae and debris in the gutters using a garden hose nozzle.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2014
    I haven't used the Dicor product but have some experience with EPDM roofing. The real truth is that unless you park in Southern Arizona 365, a protectant isn't needed. Most EPDM I see doesn't fail from UV degradation but from age. I do live in the Northern tier of States.

    There is a case to be made for coating with a white coating as that helps to keep inside temps down and it does make the roof look good. Knowing what I do about Dicor, I would assume their product is good but couldn't say how it compares to others for economy.
  • Highway_4x4's avatar
    Highway_4x4
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2014
    The last TT I had, had a EDPM roof> I spent way to much time on it. With my new 2014 I will hose off and clean once in a while. In about 12 years I might coat it with liquid rubber roof if I still have the TT. Keeping the TT waxed will help with the black streaks.
  • LarryJM's avatar
    LarryJM
    Explorer II
    Mar 21, 2014
    therink wrote:
    goducks10 wrote:
    Goldstalker wrote:
    Dirty roof = black streaks.


    Gutter extensions.


    Dirty roof still means black streaks, extensions or not. My pad at home is located near overhead trees. Debris lands on roof, gets into gutters and can at times clog the gutters rendering the downspouts useless. For me, it is part of my PM to regularly wash the roof with mild detergent and blast out the algae and debris in the gutters using a garden hose nozzle.


    RainKap WILL ELIMINATE 95% of any black streak problem and will enhance the prevention of possible water intrusion of things like windows, wall penetrations which are under it. It's impossible to clog and the harder it rains the better it works.

    As far as putting anything on your roof or doing anything besides simply rising it off IMO will shorten the life of your roof thru abrasion and accelerating the removal of the natural wearing away of the protective top layer of the EDPM.

    Larry
  • spadoctor's avatar
    spadoctor
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2014
    DO NOT CLEAN OR TREAT YOUR ROOF. EPDM was designed to use on commercial flat roofs. How many have you ever seen washed or treated. Every product I ever looked at contained petro distillates something to NEVER put on EPDM. Every time you wash it you remove some of the top layer and shorten the life. Don't waste your time or money.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Mar 21, 2014
    I contacted Thor about cleaning the roof and their response was to use spic and span, no protectants needed. Use a SOFT brush to reduce chance of damage .
  • thewhitehat's avatar
    thewhitehat
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2014
    I would imagine that following the manual that came with your trailer would be a good way to go. Here is a quote from the section in my owners manual about caring for rubber roof:

    "The rubber roof is a polymer membrane that will not rust or corrode and is very strong and durable. Other than periodic washing, the rubber roof material itself does not require maintenance or coatings. However, be advised that any attachment, seams, or joints in the rubber roof requires maintenance often!

    The roof material can, however, be punctured, snagged or cut by contact with other objects. Know the height of your unit and avoid contact with overpasses, trees, ectc. If the rubber roof is damaged, it is designed to be patched. Rubber roof patch kits are available through your local dealer. If done correctly, these kits are designed extremely reliable    "


    On my trailer, the roof is partially visible from the ground and when it is dirty, it spoils the looks. I will clean it once per year.

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