Forum Discussion

DD716TED's avatar
DD716TED
Explorer
Sep 24, 2015

EDPM Rubber roof maintenance??

I have a 4 year old 26' TT that was purchased new and always kept under cover except when in use... This week while camping we were discussing roof maintenace and what we need to do before the winter camping season
begins.. My roof has never been treated and appears to be very clean but should it be treated with somethiing before the winter camping season begins?? I am almost 70 years old / 290lbs and wondering if it can be done from a ladder as I won't go on the roof or should I take it to the local dealer to have it done and inspected at the same time?? Next question.. What should I expect for a dealer to charge do this job if no additional repairs are needed?? I like to have a cost figure in my head before talking to them?? What have you paid to have your roof treated??
  • Chopperbob's avatar
    Chopperbob
    Explorer
    Sep 24, 2015
    The only treatment is to clean and inspect for cracks
    which is treated with Dicor calk.
    In severe cases it can be coated with a elestameric coating. Which you probably do not need.
    I've never paid for this but be careful. The calk is about
    $10 per tube.
    Bob
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Sep 24, 2015
    Where are you in Washington State?
    When I had a broken leg I had it done at Baydos RV. (Chehalis).
    They inspected, resealed seams and openings as needed, washed it and put some kind of treatment on it.

    LINK to Baydos
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Sep 24, 2015
    If you can't inspect the roof by yourself, bite the bull it and pay someone. The critical issue is checking for caulking/sealants that may be at the endpoint. As far as roof treatments, don't waste your money. If the roof needs washing then spray the roof with a mixture of bleach, car wash soap, and of course water. All can be done from a ladder. Let the mixture sit for a bit then spray it off and rinse really well.
  • spoon059's avatar
    spoon059
    Explorer II
    Sep 24, 2015
    Like has been said, roof treatment is snake oil. It doesn't help anything except for padding the profits of the chemical companies. I'm half your age and don't like climbing on the roof of my trailer. I would get some quotes to have your trailer re-caulked and inspected by a dealer.

    Honestly it shouldn't take more than an hour of labor ($120 give or take?) and a couple tubes of Dicor lap sealant ($10-$15). I'm not sure what real world prices are... but I cannot imagine them spending more than an hour on the job.
  • mtofell1's avatar
    mtofell1
    Explorer
    Sep 25, 2015
    Yep, cleaners are a scam. Inspect the seams and clean it if you like but it won't help it last longer. EPDM roofs have been in use for years in commercial applications with ZERO recommendations for treating/cleaning.
  • 2012Coleman's avatar
    2012Coleman
    Explorer II
    Sep 25, 2015
    Most on the forum recommend Spic & Span. I needed to clean and inspect my roof and found out I was out of it, so I used the Camco cleaner I had bought when the TT was new. I was surprised at how much dirt came off vs. the Spic & Span.

    You can stand on a ladder next to the TT and spray it on, and use a soft brush screwed onto a wooden/metal handle which is long enough to reach the center of the roof. Then switch sides and repeat. Caulking should be inspected every year. I'm not good at doing this so I paid to have it taken up and reapplied.

    If your TT is aluminum sided, be careful not to dent it with the top of the ladder

    Don't use any cleaners on the roof that contain petroleum distillates.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Sep 25, 2015
    You can certainly stand on a ladder and do some cleaning. BUT, in order to inspect and reseal you are going to have to climb up and walk or crawl the roof.
    No way around it.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Sep 25, 2015
    If you're worried about weight on the roof, use some plywood or expanded foam sheet to spread out your weight.

    FWIW, I'm getting up there in years too and finally realized that I don't have to do everything myself (as much as I'd like to). I've already put in a lot of time at hard work and I figure a guy can draw a line somewhere. Otherwise, you'll probably read about me in the papers--"Shorewood man breaks back/neck/skull while trying to clean RV".

    Good luck with your projects!

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