Cleaning Motorhome Roof

Joined
Apr 12, 2017
Posts
213
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Location
Dundee
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48,129
MH
Elddis Autoquest 140
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Newbie
Roof needs a good clean but definitely wouldn’t take my weight. I’ve tried previously using extending brush whilst stood on extendable ladder but can’t get enough downward pressure on brush to clean off hardest to remove dirt/grime/tree tar. Wondering if I got a couple of scaffolding planks or summat similar that extended beyond width of van either side & laid them across the roof would I then be able to climb onto roof ie. Would planks take my weight rather than roof allowing me to get on top to get right downward pressure to clean? Alternatively has anyone suggestions re best approach to this? Was contemplating hiring some kind of scaffold tower but I’ve not a lot of room either side of my drive where van is parked. All suggestions/practical tips gratefully considered 😀
 
Shouldn't need a lot of pressure when using extending pole. Wet the roof 1st, I then use foam spray attachment on jet wash (or hose from tap) - you are not trying to blast off the dirt, just coat the roof with car wash, leave for 5 mins. then use brush.
Did this today, no problems - except getting wet.
 
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Using too much pressure could remove the sealing around the fittings? wash has RobbyMcClark says, no problem, I'd rather have a grubby roof
 
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Did the roof of my coach built yesterday.
I used a tall set of steps, roof is 3.1m high at the front over cab bed area, and an extendable brush that you can attach a hose to.
First I sprayed the roof with the hose to remove anything loose then used the brush with just water then used the brush with a wash and wax solution.
Roof isn't pristine but good enough for me.
 
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A ladder propped against the side usually allows sufficient reach from both sides to apply liberal quantities of elbow grease. The hardest bit to reach is the part between the flat roof and the top of the windscreen.

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I didn’t find this too much of a problem, just moved the ladder a few dozen times, warm water, mixture of caravan cleaner, car shampoo, and afterwards a snow foam coat.

1716B5E1-76B4-4918-A504-C73A6237BF9C.jpeg
 
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I'd try and wash it just after or during a spell of wet weather so the crud is a bit softer
 
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Roof needs a good clean but definitely wouldn’t take my weight. I’ve tried previously using extending brush whilst stood on extendable ladder but can’t get enough downward pressure on brush to clean off hardest to remove dirt/grime/tree tar. Wondering if I got a couple of scaffolding planks or summat similar that extended beyond width of van either side & laid them across the roof would I then be able to climb onto roof ie. Would planks take my weight rather than roof allowing me to get on top to get right downward pressure to clean? Alternatively has anyone suggestions re best approach to this? Was contemplating hiring some kind of scaffold tower but I’ve not a lot of room either side of my drive where van is parked. All suggestions/practical tips gratefully considered 😀
hi did my roof today with the snowfoam as others have said leave it soaking for a wee while, good rub with brush, pressure wash it off, ,,doddle
 
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Roof needs a good clean but definitely wouldn’t take my weight. I’ve tried previously using extending brush whilst stood on extendable ladder but can’t get enough downward pressure on brush to clean off hardest to remove dirt/grime/tree tar. Wondering if I got a couple of scaffolding planks or summat similar that extended beyond width of van either side & laid them across the roof would I then be able to climb onto roof ie. Would planks take my weight rather than roof allowing me to get on top to get right downward pressure to clean? Alternatively has anyone suggestions re best approach to this? Was contemplating hiring some kind of scaffold tower but I’ve not a lot of room either side of my drive where van is parked. All suggestions/practical tips gratefully considered 😀
Hi

The scaffold planks may well be the best idea, is the roof GRP, if so a solution of Domestos is the simplest answer, just wipe it on and leave it for a while before hosing off. Just a couple of square foot at a time, not a lot of downward force needed so may be possible with an extending wash brush and a cloth attached. May be worth a try.
 
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Shouldn't need a lot of pressure when using extending pole. Wet the roof 1st, I then use foam spray attachment on jet wash (or hose from tap) - you are not trying to blast off the dirt, just coat the roof with car wash, leave for 5 mins. then use brush.
Did this today, no problems - except getting wet.
I’ve tried this, I’m at top of ladder for overhead cab. Can do anything within arms reach and clean well by hand but trying to do middle adequately with only extendable brush is no use. Tree tar needs a good scrub to get off unfortunately. Also thinking about resealing vents that I can’t reach from side on ladder so thinking roof access is best but it’s an aluminium body so not load bearing.
Hi

The scaffold planks may well be the best idea, is the roof GRP, if so a solution of Domestos is the simplest answer, just wipe it on and leave it for a while before hosing off. Just a couple of square foot at a time, not a lot of downward force needed so may be possible with an extending wash brush and a cloth attached. May be worth a try.
No, MH is aluminium body. This is why I'm probably really looking for anyone who's had experience of getting up on an aluminium roof and how they did it. I'll give the snowfoam a try re general cleaning of the roof but still need to access it to redo sealant on a couple of vents. Thx to everyone for help so far :)
 
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