Roof maintenance?

[Narnia]

Hi everyone, how often does the roof need to be sealed with caulking? Also, how often does the roof need to be replaced? Is conditioning necessary? We are considering a 2010 3000RK and from the pics, the roof looks pretty dirty.

Also, can you pressure-wash the walls? The owner said that that was all it needed, but I would think that pressure-washing would be damaging for it.

Thanks in advance for your experienced help!

[jimcol]

I clean and inspect the roof a couple of times a year. Give lots of attention to missing caulk. Have never cleaned or conditioned with anything other than blue dawn. Roofs do get dirty but it probably doesn't hurt them. Based on manufacturer recommendations I don't use any conditioner. I'm convinced they only make the conditioner manufacturer and selling party richer, but do nothing for the roof.
Never used a pressure washer on the unit. Just a brush on a long handle with a solution of Turtle Wash and Wax.

[mlh]

Like jimcol said. Instead of working on the roof take a nap instead.
Enjoy your camper.
Lynwood

[mazboy]

check a couple time a year, that's it.

[Narnia]

Originally Posted by jimcol

I clean and inspect the roof a couple of times a year. Give lots of attention to missing caulk. Have never cleaned or conditioned with anything other than blue dawn. Roofs do get dirty but it probably doesn't hurt them. Based on manufacturer recommendations I don't use any conditioner. I'm convinced they only make the conditioner manufacturer and selling party richer, but do nothing for the roof.
Never used a pressure washer on the unit. Just a brush on a long handle with a solution of Turtle Wash and Wax.

Thank you! Does all of the caulking on the roof need to be removed and resealed every year? Or just replace cracked up or missing caulk?

[beeje]

Originally Posted by Narnia

Thank you! Does all of the caulking on the roof need to be removed and resealed every year? Or just replace cracked up or missing caulk?

Apply Eturnbond tape to at least the from and rear seams and be done with caulk for ever. Everything on my roof and slides are done and will never leak.

[jimcol]

Originally Posted by Narnia

Thank you! Does all of the caulking on the roof need to be removed and resealed every year? Or just replace cracked up or missing caulk?

Nothing needs to be resealed annually. Check for missing caulk and replace. If it is cracked I just keep an eye on it. Surface cracks don't hurt a thing but if they go deeper than you might need to reseal. The main thing is to check it a couple of times a year. Common sense will tell you what corrective action needs to be taken. If you see an issue and your not sure, take a picture and post it on this forum. Somebody has already seen that issue and addressed it.

[Narnia]

Thanks, everyone! So very helpful!!

[Leftie Canuk]

I second that thought - Eternabond is absolutely the most amazing sealing tape. I once used it to seal some cracks in a hot tub the landlord wanted me to drain. Used that tub for six months with 103 F water covering the Eternabond tape the whole time, and not a drop. Good preparation is the key, and careful placement is crucial. Once that adhesive touches something, it's there !

[Narnia]

Thank you! I found out from the seller that he had been pressure-washing his Montana! Should I be concerned?

[h2ojocky]

I would not be concerned about using a pressure washer if used properly. As long as you so see damage inside or outside don't worry. My trailer is a 2005 and I just check the roof a couple times a year. I have read that these roofs may last 20 years.

[jcurryii]

Advice from a dealer friend, if caulking is cracked deep enough for concern, use heated putty knife with care to remove caulk down to a clean surface and reapply using Dicor 501.

[jmill8]

I own 2003 Monty, take unit to local repair shop once per year for free roof check. They do chalk repair at very reasonable cost if required. Course you have to trust the shop.

[zwma6@aol.com]

MONTANA brother.....do NOT use a pressure washer, WOW anyplace ….roof or outside walls. U should try to clean w a product that leaves a shine also. ZEP is the name I believe. Nice and shinny. If u need to patch the tops of the slide outs u can get 4" wide roof product that is THICK and STICKS like CRAZY. Best stuff. Comes in all diff. lenghs. It's like very thick tape on a roll. GREAT STUFF.

[Renegade1LI]

Originally Posted by beeje

Apply Eturnbond tape to at least the from and rear seams and be done with caulk for ever. Everything on my roof and slides are done and will never leak.

I am thinking of using tape also, what width did you use?