Roof cleaning, bear with me! (1 Viewer)

[injebreck99]

I noticed today that the M/H( Bolero 600), roof is becoming dirty again, despite having it cleaned at the beginning of the year, cannot go up there myself, (ladders, falling off etc), so I was wondering if anybody had tried to clean as much as possible from standing on steps inside the van, (allowed by O/H), out of the Heiki, using a longish brush, feasible, anybody tried it.........??

 

[peter marshall]

I noticed today that the M/H( Bolero 600), roof is becoming dirty again, despite having it cleaned at the beginning of the year, cannot go up there myself, (ladders, falling off etc), so I was wondering if anybody had tried to clean as much as possible from standing on steps inside the van, (allowed by O/H), out of the Heiki, using a longish brush, feasible, anybody tried it.........??

Hi
Not done the roof but I have done a solar panel that way, When I had no ladder in Spain after a sand storm, I cant see why you can't do the roof other than getting the brush in a bucket up there it would be a bit of a contortion trick, but I think it could be done. Pete :thumb:

 

[Snowbird]

Steps, bucket of water, long handled brush inside the motorhome hanging out of a Heki roof light sounds more dangerous than climbing on from the outside to me

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[estcres]

I've done part of the roof using this means, but could only reach out so far, just over an arms length. Had a set of aluminium steps to stand on.

Wasn't too bad as I could also reach from the sides on a tall pair of steps.

The area I found difficult was towards the front as the raised roof light stopped me working in that direction.

I found it easier to take a garden hose with an on/off nozzle up through the opening and then turning it on and off as I required it. Extending arm brush was easy to get up through the opening.

 

[g8ysn]

g8ysn

16 yr old local lad 20 notes to go on top clean and polish i can do sides he also help clean garden when i /we are away,[find a friend,co]:thumb:

 

[lorger]

I have stood on the roof to do mine in the past, now I lean a ladder on mh with padding to prevent damage normally a pillow and conect a long extendable brush to a hose and I can do the whole roof in no time.

Whatever you do don't park next to your garage and stand on garage roof

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[TheBig1]

my preference is a portable scaffold tower. just assemble with wheels and a platform at a good height. then its much safer to work without relying on wobbly steps or a moving ladder

can be hired for 1/2 a day from many hire shops or purchase a basic one for example this one is only £127
Link Removed

 

[estcres]

my preference is a portable scaffold tower. just assemble with wheels and a platform at a good height. then its much safer to work without relying on wobbly steps or a moving ladder

can be hired for 1/2 a day from many hire shops or purchase a basic one for example this one is only £127
[[HI]url]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aluminium-Scaffold-Tower-Stable-Platform-DIY-WORKING-Platform-Rolling-Hedge-/310726425567?pt=UK_H_G_Ladders_RL&hash=item4858bcfbdf[/url]

[/HI]

Wouldn't be any good to me with a platform dimension of 50mm x 125mm (2" x 5")

 

[mikebeaches]

I use a sturdy set of aluminium steps with a flat platform on top, and a very light-weight long-reach brush. Steps similar to these:

http://www.extensionladdersonline.c...step-ladders?gclid=CMyP1NW3yboCFVMbtAodRBsAEg

Put the steps next to the van and just dip the brush in a bucket - work around until whole roof has been cleaned, moving steps as necessary.

Then take hose up the steps to rinse it - easy. :thumb:

Mike

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[HymerB544]

Cleaning the roof

You could tip the van on its side? Or if you want to entertain the neighbours and get some exercise into the bargain, use a trampoline. Could take a while though.

 

[TheBig1]

[/HI]

Wouldn't be any good to me with a platform dimension of 50mm x 125mm (2" x 5")

somehow i think there is a measurement error in the listing

4ft x 2ft is a bit more realistic, or get a larger 4ft x 4ft or 6ft x 4 ft. both on ebay for about £250 delivered :thumb:

the concept is the same though with a solid platform to stand and work on....much safer

just thought, I remember seeing an orange platform setup at B&Q castlepoint for under £100. may be helpful as its local and you can see it before buying

 

[pappajohn]

my preference is a portable scaffold tower. just assemble with wheels and a platform at a good height. then its much safer to work without relying on wobbly steps or a moving ladder

can be hired for 1/2 a day from many hire shops or purchase a basic one for example this one is only £127
Link Removed

as Chief Martin Brodey said in the film jaws...."I think we've gonna need a bigger boat".

with a platform height of just 98cm it may just bring your eyes level with the roof. oh:

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[Larby]

I can think of 2 options

1) Park under a low bridge and clean from above

2) Adopt method in the picture

 

[Minxy]

We used to do the same as above, namely leaning a ladder with some padding on it up against the side of the MH and use a long handled wash brush, very easy and safe to do so long as you don't try to over-reach. Whilst platforms are okay it is all too easy to forget where they end and step off with disasterous consequences (no ... I haven't done that but I know someone who has!!!). We have been known to park ours next to the flat roof part of the bungalow which our drives runs next to and use the long handled wash brush to do one half, then turn the MH round and do the other side but it's too much pratting around!

