Cleaning rubberised roof - materials etc ? (1 Viewer)

[Mike4727]

I have recently bought a Mirage Giubileo which has rubber membrane ( possibly epdm ) external roof covering. Although it appears in good structural condition it is quite dirty and stained. There appears to be a wealth of specialist cleaning products available in US but the transport costs are prohibitive. Has anyone here got experience of cleaning such a roof and/or tips on materials used and where obtained, thanks.

 

[Mike4727]

bump

 

[Larrynwin]

Worth posting this on sister site www.rvoc.co.uk American RV dedicated.
Good suppliers of RV accessories are www.starspangledspanner.co.uk or www.mobilervmaintenance.co.uk

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[Mike4727]

Thanks for that, will look at both.

 

[Larrynwin]

Thanks for that, will look at both.

It's a product that may not be listed , give them a ring if not.

 

[SandraL]

Oxalic acid. Used a lot by boating fraternity on GRP. Not sure if it will be kind to rubber products though. Cleans that green algae off a treat in spring after a winter static.

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[Weimarunner]

Have you tried fungicidal wash? It's bought from decorators merchants. It is diluted with water so you can mix to the correct strength needed. You leave on for 12 hours and then rinse, it kills algae and stops re-growth. As with anything trial a small spot first.
Good luck

 

[Mike4727]

Hi WE and thanks for that tip. I haven't actually used anything yet as the weather here is far too cold and will be for another couple of months yet. It's all about research and forward planning here, pretty much everything has to be imported from the west or USA. Campers and caravans are thin on the ground here but getting more popular every year. Thanks again for your input - the search continues

 

[FJmike]

I have to admit that I am at loss as to what to recommend. However please keep in mind what ever you put on the roof will go down the sides of your van, this could result in damage to body seals if a too aggresive product is used.

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[Mike4727]

Hi Mike, that's why most of the products from USA are in gel form, you wipe it on and wipe off, no hosing needed so it seems. Just had contact with RV store in Italy who may be able to help out. Will update as and when.

 

[FJmike]

Ruberised roofs are one of the reasons I am not too keen on valeting RVs. Even if the product is gel it still has to be rinsed off, this can cause damage so make sure you use lots and lots of water, assuming it is water soluble.

 

[Dodgey]

On our Damon it recommends typical clothes washing detergent, nothing fancy, or car shampoo. The former and a medium deck brush brought ours up, after a couple of goes, looked like first owner and dealer didn't believe in cleaning roofs!

Also used washing up liquid once and that worked well, roof only mind and as has been mentioned once you've done the roof rinse then wash the sides pronto, trust me I speak from experince!!!

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[Geo]

Mo too, standard soap and water such as Si has suggested
then the secret is to wash the roof at least twice a year to maintain a clean surface
algae and moss cant grow as easily on a clean sealed surface,

Tip. Your rubber roof when clean and totally dry should have a slight sheen to it
whilst ever that sheen is present resist the temptation to use any sealer or rubber paint
to smarten up your roof,
THESE SEALERS AND PAINT ARE BEST AVOIDED UNLESS NECESSARY
How will you know when it is required? your newly washed roof will dry without that magic sheen, and take on a dry chalky appearance, and as its basically now a micro rough surface it will hold dirt allowing algae moss to grow ergo a repaint give a new sealed surface.
Folks who paint a roof too early wonder why the paint is flaking off and blame poor preparation
These sealers and paints have a specific job to do, they are not for decorative purposes, as a lot of folk seem to think.
Why would they be ? how many people tour your roof
Also the reason why so many roof re paints go so badly wrong, when done right and at the right time they can look like new again
I can go more into why if needed,
G

 

[Weimarunner]

As others have said if you've not tried anything yet I'd start with a mild soap & water. If no joy, fungicidal wash can be mixed weak and you can carefully brush apply it. It doesn't need to be hosed off, you can just wipe it down with a microfibre cloth which can be rinsed and rung out in clean warm water.

 

[Charlie]

Mild soap and water then dress it with Meguires hyper dressing.

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[Mike4727]

Thanks guys for all advices, the previous owner was definitely not into cleaning roofs I discovered that Meguires sell a rubber cleaning / sealing product in UK so will be giving that a try when the weather is suitable, thanks again everyone - have a great Christmas & New Year.

 

[PeterCarole29]

Mo too, standard soap and water such as Si has suggested
then the secret is to wash the roof at least twice a year to maintain a clean surface
algae and moss cant grow as easily on a clean sealed surface,

Tip. Your rubber roof when clean and totally dry should have a slight sheen to it
whilst ever that sheen is present resist the temptation to use any sealer or rubber paint
to smarten up your roof,
THESE SEALERS AND PAINT ARE BEST AVOIDED UNLESS NECESSARY
How will you know when it is required? your newly washed roof will dry without that magic sheen, and take on a dry chalky appearance, and as its basically now a micro rough surface it will hold dirt allowing algae moss to grow ergo a repaint give a new sealed surface.
Folks who paint a roof too early wonder why the paint is flaking off and blame poor preparation
These sealers and paints have a specific job to do, they are not for decorative purposes, as a lot of folk seem to think.
Why would they be ? how many people tour your roof
Also the reason why so many roof re paints go so badly wrong, when done right and at the right time they can look like new again
I can go more into why if needed,
G

Hi what you say makes sense can you recommend a product best used on a Fleetwood bounder 1994.