I was up on the Rubber Roof yesterday and noticed something I have not come across in my past RV's. The roof in some small areas like over the cabover on the edges has ripples/ bubbles. If you are standing up you can just look at the right side or left side and see the ripples they are about 2 to 3 inches long. I do know this roof was never cleaned or protected since new. Its a 2001 and the prior owner let it sit I got it with 5k miles on last summer, so I think I can handle cleaning it and protecting it from further issues. Its very very chalky and feels a bit scaley so I think I can bring it back. But the ripples in a few areas concern me and can I let them be???I was going to try that dicor rubber roof seal stuff that you roll on its like 80 bucks a can and you use the cleaner activator first maybe it would help at least make the roof look better but i know it wont help with ripples......Anyone use it??
* This post was
edited 06/28/12 02:55pm by k9-keno *
Regarding the "ripples" if it's not torn, ripped or damaged leave it alone.
As far as the "chalky and a bit scaley" the roof is composed of materials that "self sacrifice" in order to protect the membrane from UV damage...that's what you're seeing. Leave it alone too...it's supposed to do that. It "sloughs off" when it rains and can make white marks or black streaks on the RV sides...no big deal as it cleans off.
If the caulking or seams are showing signs of losing the caulk seal...go to EternaBond's website and read up on ways to seal the roof pretty much forever.
And for heavens sake DO NOT use a "cleaner activator" or anything else on the roof, especially if it contains Petroleum Distillates or any thing else that can destroy your roof!
On huge warehouses or places like Home Depots or Costco's...the membrane roofing maintenance suggestions by the manufacturer is merely not to allow water to pool an the roof...because the resulting algae will damage the roofing material. Period!
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen.
The cleaner/activator was only if I was going to use dicor roof seal which puts a new coating on the roof. I will leave it alone but in the past I have used rubber roof cleaner and protector on pother rv's which is basicly a uv protector can I still do that just to clean it up and protect it a bit more??? Thanks
In a year or two, you will be at the end of the life on that roof. I think the manufacturer figures 13 years. Before all the white has chalked off and the black rubber is starting to show, I would go ahead and recoat the roof. I've been told that if the roof is showing significant black areas, it's too late.
I did the Dicor stuff. By design, it's a one day deal. In fact, it really only took about 3-4 hours on my 24' coach. I was racing the Arizona sun so I started washing at 5:30 AM and was off the roof by 9 after applying two coats. Since I had extra, I gave it a 3rd coat at 8:00 that evening. It is very easy to do.
Eric
1999 24' Fleetwood Jamboree towing a 2007 Hyundai Elantra
Cleaning and Maintenance of Alpha Systems Royal Roof EPDM Rubber Sheet
Proper care and maintenance of the recreational vehicle, including the Royal Roof, is important for trouble-free performance. Normal maintenance is simple, easy and requires no special materials.
Periodic cleaning three or four times a year is the primary maintenance required. Alpha Systems suggests using a household cleaner such as Top Job®, Spic-N-Span®, or Ajax® Cleanser. Granulated cleaning products perform better for cleaning EPDM. Since the surface is not smooth like fiberglass, a medium bristle scrub brush should be used instead of a sponge. The rubber membrane requires scrubbing much like a white-wall tire does. For tougher stains, like those from oak leaves or pine sap, use kitchen cleanser with bleach. ** Extra precautions need to be taken to control runoff onto sidewalls when using products containing bleach.
After cleaning, rinse the roof and sidewalls of the RV completely to remove any soap residue and to prevent streaking.
Quarterly inspection of the roof is highly recommended. Check the membrane for possible damage and check the caulk/lap sealant used in all termination areas and around all accessories and fasteners.
Alpha Systems Royal Roof EPDM is quite inert and will dependably resist weathering. It can, however, be cut or punctured by sharp objects. If damage does occur, the Royal Roof membrane can be easily patched. Use caution when placing any articles on the roof and exercise extreme care and caution when working on top of your vehicle. The Royal Roof may become slippery when wet, so remember to exercise extreme caution when cleaning the rubber membrane.
EPDM rubber does not require periodic application of any product to protect it from UV light or ozone. Such products can often damage the EPDM membrane. Protect-All® Roof Treatment for EPDM rubber roofs, 303® Protectant for EPDM rubber roofs, or other products compatible with EPDM rubber roofing may be safely used. If you have any questions about these products, please call Alpha Systems Customer Service at (phone number) for assistance.
! DO NOT USE ACETONE OR ANY PRODUCTS CONTAINING PETROLEUM DISTILLATES ON THE ROYAL ROOF !
Grandma in front of her retirement home..
She lets Grumpy drive!!
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