Cleaning & Caring for a Rubber Roof

[Big_Rig1]

Just would like to know how folks with a rubber roof take care of them. What to you use to clean the roof & what do you use to condition the rubber? How often do you do what you do? How do you go about doing it & what products do you use?

Big Rig (John)

[DWeikert]

Wind, rain and the occasional hose down to get anything trapped under a solar panel.

Does EPDM require systematic maintenance or additional coatings or treatment to achieve its life expectancy?

No. No special coating or other surface treatment is required. General maintenance in the form of good housekeeping should periodically be performed to remove debris and leaves, and to investigate the performance of other components.

http://www.epdmroofs.org/what-is-epdm/faqs/general-questions

You don't want debri like leaves or other organic material decaying away up there as the byproducts of decay could eat away at the roof, but other than inspecting for cracks forming in the EPDM and Dicor sealing around vents just a hose off occasionally should be sufficient. I'm not saying it'll hurt to go up with a mild detergent occasionally but I'd be cautions using anything that might actually degrade the EPDM while you're thinking you're adding a protective coating.

[bobndot]

I used Dawn or Murphys soap 2x a year for years w/o any problems.
Some stains are very difficult to remove if they have been sitting on the roof baking into it . Sometimes, its best not scrubbing too hard, just leave them be after normal washing.

EPDM will be slippery when wet, be careful. TPO is not as slippery.

Here are 2 links .
first from Trailer Life , second from Dicor tech support.

http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-how-to/trailer-tech/keeping-an-rv-roof-in-tiptop-shape/

http://www.rvbusiness.com/2011/08/dicor-issues-technical-report-on-rubber-roofs/

[owenssailor]

Also use Dawn with water and a soft long handled brush.

[joeshmoe]

water and Dawn liquid dish soap. That's it. The commercial cleaners are not necessary.

[GeoBoy]

Use Thetford Roof Cleaner & Conditioner, every year.

[Super_Dave]

My roof was warrantied for 12 years and is now 9 years old. I'm going to get it mop coated with a rubber roof sealer this off season.

[wildtoad]

I contacted Thor several years ago with that very question for my MH. Their response was quite simple. Wash the rubber roof once or twice a year at your option with a mild soap and water. They suggested spic and span but a car washing liquid would also work. They did not suggest any conditioners as they are not needed.

Here is what I do as we have high humidity leading to mildew. I mix up a batch of car wash liquid, water, and a bit of Clorox bleach. Spray it on the roof and let it sit for a bit. Then spray it off and hit the stubborn spots a second time. No brushing. Works good enough for me.

[SugarHillCTD]

I use a couple of Dicor products- cleaner & conditioner.

The cleaner turns the roof white again.

There are some Youtube videos Re: rubber roof maintenance.