Hard Roof Maintenance

I picked up some 3M Caulk Remover at Lowe's to use for cleanup after a bathroom remodel, wherein I installed a fiberglass walk-in shower.

The warning label inside says" "To avoid possible damage, test tub/shower surface in an inconspicuous spot. Some fiberglass, other plastic or refinished surfaces may also be affected."

So I think a bit of caution is warranted.

Old Duck wrote:
Westend, is the caulk remover you use safe on rubber roofs?

I would think so but can't definitely say since I've never used it on EPDM. A search of the product characteristics, maybe at 3M, might yield the answer.

You didn't mention the type or make of Rv that you have. One issue, though rare, is the the fiberglass roof can sometimes come out from under the rain gutter metal rail. This is one point to keep and eye on the (usually clear) caulk along the top of the rain gutter rail for loose/missing caulk.

stevemorris wrote:
Our "new to us" tt has a fibreglass roof that looks to be in great shape other than tons of ugly gobs of caulking around everything. no signs of leaks anywhere though

other than the obvious replacing loose cracked caulking, are there any other maintenance items?

why a hard fg roof vs a rubber membrane like our previous trailer?

Depends on what you mean by a "fiberglass roof". Are you sure it's fiberglass and not vinyl TPO? If so, there are some iterations of TPO which can be damaged with the use of Dicor self leveling lap sealant and must instead be sealed with the Dicor UltraSealant System.

So - what make / model / year of trailer do you have and what roof membrane does it really have? :@

Westend, is the caulk remover you use safe on rubber roofs?

Count your lucky stars. A hard surface roof seems to have less problems than one with a membrane.

FWIW, since I discovered 3M Caulk Remover, removing failing or old sealants is a non-issue. Apply over caulk, cover with Saran Wrap, sit back and wait. Overnight, the remover dissolves enough of the caulk so it can be removed with fingers or a rag. I usually follow up with mineral spirits if I need the film that remains, removed.

Remove the loose caulking, use a heat gun on low and a plastic scraper.
Clean well and apply Dicor Self Leveling Lap Sealant.

Or, if possible, use Eternabond on any seams and around openings.