Dirty roof-what are you guys using to clean?

[yankeeslover]

My TT is one years old... local dealer just did a free roof inspection as part of there NYS inspection.. just called me and told me that the roof is dirty and that it looks like its parked under tree in summer... wants over $200.00 to clean the roof.. I told him "no thanks" will do myself.... with that said.. I don't really care if the roof is spotless as long as it last as long as possible. I don't want to go up there scrubbing stuff if it can wear the roof down a bit... will just a hose work? or should I also get a sponge type of mop up there? I don't want to get anything rough that will wear the top off....so I can either
A)just hose it off
B)hose it off and gently scrub with a sponge mop
C)spray dicor aftermarket roof cleaner spray and sponge mop and spray with hose...
Im really sorry about these questions. im new to all this and I know a lot of your have years experience. I rather have a dirty roof that last 20 years then a clean roof that last 10-15 years......And I say that because I assume that the more you clean your roof with dicor cleaner or a mop it will wear the roof down some....thank you...

[dadmomh]

x2 on the Roof Cleaner and Roof Conditioner. You need to know for sure what type of roof you have before you start. Our HTT and now TT are under a covered Rockyport, so they did/do stay cleaner. When DH installed the vent covers a few weeks ago he said that the roof could stand a cleaning, but as much as he and his high-tech hip enjoy going up the ladder and onto the roof, I'd bet it'll wait.

Re the ladder....ours is very usable and has a sticker that gives weight limits. If you're not sure, check with the manufacturer, but I'd bet you can go ahead. DH did say that it was a LOT easier than going up the step ladder and then crawling onto the roof.

[BradinOhio]

Another Murphy's Oil Soap user here.

[tbred]

My TPO roof manufacturer recommends Murphy's Oil Soap.

[2012Coleman]

I'm sure you got a stack of manuals with your TT purchase - did you look in there for info on your roof?

[DutchmenSport]

Dawn is a great cleaner. I use it on lots of thing. But it is also designed to cut right through cooking grease. But Dawn also cuts right through motor oil also ... yea .. petroleum! And anything that will cut through and remove petroleum products (like oil and grease on your hands), will also cut the same oils from rubber! (Think about it).

[AtomicChicken]

I use Dawn w/ a soft brush on a nice long handle - works good.

[DutchmenSport]

I use only Rubber Roof Cleaner made for RV rubber roofs, and then follow up with the Rubber Roof protectant against UV rays. (twice a year .. Spring and middle of summer...) I know there are lesser and cheaper methods, but why take chances on cheaper cleaner solutions that may damage the roof long or short term later. The RV Rubber Roof cleaners and conditioners are designed to have all the "stuff" that will not only remove the dirt, but also put the "nutrients" back in the soil to keep it healthy! (to use a farming analogy here).

My way of thinking: You purchased an RV that cost you a bazillion dollars. Why cheap-out now on servicing it? Use the right product for the right job. You paid the price for the RV, so pay the price to maintain it. Besides, in the log run, the right product will save a costly repair later, especially if the roof dries out because you used too harsh a cleaner on it and it stripped out the oils that make the rubber what it is, and then cracks, tears, and peals.

[Monaco_Montclai]

I use e--and d -------elbow grease,and dawn---now it all happy-camping

[gbopp]

A 'free' roof inspection. :W

It sounds like a money maker for the dealer.

[facory]

Murphy's Oil Soap is a good cleaner.

[dodge_guy]

I use some soap and water and a soft brush. Roof stays clean and I have very little black streaks if any. I can get up on my roof and walk on it.

[anaro]

Awesome and a soft bristle truck brush has been the best on our roof so far. We wash twice a year. Not only does it help with black streaks, it gives a great excuse to have a good roof inspection while you are up there. We also wash, buff and wax the tt twice a year. Keeps her looking gorgeous.

[ChooChooMan74]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002EVWDNU?pc_redir=1397940282&robot_redir=1

[Lowsuv]

My experience is that there is no substitute for frequent washing .
After every trip I use my 9" wide x 3" deep soft bristle truck brush on a 6 foot handle .
I lay down a stripe of Palmolive on the brush and wash the roof , corrugated aluminum siding , windows , awning , and door .
I rinse the brush in a 5 gallon pail of HOT water .
For the tight spots I lay a splash of Palmolive on a car wash mitt .
Of course the ubiquitous 3 /4 " garden hose with a fireman's nozzle to rinse .
I do this every time without exception .
My 12 year old Komfort looks as good as when I picked her up a dozen years ago .