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Cleaning & Caring for a Rubber Roof

Big_Rig1
Explorer
Explorer
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)
04.5 Dodge Quad,3500,CTD,DRW,4X2,48RE, Ranchos, Tatman Wedgies
2015 Arctic Fox 990, 100W solar, power rear awning, Fox Landing, no generator, no oven
8 REPLIES 8

DWeikert
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.
Dan
2008 Chevy D/A 2500HD ECSB
2010 Northstar 8.5 Adventurer

bobndot
Explorer II
Explorer II
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
Explorer
Explorer
Also use Dawn with water and a soft long handled brush.
2011 Jayco 28U
2012 Chev Silverado Crew Cab 5.3 6 spd 3.42 (sold)
2017 Chev Silverado Crew Cab 5.3 8 spd 3.42
Equal-i-Zer 1400/14000
RotoChocks

joeshmoe
Explorer
Explorer
water and Dawn liquid dish soap. That's it. The commercial cleaners are not necessary.
2014 Northwood Wolf Creek 850
2005 Ford F350 SRW SuperCab/LongBed 6.0 Powerstroke
QuickTrick's Towing Tune
Torklift Tie Downs/Fastguns/Upper/Lower Stableloads
Rancho 9000's

GeoBoy
Explorer
Explorer
Use Thetford Roof Cleaner & Conditioner, every year.

Super_Dave
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Truck: 2006 Dodge 3500 Dually
Rig: 2018 Big Country 3155 RLK
Boat: 21' North River Seahawk

wildtoad
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.
Tom Wilds
Blythewood, SC
2016 Newmar Baystar Sport 3004
2015 Jeep Wrangler 2dr HT

SugarHillCTD
Explorer
Explorer
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.
John & Cathy
'12 Chevy 2500HD CC 4x4 sb
'16 Cougar 25RKS w/ Andersen rail mount
'13 Eagle Cap 850 (sold). B4 that a few other TCs and a TT