 

[Minxy]

Forgot to say, I think you'll have the RSPCA after you soon, though, it just isn't fair to have a 'bear' with you whilst you do the cleaning!!

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[Snowbird]

Why bother anyway, nobody is going to see up there. Its a bit like polishing the inside of your wheely bin

 

[simbadog]

Send the wife up the ladder to do it while you're down the pub

 

[Minxy]

Why bother anyway, nobody is going to see up there. Its a bit like polishing the inside of your wheely bin

Because it's also a good way to check on the condition of your roof and the seals for vents and other fixtures, seams etc. When we had a Rapido 709F I was up on the roof at one point and noticed a 1 inch cut in the sealant which covered the join between the front low profile cowl and the roof ... if I hadn't seen it the first I would have known was when I got a damp patch inside! By regularly cleaning it you can see what's going on up there ... :thumb:

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[Jaws]

As I have to get on all fours and scrub like mad with a strong cleaner, I do not think any sort of long handled brush will afford me enough down force to get the job done

If you are not happy to DIY then the 16 year old ( noooo. not a 16 yesr old on a long stik ! ) and a £20 note may be your only realistic option

 

[Fatman]

Don't be a big softy send the wife up to do it

 

[mikebeaches]

As I have to get on all fours and scrub like mad with a strong cleaner, I do not think any sort of long handled brush will afford me enough down force to get the job done

I originally thought that would be the case and was surprised it was possible. Our roof does get pretty mucky, but it all seems to lift off quite easily with soap and water. Just use car shampoo. Oh, and I clean the roof twice a year - I think - or three times at the most. :thumb:

Mike

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[Snowbird]

Because it's also a good way to check on the condition of your roof and the seals for vents and other fixtures, seams etc. When we had a Rapido 709F I was up on the roof at one point and noticed a 1 inch cut in the sealant which covered the join between the front low profile cowl and the roof ... if I hadn't seen it the first I would have known was when I got a damp patch inside! By regularly cleaning it you can see what's going on up there ... :thumb:

One piece monocoque body shell on mine. No seams, no worries :thumb:

 

[lee52]

Why bother anyway, nobody is going to see up there. Its a bit like polishing the inside of your wheely bin

I am with you lol my roof is over 10ft in the air so it can stay dirty lol

 

[busby]

One piece monocoque body shell on mine. No seams, no worries :thumb:

Same on mine but did get a small leak where gas flue came through the roof. Easy to seal. BUSBY

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[julesgemini]

I noticed today that the M/H( Bolero 600), roof is becoming dirty again, despite having it cleaned at the beginning of the year, cannot go up there myself, (ladders, falling off etc), so I was wondering if anybody had tried to clean as much as possible from standing on steps inside the van, (allowed by O/H), out of the Heiki, using a longish brush, feasible, anybody tried it.........??

Just a word of warning. You say your ladder is falling off etc. I would check that closely as leaks can happen if the ladder screws are rusty or the ladder is coming away! Also green slime on the roof doesnt help the rubber seals! You could always take the van to a jet wash. We have one close to us they charge £15 and clean the van and the roof for you. I always get them to finnish the roof off with hot wax too!

 

[injebreck99]

Just a word of warning. You say your ladder is falling off etc. I would check that closely as leaks can happen if the ladder screws are rusty or the ladder is coming away! Also green slime on the roof doesnt help the rubber seals! You could always take the van to a jet wash. We have one close to us they charge £15 and clean the van and the roof for you. I always get them to finnish the roof off with hot wax too!

My ladder is not falling off, I have not got one, I should have explained, I had the ladder propped against the side of the (then)caravan, sorry for swearing, the ladder legs slipped back away from the van , the top of the ladder gouged two lovely parallel lines down the side of the van and I ended up tangled with a huge hole in my shin with the bone showing, and a right shoulder , previously damaged many years ago when knocked off my new BMW motorcycle, re-damaged again, it took about 4-5 months to get anywhere near right again, hence the reluctance and orders from O/H never to climb onto the roof again.
Maybe too much information.

 

[TheDogMan]

I bought a set of " Big Red Ladders" off ebay and they are brilliant with big red non slip feet on them, can be set up as a working platform, a long ladder or as I mostly use them an apex, my roof is 3.25m high and I am scared if heights but I manage with these on my slightly sloped drive, I ordered the longest ones

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[carolyn]

Its a lovely sunny day and the van is in dire need of a clean. I have done a detailed risk assessment and the obvious conclusion was that the men in the station carpark can do inside and out for £35

 

[g8ysn]

g8ysn

just a thought does anyone have a circus near them so i could borrow a set of stilts

 

[Jaws]

I see a lot of folk ask why bother...
For me, after reading and doing the math myself, it is about economy..
It does not not a massive difference ( to say the least !! ) but a clean 'slippery' roof moves through air a lot easier than a dirty one

There is also the possible issue of green gunge growing and forcing its self in to any joints etc..
My roof is one piece but does have an edging on it.. and that MIGHT get forced up

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