Cleaning & sealing a membrane roof

The manufacturer, Alpha Systems, of the roof on my trailer (EPDM)type says unequivocally to NOT use Acetone or any other petroleum based material on the roof. The roof will be damaged.

"DO NOT USE ACETONE, OR ANY OTHER PRODUCTS CONTAINING PETROLEUM DISTILLATES, ON THE ALPHA SYSTEMS ROOF MEMBRANE. USE OF THESE PRODUCTS WILL DAMAGE THE MEMBRANE."

This is the direct quote from Alpha Systems.

Alpha Systems also says treating the roof is not necessary, that all that needs to be done is periodic washing with either Spic & Span or Dawn or similar product.

352 wrote:

NanciL wrote:

352 wrote:
Some will disagree but Acetone is one of the best cleaners. Make real sure it stays on the roof or it will take paint off the sides of your RV.

You are making a mistake.
Acetone is a solvent and is used to soften sealants for removing them.

Jack L

I have used acetone for 20 years on several different roof types with no issues. Are you sure you know what you are talking about or did you just read the label? Try using acetone to soften seals and let me know how it works for you.

NanciL wrote:

352 wrote:
Some will disagree but Acetone is one of the best cleaners. Make real sure it stays on the roof or it will take paint off the sides of your RV.

You are making a mistake.
Acetone is a solvent and is used to soften sealants for removing them.

Jack L

I have used acetone for 20 years on several different roof types with no issues. Are you sure you know what you are talking about or did you just read the label? Try using acetone to soften seals and let me know how it works for you.

Thanks for the response. I think I will use Dawn & warm water.

352 wrote:
Some will disagree but Acetone is one of the best cleaners. Make real sure it stays on the roof or it will take paint off the sides of your RV.

You are making a mistake.
Acetone is a solvent and is used to soften sealants for removing them.

Jack L

We do it once a year using spic and span to clean it, (the liquid-the powdered is abrasive) then we use 303 protectant.

Last year we had one area where the AC units discharge seemed to be wearing it and we used Heng's rubber roof coating. the surface must be cleaned before using it, and then it can be brushed on or rolled on.

Jack L

If you want to clean something, clean the gutters along the sides of the RV. This is where most of the dirt collects which causes black streaks.

the more you clean an EPDM roof the shorter its life....ever hear of an office building roof being scrubbed???...and its the same material. NEVER use anything that contains petro chemicals on a membrane of any type it will cause damage over time. Cleaning and treating is just hype by companies selling those products

I bought the trigger-spray bottle of Thetford's roof cleaner when it was on sale, along with one of the soft brushes. The stuff suds well and I can easily do the roof on my 26' box more than once.

Lap sealant on seams where they need it (pre-cleaned with alcohol this time, planning for mineral spirits next time).

A lot of folks use Dawn or Spic n Span. The powdered Spic n Span works great if you can find it. I've used both and they work fine. I would not use Acetone as the roof mfg recommends against it.

Soap and water ONLY if you're talking about an EPDM rubber roof. If it's TPO Vinyl it's not as important what you use. Acetone will cause an EPDM roof to loose it's grip on the adhesive used to secure it. You occasionally see one of these on the highway with the roof blown up like a balloon.