Black spots on rubber roof ???

[ilvtravln]

We have an 09 Bighorn, small black spots on entire roof and slideouts. 5er sits outside, no birds or trees around. I have regularly washed it a few times a year. What causes this and how do I fix it? Thanks

[B_O__Plenty]

Why is it important to get rid of them? The more you scrub, the more of the wear layer you take off shortening the lifespan of the the roof. Mine gets washed when it rains. I just don't worry about it..

B.O.

[jkbrea]

I noticed my fifth wheel roof also is covered with black spots, about the size of a dime. I used a soft brush and simple green solution about 3-4 times a year and once a year use a roof protectant that mops on.
I tried cleaning it today. It cleaned the roof but not the spots. I called Richardsons RV near where I live. They said it is a mold caused by mildew and it won't come off. He said scrubbing may fade it but wont't remove it. He also said it will not harm the roof and it is ok to use rubber conditioner or any other product I have been using.

Hope he's right.:@

[Me_Again]

Spic-n-span power and a stiff long handled brush, and a lot of work. Chris

[cummins2014]

Fresno Tundra Driver wrote:

BarneyS wrote:
I could be the white coating is wearing off exposing the black rubber.
Barney

X2. It's not mold it's just the white coating wearing off.

Thats funny, I too have the black spots all over the roof, but a little hard rubbing ,and they come off, does not look like a white coating rubbing off , the black spots disappear.

[wvcampers]

ilvtravln wrote:

YnotTurbo wrote:
These are mold spots. They do not harm the roof. Just not very attractive. My fiver has them too.

Might be mold spots will take a closer look, Thanks

Mold spots is why the bleach works, Just give it a try.

[ilvtravln]

BarneyS wrote:
I could be the white coating is wearing off exposing the black rubber.
Barney

According to Trailer Life white is suppose to flake off slowly, mine may be going too fast.

[ilvtravln]

YnotTurbo wrote:
These are mold spots. They do not harm the roof. Just not very attractive. My fiver has them too.

Might be mold spots will take a closer look, Thanks

[ilvtravln]

Chopperbob wrote:
There are coatings available to refresh your roof.
Not costly and DIY. Rubber roofs slowly wear out.
Before it gets real bad coat it. I've done several.
Clean it primer then two coats of finish. I admit I'm in
Cal where it's sunny most of the time but it's doable.
I also used it on my awning and the roof of my shed.

I coated it but the spots came thru again, Thanks

[waltbennett]

The white coating on an EDPM rubber roof is an ablative one and is INTENDED to slowly come off. That's where all the streaks come from on the sides of our trailers. The actual roof membrane is black rubber, and it will show once the white is all gone. Even then, the roof is still good. Just doesn't look pretty and has more solar gain potential.

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

mtofell1 wrote:
I had the same spots on the roof of the TT I just sold. I scrubbed at them with some various cleaners and they didn't budge so I left them alone. There's absolutely no surface deterioration so I don't agree that it's the roof "wearing away".

Keep in mind EPDM rubber is in use on 1000s of commercial buildings in the nation and there are zero maintenance requirements. Certainly, if it makes you feel better to make someone rich buy buying their "softener" products go for it but it's not necessary. Keep the physical debris (leaves, etc.) off of it to allow for the intended water flow and you're good.

The roof itself isn't "wearing away". Like you said, EPDM is made to last(20 year warranty). The white material is only the outer coating. Look in your gutter after you wash your RV next time.

[mtofell1]

I had the same spots on the roof of the TT I just sold. I scrubbed at them with some various cleaners and they didn't budge so I left them alone. There's absolutely no surface deterioration so I don't agree that it's the roof "wearing away".

Keep in mind EPDM rubber is in use on 1000s of commercial buildings in the nation and there are zero maintenance requirements. Certainly, if it makes you feel better to make someone rich buy buying their "softener" products go for it but it's not necessary. Keep the physical debris (leaves, etc.) off of it to allow for the intended water flow and you're good.

[MNRon]

Suspect it's white wearing off as others have said. One of the reasons I don't wash my roof, the other being I'm too lazy 🙂

Bipeflier - take off the shroud inside on one of your vents, you probably have an EPDM (rubber) roof like most of us. You'll see that it's a black rubber with a white coating, not "white all the way through"

[Bipeflier]

Fresno Tundra Driver wrote:

BarneyS wrote:
I could be the white coating is wearing off exposing the black rubber.
Barney

X2. It's not mold it's just the white coating wearing off.

???? My rubber roof is white all the way through. Never saw one that was white over black.

[wvcampers]

Use bleach in a spray bottle,3 parts bleach,1 part water. Try to work dry areas of the roof, spray the bleach on the roof and watch the black spots disappear. Then you can use soft brush like you use on the sides with car wash soap to finish that area. Hose it off then move to another mostly dry area and repeat. It will be sparkling white with no black spots. My camper is 8 years old and I have used this since new. The rubber roof is still in good shape. After it is clean I apply 2 coats of protect-all roof treatment. Just keep the bleach hosed off of the sides of the camper.