Cleaning and Repair Products That Can Damage Your RV's Rubber Roof

The integrity of the roof on your RV is important in preventing such things as leaks and water damage to the interior, as well as maintaining the look of the body. A properly installed rubber roof can be expected to last for 20 years or more, but it needs to be inspected, repaired, and cleaned for it to operate at its best. Inspection is recommended to be done at least once per year and may need to be done more often, depending such issues as low-hanging tree limbs that may have scraped along the roof during your journeys.

A thorough inspection can reveal the need for cleaning and repairs, but not all cleaning and repair product are created equal, and the use of them can help to create more problems for you. So for simple maintenance of your RV rubber roof, here are some items that should not be used.

No silicone

The seams and sealants on your rubber roof are affected by age as cracks developed in the caulking and seals. They are also affected by movement as you travel when they shift along with the flexing of the vehicle. This presents an excellent opportunity for leaking and water damage to the interior of the RV. One sealant that is not recommended for use, although it might seem appropriate, is silicone.

Silicone, while it may have a versatile reputation for use on almost any surface and an ability to withstand extremes in temperature while being water resistant, does not do so well with the rubber roof of an RV. Silicone peels easily from a rubber roof once it has been applied and cured. It is best to be prepared with a rubber-roof patch kit that contains the correct sealants for any repairs and patching needs.

Don't complicate your cleaning

Inspection of your roof will reveal just how much cleaning you need to have done. Generally, though, your roof needs to be cleaned several times per year, especially if it is exposed to tree sap or stubborn green stains from leaves. Cleaning can therefore range from simple, with the use of a regular detergent and water, to more complicated, using tougher cleansers or chemicals to remove sap, mold, or mildew. However, some cleaners can do more harm than good.

Petroleum-based solvents or citrus-based cleaners can lead to problems such as bubbling and thinning of the rubber, as well as problems with the rubber adhering to the roof decking. This can lead to the expensive proposition of doing a complete replacement of the roof. Using these chemicals can also lead to streaking down the sides of the RV and damage to the wall finish. Err on the cautious side by getting the commercially prepared chemicals specifically suited for cleaning rubber RV roofs. Find a supplier that offers RV parts and service to obtain what you need.

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