When it comes to cleaning products, you need to be sure that the ones you use do not cause unnecessary wear to your camper. We sell what we use, so if it doesn't work out in the shop, we don't sell it. Each product we sell has a specific purpose, so be sure to ask us what would work for YOUR situation. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list for cleaning and maintenance - just a few select thoughts regarding recurring problems, and products we often recommend.
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All RV roofs require regular maintenance. Your roof should be cleaned on an annual basis at minimum. The most common type of roof on the market is the rubber roof. The majority of rubber roofs prior to 2015 are made with EPDM rubber. EPDM rubber has a couple of inherent problems. Due to the fact that it is soft and slightly porous, it is a higher maintenance rubber roof. Mildew loves EPDM roofing. You may see mildew stains on your roof and think you need to scrub it clean. However, you will not get the mildew stains off of your roof without substantially deterioration your roofing material - you will merely scrub the top layer of EPDM off of it. Therefore, your goal at this juncture should simply be to keep your roof clean and conditioned to avoid further deterioration. For this cleaning, there is only one product on the market that I trust. Bio-Kleen's RV Roof Cleaner and Protectant. This 32oz spray bottle will clean your roof 1-3 times, depending on the length of your unit and its degree of cleanliness at the outset. You should not use just any cleaning product that says it is for RV roofs. Many of the products on the market are far too abrasive and will deteriorate your rubber roofing material. While we are talking rubber roofs, I have to bring up RV roof coatings. Don't use them. Ever. Let me say that again, more clearly: DON'T PUT ANY TYPE OF COATING OVER YOUR RUBBER ROOF! This is the worst possible thing you can do for a rubber roof, short of trying to damage it intentionally. There are a few problems with these products - they don't stick, they seal in moisture and mildew, and they can cut your roof's lifespan by as much as 75%. |
The owner of this unit had not been able to get on the roof to clean it in years. We were so glad to be able to do this for them! The roofing material on this unit is TPO, which is a good thing, since this much mildew would have eaten holes in a normal EPDM rubber roof! Jim used Bio-Kleen's RV Roof Cleaner to clean this roof. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!! Make sure to wash your roof - but if you can't, we are more than happy do help you with that, too!
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TPO roofing, a PVC based material, is generally what you will find on most campers newer than 2015. This material is fairly easy to keep clean, and is quite durable. I also recommend Bio-Kleen's RV Roof Cleaner and Protectant for this type of roof.
While you are up there cleaning your roof each year, check your roof sealer. The typical roof sealer will start to separate and crack over time due to high heat and sun exposure. This is normal and expected wear. Just because water is not dripping on your head in your camper does not mean your roof sealer is good to go. If you see cracks in your sealer, you need to touch it up. The product required for this maintenance is Dicor Lap Sealant. Just clean the existing sealer (no need to remove the old stuff - just clean it with an alcohol based cleaner!) and slap on some Lap Sealant. Be sure to NOT use anything silicone based, or anything that can be bought at your local lumberyard or hardware store. These products are not made for this application and will cause more problems in the long run.
While you are up there cleaning your roof each year, check your roof sealer. The typical roof sealer will start to separate and crack over time due to high heat and sun exposure. This is normal and expected wear. Just because water is not dripping on your head in your camper does not mean your roof sealer is good to go. If you see cracks in your sealer, you need to touch it up. The product required for this maintenance is Dicor Lap Sealant. Just clean the existing sealer (no need to remove the old stuff - just clean it with an alcohol based cleaner!) and slap on some Lap Sealant. Be sure to NOT use anything silicone based, or anything that can be bought at your local lumberyard or hardware store. These products are not made for this application and will cause more problems in the long run.
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HOURS:
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM *Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Sunday: CLOSED *Dec-Feb Saturday by appt only |
