After a long summer of travel, or a winter parked in the yard, your RV roof might look a little worse for the wear. Whether it’s been pelted with debris while you’re driving, targeted by angry birds at a campsite, or withstood snow, sleet and hail in your driveway, it’s time to clean your RV roof and make it shine again!
RV Roof Cleaning Tips
Cleaning your travel trailer roof can be a daunting task. Not only is it high up off the ground, but it’s also often difficult to reach. However, keeping your RV roof clean is important if you want to maintain its appearance and extend its life. Taking care of your RV roof with some routine maintenance will go a long way to minimize wear and tear and extend the time between potential repairs. In this blog post, we will discuss four super simple tips that will help you clean your rubber RV roof quickly and easily!
Pre-Cleaning Words of Advice
Before you start cleaning your roof, there are a few things to note. First, it is important to be very careful if you’re walking on the roof. Make sure you are wearing sneakers to help you avoid slipping. Do not wear boots or other shoes that aren’t flexible.
If your RV has visible ribs, step only on the ribs. Do not step on any caulking where the membrane meets the edge of the roof, or where it touches the air conditioner or skylights. Also, do not step on the air conditioner units or skylights.
You can safely clean your roof if you are careful and pay attention to where you are stepping. It’s pretty easy to do if you have right tools.
Tools needed to clean you RV roof
- Ladder
- Broom or brush with soft bristles (we have this RV brush!)
- Hose with sprayer attachment
- Mild soap
- RV roof cleaner
- Sealant
- Paint brush
How to Clean Your RV Roof
Your RV roof is covered with a white or light gray rubber membrane. The roof membrane can look dingy after some use, especially if it’s parked under trees. Here are 4 simple tips to clean your RV roof safely and effectively.
Start with a rinse.
The first step to cleaning an RV roof is to remove the top layer of grime. Use a hose with a high-pressure nozzle (not a pressure washer) to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that has accumulated on your RV roof.
Pay close attention to areas around the air conditioner and roof vents, as well as skylights. Now is a good time to check the seals and covers around these openings. Make sure they are tight and secure, and that there are no cracks or leaks.
Scrub with a brush.
Once you have removed the top layer of dirt, it’s time to move on to cleaning the roof itself. You can use a brush attachment on your hose to scrub away any stubborn stains.
You can use a mild detergent like Dawn or Simple Green to remove loose dirt, dried on leaves, or animal droppings. Apply it with a soft brush, paying close attention to problem areas.
After you have scrubbed the roof with a brush, you need to rinse away any leftover cleaner. Use your hose on a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the roof.
For tougher stains, you may need to use a cleaner specifically designed for RV roofs.
Be sure to rinse the cleaner off thoroughly afterward.
Deal with tough stains.
If you have any stubborn stains, you can use a diluted bleach solution to remove them.
Just be sure to rinse the area well afterward and never leave the bleach on the roof for more than a few minutes. Also, be careful about where the bleach will run when you rinse it off.
You can also use a commercial RV roof cleaner. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product, as some cleaners require you to rinse them off immediately while others need to be left on for a few minutes before rinsing
Protect the roof.
Finally, protect your RV roof by applying a coat of RV roof sealant. RV sealants help to prevent future dirt and grime from sticking to the surface, and it will also extend the life of your roof.
Apply the sealant with a brush, working in small sections until the entire roof is covered.
Let the sealant dry for 24 hours before walking on the roof or exposing it to rain or snow.
Camper Roof Maintenance Tips
Cleaning your RV roof is important, but it’s just as important to maintain it on a regular basis.
Regular roof inspection can help you catch minor issues before they turn into major problems. Inspect your roof regularly, paying close attention to problem areas like around the air conditioner, vents, skylights, antennas and seams. Look for any signs of mold, mildew, water stains, cracks and warping. Water damage is of the worst enemies to your RV, so you want to catch any potential issues quickly and deal with them fast.
Be sure to seal any cracks or leaks that you find immediately. Caulk will usually get this job done nicely. If your camper is still under its manufacturer warranty, be sure to report anything that might fall under covered repair ASAP.
It’s also a good idea to apply a fresh coat of sealant every few months to keep your roof in top condition.
Cleaning and maintaining your RV roof is important to extend the life of your RV. It can also keep your RV looking nice, and increase the trade-in or resale value. By following these simple tips, you can keep your roof in good condition for years to come and avoid the need for a new roof down the line! Do you have any favorite RV roof care products? Drop us a comment and tell us about them!
