Forum Discussion

uscgcolletti's avatar
uscgcolletti
Explorer
May 01, 2016

Rubber roof care?

Sitting outside while grilling and my neighbors are using a pressure washer on thier rubber roof...
I've always heard that's a no no.
He is using it up close too.
I think i'll mind my own business.
  • SoundGuy wrote:
    #1nobby wrote:
    My new to me TT needs a serious cleaning. Serious.

    And I will be using my pressure washer.

    I'll let you all know how it turns out.


    SoundGuy wrote:
    Well at least you can't claim later you weren't warned against it. :W


    #1nobby wrote:
    I know people that wouldn't know which end of a hammer to hold.

    Doesn't mean it's the wrong tool for the job....just means it's not being used properly.


    Yeah, in this case a pressure washer is the wrong tool for the job and considering the volume of products available for properly cleaning your EPDM roof, totally unnecessary.

    Your roof though so you can choose to abuse it in any way you want. :W


    Phew....thanks for that.

    Considering the sun, hail, torrential downpours....not to mention ice and snow.

    Maybe I should install a roof OVER the roof?
  • Phew....thanks for that.

    Considering the sun, hail, torrential downpours....not to mention ice and snow.

    Maybe I should install a roof OVER the roof?
    Just make sure you wash that new roof. :B

    I've been using pressure washers for longer than I'd like to admit. The trick is to use the correct tip, correct pressure, and keep enough distance from what you're cleaning. The soap that's being used should be doing the heavy lifting, not the pressure. A mid-grade pressure washer actually uses less water than a garden hose.

    On a related note: EPDM roofs don't benefit from washing but it may keep streaks off the sidewalls.
  • westend wrote:
    Phew....thanks for that.

    Considering the sun, hail, torrential downpours....not to mention ice and snow.

    Maybe I should install a roof OVER the roof?
    Just make sure you wash that new roof. :B

    I've been using pressure washers for longer than I'd like to admit. The trick is to use the correct tip, correct pressure, and keep enough distance from what you're cleaning. The soap that's being used should be doing the heavy lifting, not the pressure. A mid-grade pressure washer actually uses less water than a garden hose.

    On a related note: EPDM roofs don't benefit from washing but it may keep streaks off the sidewalls.


    My TT has been sitting unused under trees for 5 years now.

    There is "black" and pine needles and dirt over the whole unit.

    I will clean it top to bottom and then spend a good day inspecting and re-sealing everything.

    I'll be back to square one so that I can neglect it on my own schedule.:)