Rubber Roof Treatment?

[BirdingRVer]

Since our Montana is now over two years old I am having it waxed for the first time. I thought that being retired I would get it done but, it hasn't happened so I am letting someone else do it.

The person doing the waxing is also offering to put Protect All Rubber Roof treatment on the roof, naturally for a price.

Is this something I need done? It looks like a messy job but have any of you done it and how difficult is it to do?

Thanks
Grant aka BirdingRVer

[exav8tr]

Grant, I use Protectall on my trailer and truck, BUT have never used it on the roof. I only clean the roof with Dawn dishwasher soap and a little spray of awesome if needed..Not sure anything else is needed....Maybe someone else can fill us in.....

Phil

[Waynem]

The only concern I have is the product used must not have any citrus in it. A citrus based product, and I think Awesome has citrus in it, will fool the birds into thinking there is a fruit under there some where (Not you Phil) and may try to peck through the membrane to get at it. I guess a good rinsing "MIGHT" get all the citrus smell off.

[noneck]

Hmmm, my 02 just gets the roof wash once each spring as I have pent up energy from looking out the window at her just sitting there under the white stuff.

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by BirdingRVer

Since our Montana is now over two years old I am having it waxed for the first time. I thought that being retired I would get it done but, it hasn't happened so I am letting someone else do it.

The person doing the waxing is also offering to put Protect All Rubber Roof treatment on the roof, naturally for a price.

Is this something I need done? It looks like a messy job but have any of you done it and how difficult is it to do?

Thanks
Grant aka BirdingRVer

Grant,
There are pros and cons on this. Manufacturers of roof treatment products almost say you "must" treat your roof. Others, experienced RVers and some dealers say that you only have to wash it, preferable with something like Dawn dish soap (this is what Dicor, the roofing manufacturer recommends). I believe that this should be enough. Having said this, I have mine washed and treated once a year. Don't do as I do, do what you feel your gut telling you to do.

Orv

[TLightning]

According to the sheet that came with my roof, no treatments are necessary, just wash it with their product "or standard products such as 409, Fantastic or mild detergent are sufficient."

[indy roadrunner]

At the Rally in Goshen in 06 the Dicor manfacturer rep was there and recommended only to wash with dawn dishwashing liquid. They said they did sell treatment but it was not necessary but some people just like to spend money so they get a piece of the pie. They were questioned quite heavly on the subject but one big no-no was anything that had citris or petroleum products in it. Citris would draw birds and insects that would burrow holes and petroleum destroyed the rubber compound. They also said why are you so worried about what your roof looks like when only the birds see the top of it.So all I have done with mine is give it a good wash down to get rid of the tree sap - which also draws insects.

[BirdingRVer]

Thanks all!

I am good at not doing things or not having things done. So I won't have the "roof treatment" done and will save the money.

[exav8tr]

Grant, Villa sure would like to meet Raider!!!!

[BirdingRVer]

quote:Originally posted by exav8tr

Grant, Villa sure would like to meet Raider!!!!

I look forward to that meeting. We had planned on touring the east this year but, with Kathy's surgery and perhaps more to come. It looks like we will be touring the Northwest. So, I guess we won't meet up until Quartzsite in January.

[kmh3212]

I get my roof automatically washed with 100% pure rainwater and then solar dried! Very easy to do.

[richfaa]

We do as Dicor recommends. We use dawn dishsoap. We do as Burlington Graphics recommends. We do not wax the graphics. In fact we have never waxed any camper. We do keep it clean...sort of. Dawn dish soap is cost effective and does a good job cleaning everything.

[ole dude]

Sounds like toooooo much work, believe I'll have another cervaza.

[Rondo]

Grant save the money and put stock in the little umbrellas you can put in your glass!

[MIMF]

Grant,

The rep at Dicor told me once on the phone that the best way to clean the roof is with the original blue Dawn dish washing soap like several have suggested here. However, she went on to tell me that if it is really dirty, add about a 1/4 cup of plain bleach to every 2 1/2 gallons of luke warm water. Also, you can use a stiffer brush than a car washing brush.

But never use any mild dish detergent that has any flower or citrus scents! The squirrels and bugs will really love that rubber!

I used this formula last fall and it did seam to do a good job.

Just my 2 cents.

[greener]

On our previous 5er I used a protective coating and noticed that the roof stayed clean longer. It`s kind of a sealer that makes the membrane slick.

[Searchers]

I wash the roof on our 10 year old unit twice a year with the Dawn dish soap solution using a sponge mop and long handle soft bristle brush for tougher spots. I didn't notice any difference after treating it once during that time with Thetford Premium Rubber Roof Cleaner and Conditioner.

The roof can get slippery, so be careful. A pair of shoes with felt soles used for fly fishing in slick rocky streams help with grip.

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

Don,

That is one fabulous suggestion - - - the one about the shoes!

Not being a fisher/person, I did not know such a creature existed.

VERY interesting, thanks for posting that.

[Freeda II]

There are a lot of different Dawn dish washing soaps on the shelves. Which one should I purchase?

[ols1932]

I use the plain one, original scent. It's the one we've used for years for washing dishes.

Orv